A&A Gemological Laboratory

Saratoga Springs, New York, USA

Avg. Rating Rating star5.0 (18 reviews)

James Naughter - Jewelry Appraiser
▼ Read More
Banner for an Albany, Saratoga Springs jewelry expert

About this Appraiser

For over three decades, A&A Gemological Laboratory has continually served the gem and jewelry trade, banking institutions, law firms, government agencies and the general public, by identifying, analyzing and appraising fine jewelry, watches and silver.

Established in upstate New York in 1978, James Naughter has been the Managing Director since 1991. Since taking the helm, he has expanded the lab′s services to neighboring Vermont, Massachusetts & Connecticut, thereby creating and sustaining a truly regional accredited gem laboratory.

Now located in historic Saratoga Springs, NY, the AGA certified lab occupies the second floor above N. Fox Jewelers, a prestigious 69 year old, full service American Gem Society (AGS) affililiated establishment.

This secure, modern office and laboratory provides a comfortable environment for both the patron and the appraiser. Designed to enable in-depth analysis of both loose gems and intricate jewelry in the presence of the client, the lab also has ample space to accommodate an impressive reference library that can be accessible while the client is present.

Appointments are arranged in advance so the interested party can be assured a prompt, personal, one-on-one experience focusing on their objective. The process, which can include identifying, analyzing, authenticating, photographing and establishing a value, many times can be accomplsihed while the client waits. For complex items or those requiring extensive research, a schedule is created by both parties to insure that the process is both timely and in keeping with the client′s original goal.

To discuss you jewelry appraisal requirements, please contact James Naughter using the contact links at the top of this page.

 

The Business

  • Private Practice & Trade Appraiser
  • Business mix: 100% valuations
  • Principal + 0 staff Appraisers
  • Mon - Sat: 10am to 5pm
  • Mobile lab, Via jewelers and at Appraiser's office

Financial

  • Per-item & time-based fees
  • All major cards accepted
  • Full appraisal reports start at $95

Qualifications

Tap to Reveal

Hover to Reveal

  • GG
  • ASA (awaiting recert)

Memberships

  • AGA, GIA Alumni, SGA
  • ASA (awaiting recert), ASJH, NAJA

Photos

Click image to enlarge and open gallery

While you wait jewelry appraisal

Location

A&A Gemological Laboratory
404 Broadway, 2nd Fl
SARATOGA SPRINGS
New York
NY 12866

  • Accessible
  • Free, on-street
  • Visitors by appointment only
  • View large map

Share

Share this page on your favourite networks

 

Reviews

Reviews (18)
Write Review

 

All reviews have been verified. The Jewelry Appraiser has confirmed the validity of the report details provided by the Reviewer but did not see the Reviewers rating or review text during the validation process. This produces unbiased, reliable and genuine reviews.

 

avatarAmy. Queensbury

Review starsAug 2019

Highly Recommended

I contacted Jim regarding an appraisal of my engagement ring. Jim's level of professionalism and integrity by far exceeded my expectations during and after my appointment.

Expertise / Items Appraised: My great grandmother's amethyst ring and an engagement ring.

avatarK. Rector. Mellenville

Review starsJul 2019

5 star service

High security, very professional and efficient service provided by Jim. Jim was prompt in answering questions I had after the appraisal. Jim deomonstrated interest and knowledge in what we were concerned with in regard to insurance coverage. I would highly recommend Jim to others for jewelry appraisals.

Expertise / Items Appraised: Marquise cut diamond, platinum ring and a three diamond channel set gold wedding band.

avatarJ. Tedesco. Troy

Review starsJun 2019

Great Experience

I have met with Jim at two different times. One time to have my ring evaluated and the second time to have my diamond stud earrings evaluated and both times he has shown to be extremely knowledgeable, qualified and professional. The very detailed reports were delivered to my email in box in a matter of days. My experience with Jim has been totally positive. I would recommend Jim to anyone that is in need of having their jewelry appraised.

avatarDebbie. Londonville

Review starsMay 2019

Very Professional

I have had many dealings with Jim on many occasions. Always spot on in review of my need on each occasion. He is professional in handling of any question one may ask about jewelry or coin. Appraisals are done in a timely fashion and very comprehensive in content. I would never hesitate to recommend Jim, and in fact have on many occasions.

avatarSteve R. Saratoga Springs

Review starsMay 2019

Excellent and Trustworthy Support

Jim was engaged to appraise and authenticate a ring that was donated to a local not-for-profit to be auctioned at a gala. As always, Jim was thorough and very clear in his appraisal. His report was extremely detailed and provided the information that we needed. I highly recommend Jim if you have a need for jewelry appraisal! (Note that I had previously engaged him as the appraiser for my mother’s estate jewelry, and he was equally though and helpful.)

avatarD. Rubenstein. East Greenbush

Review starsApr 2019

Thorough and In Depth Appraisal

I had many pieces originally appraised by A and A Gem Lab in 1984 and 1986 by the original owner of the company. I brought many of the same pieces and several new ones to be reappraised or newly appraised. Mr. Naughter was quick to respond to my email for an appointment and met with me within a week of my original contact. I had him appraise 2 diamond engagement rings, a tourmaline cocktail ring and earring set, ruby earring studs, diamond earrings and a string of pearls. Mr. Naughter performed the appraisal in a 2 hour period of time. He met with me personally to review his findings and appraisal value. An extremely thorough description via PDF was sent to me at home within several days. Mr. Naughter is a professional who can be trusted. I highly recommend him.

avatarSatisfied Customer. Niskayuna

Review starsAug 2018

Exceeds Expectations

I met with Jim on 8/1/18 for an appraisal for a diamond bracelet I inherited. Jim was extremely professional, welcoming and attentive. Jim explained the process for the insurance appraisal and checked in throughout our appointment to see if I had any questions. Jim completed all measurements, weighing and photographs in front of me within his secure office. I appreciated that Jim completes his work in front of clients and does not require you to leave your jewelry behind, which has been the case when I have had appraisals completed with other providers. Jim provided a detailed report in less than 24 hours. Jim’s prices were reasonable and comparable to other individuals I had reached out to. Additionally, Jim was very flexible when I had to re-schedule my appointment. I would absolutely return to him in the future and highly recommend him.

avatarHelen & Bill. Stillwater, NY

Review starsJul 2018

Ring Evaluation

Jim greeted us with enthusiasm and chatted for a bit then looked at my mother’s diamond ring. He asked us knowledgeable questions, photographed the ring and stones and several days later we received a complete and understandable evaluation. Our experience was totally positive and enjoyable. Thank you Jim.

avatarVicki. Saratoga Springs

Review starsMar 2018

Excellent

I met with Mr. Naughter on March 8th to have previous appraisals updated for two antique diamond rings. This was as per the request of my homeowner’s insurance company. Jim had originally appraised these items in 2001 and again in 2013 so I am a repeat, repeat client. I have 110% confidence in Jim, he is unquestionably qualified and professional. I appreciate his very detailed report and fair fee for his service. I recommend him without hesitation, his integrity is admirable and appreciated.

avatarVirginia Jennings. Long Lake

Review starsFeb 2018

Thorough, Professional Experience & Prompt Report

James Naughter of A & A Gemological Lab in Albany NY, works in a very secure building, more than well-equipped for evaluating the antique jewelry I wanted appraised. He worked seated directly in view at all times, carefully handling and evaluating my rings and a necklace.
I was there over an hour and in that time, the jewelry was photographed, weighed, viewed with equipment to determine size of gems, etc. Upon returning home, he sent a 13-page report, giving details on quality and replacement value since I was having them shipped to a family member. I felt confident, that if lost, his report would be proof of their value. I felt he was honest and well-educated in his trade. Thank you, Mr. Naughter.

avatarLauren G. Malta NY

Review starsJan 2018

Knowledgeable & Honest

I went to Jim to have my gold and diamond engagement ring appraised, and from what I could tell he was extremely knowledgable. He explained to me everything he was doing and also helped guide me in the right direction for getting the best insurance coverage. He appraised my ring for what I thought was an accurate amount and now I feel very confident that should anything happen, I will be able to get it repaired/replaced/etc with no hassle! I would definitely recommend Jim to anyone looking to get their jewelry appraised.

avatarPat Pugliese. Saratoga Springs

Review starsJan 2018

Expedient and Professional

I needed an appraisal of an antique engagement ring that has been in my family for many years. I researched online, spoke to Jim Naughter and was very pleased with his prompt, pleasant response and timely scheduling of a appointment. I met with him, the ring analysis was done and a jewelry appraisal in PDF format was sent to me within one day. In addition to being professional and prompt, he explained the process and provided me with a very clear understanding of all that was involved with applying a monetary value to jewelry for insurance coverage. I thoroughly appreciate the work he performed, would not hesitate to request his service again, and recommend him to others.

Show More Reviews

avatarJack Hayden. Saratoga NY

Review starsMar 2017

Expedient, Professional

I needed an appraiser for estate jewelry. After researching online, and soliciting names from the field, I chose Mr. Naughter. I was pleased with his timely and pleasant response. We scheduled an appointment in less than a week, and the final (27) page report was in my hands in less than two weeks.

I find the more capable an individual is, the easier their explanations are to understand. Mr. Naughter walked me through the process and I left with no questions. There was not a single point of contestation with his work and the estate was settled quickly thereafter. I would recommend Mr. Naughter without hesitation. Respectfully submitted, Jack Hayden.

avatarKate M. Chatham

Review starsFeb 2017

Excellent

Jim was recommended by my local jeweler, and they were right. He was knowledgable beyond my expectations. He made sure I understood all that was involved and even steered me so I could avoid unnecessary costs (pieces that I never take off such as my wedding rings). He completed his appraisal quickly and, from what I know about the pieces he evaluated, accurately. I would clearly recommend him to anyone. Jim estimated the values for two 14 carat gold necklaces, diamond stud earrings and a diamond tennis bracelet.

avatarDerek & Christina. Loudonville

Review starsNov 2016

Great Experience

Jim appraised my engagement ring and did a fantastic job. We′ve never had anything valued before and Jim walked us through the process thoroughly. We would definitely recommend him to everyone. Thank you Jim!

avatarBobby & Amanda. Syracuse

Review starsSep 2016

Excellent Appraisal

Jim appraised my diamond engagement ring and did an outstanding job. He found out that the ring was missing the brand name stamp, and the 14k gold stamp as well. If we hadn't gotten it appraised by him we would have been completely unaware of those details. We would most certainly recommend him to anyone.

avatarSteve T. The Villages

Review starsJul 2016

Trustworthy and Dependable

I have never had anything appraised before. As an executor of an estate, I needed an appraisal on several older pieces of jewelry. I was worried about leaving them overnight...in fact, for a week. Everything went beautifully. Jim thoroughly reviewed and discussed each item with me. He advised me on the next step, which was different depending on the article. Jim's network is well respected and when I went to Mark Lawson, for example, there was no questioning of the appraisal.

The report was thorough and was completed in time. Everything about my experience was top notch and I will certainly access Jim's services in the future.

Company Response:Thank you for your kind review Steve. For the benefit of those reading this review, the Mark Lawson that Steve referred to is a respection Antique Dealer who was given the task to sell Mr.T's gems and jewelry. We are Independent Jewelry Appraisers, so that is not something that we get involved with.

avatarJohn M. Castleton

Review starsJul 2016

Fair and Accurate

Jim did a very comprehensive report for jewelry items from my uncle's estate. Each piece was carefully and accurately described and appraised. He was upfront about retail values vs what the market would likely offer, which turned out to be quite accurate when the items were sold a few weeks later (independently). He was very helpful in walking me through the process, and what the costs would be to do so, before I decided to commit. I would certainly recommend him to anyone seeking help with appraisals and/or needing detailed paperwork on their jewelry items.