Measured, not guessed.
Every diamond is weighed, measured and graded before it's valued. Matthew records the same proportions a grading lab does, because angles change how a diamond looks and what it's worth.
Southeast Valley, Arizona
In-home diamond and jewelry
appraisals by a GIA Graduate.
Figures from a sample 0.71 ct report
Every diamond is weighed, measured and graded before it's valued. Matthew records the same proportions a grading lab does, because angles change how a diamond looks and what it's worth.
Inclusions are a diamond's fingerprint. Plotting them grades clarity, and it identifies your exact stone if it's ever lost, stolen or swapped.
Color, cut, polish and symmetry are graded on the GIA system, the same scales jewelers and insurance companies use.
Weight, measurements, photographs and condition go into a signed, dated report prepared to USPAP, the national standard for appraisals. You get a PDF, plus printed copies on request.
Insurance replacement or fair market value, written for the way you will actually use the report.

Meet your appraiser
I've spent 14 years in the jewelry industry working hands-on with diamonds, fine jewelry and precious metals. I hold the Graduate Diamonds diploma from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), so I grade diamonds using the same color, clarity and cut standards the GIA laboratory uses.
I started MKO because appraisals deserve more care than a quick look over a store counter. I come to you, take the time to explain what I'm seeing, and write a report that's accurate, well documented and prepared for exactly the purpose you need.
How it works
Most appraisals take about an hour, start to finish, at your own table.
Pick a time, say roughly how many pieces you have, and confirm with the visit fee.
He arrives with professional gemological equipment and looks over up to 10 pieces with you.
Each piece is examined, measured, graded and photographed. Anything that needs a closer look at his office is typically finished within 48 hours.
You receive a signed, dated report as a PDF, with photos of every piece. Printed copies are available on request.
Services & pricing
An appraised value only makes sense next to the reason it was written. Tell Matthew why you need the appraisal and he will prepare the right one.
For your insurer
Documents what it would cost to replace your piece with one of like kind and quality at retail today. This is the value most insurers ask for when you schedule jewelry on a policy.
Best for: engagement rings, new purchases, updating an existing policy
For estates and divorce
Estimates the price a piece would bring between a willing buyer and a willing seller. It is the value typically used when dividing property or settling an estate.
Best for: estate settlement, divorce, inherited jewelry, personal records
Diamonds, loose or mounted. Diamond engagement rings, bands, earrings, pendants and bracelets. Fine and estate jewelry in gold and platinum.
Individuals and families, insurance agents who need documentation for a client, and jewelers who want an outside appraisal.
Colored gemstones such as sapphires, rubies and emeralds. If your piece centers on a colored stone, Matthew will point you to a qualified colleague.
Pricing
Due when you book
$99
Travel within about 30 miles of San Tan Valley, plus a look at up to 10 pieces.
Per piece
from $99
Priced by the piece and its complexity. You get your quote at the visit, before any work starts.
Larger jobs
Quoted
More than 10 pieces, or homes beyond the 30-mile area, are quoted for the job.
Client stories
He explained every part of my engagement ring while he worked, and my insurance agent accepted the report without a single question.
We had a box of my mother's jewelry and no idea what any of it was. Having it done at home, at our own pace, made a hard week easier.
I send my clients to MKO when they need to schedule jewelry. The reports are thorough and the photos make underwriting simple.
Service area
Based in San Tan Valley, Matthew visits homes within about 30 miles across Pinal and Maricopa Counties. Homes farther out are welcome by arrangement.
Book a visit
Booking takes about two minutes: choose a time, answer a few quick questions and pay securely through Square.
Weekdays, 9 am to 5 pm. Weekends by arrangement.
Why you need the appraisal, roughly how many pieces you have, and the address for the visit.
Paid by card through Square. You'll get a confirmation and a text reminder before your visit.
Payments are processed by Square. MKO never sees or stores your card number.
Prototype: on the live site this button opens MKO's Square booking page.
Optional, but it helps Matthew prepare. Reply to your booking confirmation email with a few photos of your pieces and any lab reports or receipts you have.
FAQ
Short answers to what people ask most before booking.
Still have a question?
Email Matthew and he'll get back to you.
matthew@mkojewelry.com
Read the diamond guideA professional evaluation that documents a piece's characteristics, condition and value for a specific purpose, such as insurance coverage, estate planning, divorce or personal records.
Most insurers need a current appraisal to cover jewelry for its full value. An appraisal is also the documented record you need to settle an estate, divide property, or simply know what you own.
Diamonds, loose or mounted, and fine and estate jewelry in gold and platinum, including engagement rings, wedding bands, necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Matthew doesn't appraise colored gemstones such as sapphires, rubies or emeralds, but can refer you to a qualified colleague who does.
Yes. Estate and inherited jewelry can be appraised for estate settlement, insurance, personal records, or simply to understand what you have.
Not exactly. An appraisal values a piece for a specific purpose, and that isn't the same as what a jeweler, dealer or private buyer would pay. If you're thinking about selling, Matthew can explain the difference between appraised value and likely resale value.
Usually, yes. A lab report grades the loose diamond but doesn't assign a value, and it says nothing about the setting, metal or condition of the finished piece. Your report is still very helpful, so have it ready at your visit.
No. A receipt or lab report is helpful if you have one, but every piece is evaluated on its own observable characteristics.
It's a good idea to review appraisals every few years, and sooner if gold, platinum or diamond prices have moved significantly. Your insurer may have its own schedule.
When to update your appraisal, how to clean your ring, and what's moving in the diamond market.