FAQs / About Marika
What kind of jewelry appraisal / gemological services do you offer?
I'm pleased to offer my services as a G.I.A. Graduate Gemologist (GIA GG) and long-time (over 15 year) fine jewelry industry member. At your service, I am happy to provide independent gem and jewelry appraisals, gem identifications, jewelry box sort-throughs, diamond plotting, brokering and consulting. Below is a non-exhaustive list of services and rates:
Jewelry Appraisal Service Menu:
Available By Appointment
Reports for insurance, estate and donation requirements:
-Full Appraisal Report for a single standard item (PDF): $120
-Each additional standard item on the same Appraisal Report: $80
-Appraisal Report for complex item(s): As quoted per item
What’s included? Each item is professionally cleaned and inspected for the security and condition of gem settings. The appraisal includes photographs of each item of jewelry, narrative description, gem and metal identification, grading and value.
-Summary Evaluation for a single standard item (PDF): $100
*Cannot* be used for insurance, estate or donation.
What’s included? A single photograph of the item, brief description and retail replacement value.
-Jewelry Box Sort-Throughs: Verbal evaluation of multiple pieces of jewelry, sorting according to client needs/requirements into general categories such as fine vs. costume, antique vs. contemporary, etc. No notes or paperwork are provided; client is welcome to take notes and photos for their own records. $250 per hour with a 1/2 hour minimum
-Diamond Plot: Hand-drawn diamond plot showing location of clarity characteristics with a key, $100
-Diamond Color/Clarity Grade: Using GIA standards, hand-written on a receipt, $50 per diamond
-Gem Identification: Hand-written on a receipt, $40 per gem
-Off-Site Appointments: When requested, I am available to meet outside of my office at client's locale of choice, within a 25 mile radius of Cleveland/Rocky River: Appraisal Fees + $200
-Custom Jewelry Design: As quoted (50% deposit due at time order is placed)
-Repair Services: As quoted (payment due upon pickup)
-Brokering: $5000 and under: 20% fee; over $5000: 15% fee
-Gold Buying: As quoted daily
Complementary Services: Metal Testing, Jewelry Cleaning, Repair Estimates, Determining Your Ring Size
The Jewel That Got Away
Have you been haunted by a piece of jewelry you wanted but did not buy? I am happy to put it on my Wish List and keep it in mind every time I am sourcing jewelry for my antique and vintage shop, Marika Gems. It is certainly helpful to have a photo to start with, but if all you have is the memory, I can work from a description as well. If the item is truly one-of-a-kind, we can discuss options for crafting one for you from scratch!
Custom Jewelry
If you are looking to design an engagement ring or other custom piece of jewelry or rework an inherited piece or pieces into a more modern design, I can help make this process easy and enjoyable! The first step is to meet with me to discuss your ideas. My talented Cleveland-area jeweler will then customize sketches and design options based on your input. Next, we will source any additional materials and gems required to complete your vision, taking your feedback every step of the way so that the result is the jewel of your dreams!
Where is your office located?
I work by appointment and meet with clients in my private office/showroom space in old downtown Rocky River. The office/showroom is located in Suite 4 at 19120 Old Detroit Road, Rocky River, Ohio 44116. It is situated up a short set of stairs at the front of the historic red brick building just behind the Old River archway sign. If travel and/or accessibility/climbing stairs is difficult and you are in the general Cleveland area, I am available come to you, meeting in your home, office or locale of choice.
Book an appointment in office.
Book an appointment where I come to you.
Questions? Feel free to contact me prior to making an appointment.
About Marika Emerson D'Orel
I've always been innately drawn to jewelry. Childhood photographs of me inevitably seem to feature appearances of pop beads and opera length strands of faux pearls. This early love of adornment grew naturally into wanting to make jewelry for myself: learning beadwork in high school, metalsmithing in college and crafting a jewelry production line through my 20s.
I love the creativity and the art of making jewelry, but other facets, if you will, of the world of jewelry – a love of history, of gemstones and of beautiful old things – directed me further along this path, in a slightly more academic direction.
A decade ago, I was encouraged by two master goldsmith mentors to apprentice in a jewelry appraisal office and brokerage service local to me, in my former home on the West Coast. It was there, under the guidance of four gemologist appraisers, that I honed a knowledge of antique, vintage and contemporary fine jewelry and gems.
In 2022, I earned a diploma from the Gemological Institute of America as a Graduate Gemologist (GIA GG.) In 2023, I completed the Appraisal Study Course with the National Association of Jewelry Appraisals (NAJA.)
Nowadays, I work as a full-time gemologist and jewelry appraiser, offering identification, appraisal, brokerage, consultation and custom design services to my clients.
