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15 reviews for San Diego Gem Lab
Review Highlights
"Not only was Thom super professional, but very charming as..."
(in 12 reviews)
"My fiancé's engagement ring was an heirloom, and needed to..."
(in 5 reviews)
"He does the appraisal while you wait which is awesome."
(in 9 reviews)
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15 reviews in English
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Review from Briana G.
San Diego, CA
1/13/2012
Thom is not only an expert in his field, he's also a really nice guy. The cost is really reasonable and the appraisals is clear and easy to read.
He is also a wealth of knowledge. When I wanted to know how best to insure my rings he gave me all the information I needed.
I won't ever go anywhere else! -
Review from james v.
San Diego, CA
10/14/2011
I was researching places to take my fiancée's ring after I proposed and found Thom's business on Google. Most places takes few days to appraise but Thom was able to do it within and hour. It was the best hour ever because he educates you even further on the diamonds. He even pointed out some hairline fractures in the setting. Awesome attention to detail and the report is extensive and easy to follow.
I highly recommend Thom's work.
Cheers,
James -
Review from Marie A.
San Diego, CA
9/29/2011
Woohoo! I now have an amazing engagement ring which I got for an incredible deal and a wealth of knowledge all thanks to Thom Underwood. I originally found Thom thanks to my fellow Yelpers and took a shot and emailed him for advice on diamond shopping. He didn't have to take the time respond and offer advice, but he did and that really impressed me. I knew as soon as I got my ring I was going to take it to him to get it appraised for insurance.
Well I just officially received my ring this past weekend and saw Thom today. He is incredibly thorough, professional, knowledgeable, and most importantly he is friendly and able to communicate all his knowledge in a way that your average person can understand. Also, I was pleasantly surprised to find he provided me with an ASET image of my diamond as well as a glamour shot.
He also helped me identify the characteristics of my diamond under his microscope. He made me feel confident in his appraisal and that's important because I want to be insured for what my ring is worth as well as not overpay for premiums. Also, his appraisal price was very reasonable considering the thoroughness of his report and the time he takes.
If you need jewelry appraised, you need to see Thom! I will be back again in the future, Thom rocks! -
Review from Janet D.
2/2/2012
Thom spent 15 minutes on the phone with me to provide me with alternatives...most that would mean I wouldn't need an appraisal on my three rings. That is a good guy. He was extremely knowledgable...everything he predicted ended up being the case. That is a true professional. This is the only appraiser I will use in the future.
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Review from Mike M.
San Diego, CA
1/28/2012
Thom was very professional and courteous. Gave great explanation of what he's looking for in a diamond and how the appraised value is calculated. Very professional report received and also sent a pdf so that I can easily send to my insurance agent.
Would highly recommend him for appraising your valuables. -
Review from David B.
San Diego, CA
7/6/2011
Called Thom yesterday to appraise an engagement ring and he was able to see me today. Appraisal was extremely professional and he gave me a ton of great information. Price was very reasonable for the high quality. I would absolutely recommend Thom to anyone without a second's hesitation.
Perhaps more important than all of the GREAT work, GREAT price, and GREAT appraisal report: My fiance LOVED the picture he took of her ring and included in the report :)
Thanks Thom! -
Review from meera r.
San Diego, CA
10/20/2011
Thom is great. The appraisal he gave me was so thorough. He was also interesting to talk to and obviously knows his stuff. . He does the appraisal while you wait which is awesome. His rate is exceptional as well.
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Review from Heather B.
San Diego, CA
11/1/2011
I found the Gem Lab on Yelp and am so glad that I made the treck (it's about 20 minutes from where I live). I loved that the whole thing took less than an hour and I got to be there the whole time, seeing my ring. He did such a great job explaining every step in the process and I understand my appraisal and exactly what it means. He was friendly and it was a very enjoyable hour. I highly recommend Thom for his professionalism, friendly demeanor, and quality work.
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Review from Kristy T.
Chula Vista, CA
3/16/2011
I went to Thom Underwood to appraise a diamond ring. Not only did he grant the wonderful service but he also educated me on the process. I learned a great deal from Mr. Underwood and left with great sense of satisfaction that the man knows his business! Thank you so much for providing great customer service and detailed work. A true professional.
Also, his office is located within Leo Hamel & Co...wow! What a gorgeous selection of jewelery! -
Review from Jason D.
San Diego, CA
11/29/2011
Thom was great. The appraisal took about an hour and he explained everything he was doing as he went. The experience was very interesting and educational. I would recommend him without hesitation.
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Review from Gordon T.
San Diego, CA
2/16/2011
My fiancé's engagement ring was an heirloom, and needed to be repaired badly. I had the work done at Leo Hammel and they suggested getting it appraised by Thom Underwood. His shop sits inside of their Old Town store.
Not only was Thom super professional, but very charming as well. He educated us on his process, and held no secrets back. The guy's been in business for a long time and knows what he's talking about. He has appraising down to a science and there is no guesstimating. I would suggest his services to anyone I know. Thanks Thom! -
Review from D W.
Irvine, CA
11/28/2011
I had a great experience having Thom appraise my new engagement ring. I recently bought an engagement ring and wanted to have it appraised for insurance purposes and confirmation of the 4C specs. Thom was very thorough and spent over an hour with me showing me all the different aspects of the diamond. After leaving, I felt 100% pleased and content with the appraisal and new ring.
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Review from K M.
San Diego, CA
11/16/2011
I would highly recommend Thom for a jewelry appraisal. I needed a few pieces appraised for insurance purposes and Thom was more than helpful. I really enjoyed talking with him throughout the process- he is very personable and really loves what he does. I was able to sit with him and watch as he explained the process to appraise each piece. I was given a thorough report that I walked out with, as well as an email report to send to my insurance agent. He also gave me some advice with some jewelry pieces I had that I wasn't sure what to do with. Just a great person to work with! I would definitely come back and refer him to friends/associates. Thank you!
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Review from Little C.
Carlsbad, CA
10/31/2008
I was looking for a jewelry appraiser to appraise my engagement ring for insurance purposes. My mother warned me because she had some gems swapped out in an appraisal done ages ago. So she said that I should try to find someone who would do it in front of me.
I did a lot of research online. There's a place across the street from me in Carlsbad but they said it would take about 3 days and they would have to send my ring out. I found Thom Underwood who is located in Old Town. He has a ton of credentials and he appraises your jewelry with you sitting with him and his whole gizmo set up. I highly recommend him. It cost about $120 or so but with peace of mind, it's worth it. I was able to make an appointment pretty quickly and it took less than an hour. -
Review from S and D H.
San Diego, CA
6/24/2011
I did a lot of research when I selected my diamond; hence, it was only right that I did a lot of research when selecting a gemologist to appraise my diamond. Thom's credentials are impeccable. He is certified both here and in the UK (he explained that the UK's testing is quite rigorous -- akin to taking the Bar exam!). He has the right equipment (I read several websites -- they specify specific machines that a legitimate gemologist would have -- Thom has them.) He is confident and trustworthy. Your precious gems will never leave your sight. He talks you through the appraisal, so that you know where he gets his data -- he shows you his reference materials; he cross-checks everything twice and even three times. No matter how educated you think are about gemstones, you will always leave knowing something more after visiting Thom. Thom's services are the best that money can buy. I would trust him with any of my gems. (As an aside, Thom is punctual. As mentioned in other reviews, his office is conveniently located in Leo Hamel -- lots of parking and easy to get to.)
