Jewelry Appraisal & Value Assessment - DC/Baltimore Area

Question
I recently obtained a large amount of jewlery some I see markings  some I don't 925 comes alot alot on gold rings with diamond loking stones and/or Gems of different colors. China, Thailand on some rings and 10k,10gp, 10gf and I would like someone who is trusted and reputable to look over the pieces I have and let me know what is not of value and what is. Do you have any idea of someone in the DC/baltimore area? Whom I should look for ( credentials) etc?

Answer
Hi Jennifer,

The main mrking you see,"925" is the stamp for Sterling Silver. If it is gold colored it is plated in gold. '10k' is 10 karat gold, '10gp' is 10 karat gold plate, 'gf' is gold filled, someone to identify them all would be an appraiser usually found in a jewlery store but there are independent appraisers also. Look for Some one with a G.G. or F.G.A. after their name, Graduate Gemologist, or an AGS member. There many schools and organisations in the jewelry and gemstone business that would qualify someone. They are like me and usually charge for their expertise so if you show them the pieces first you could ask if it is worth it for their time to just separate the real from the costume. I don't know any particular person in that area but ask around especially friends and family for references. Good Luck.

Peter