Guild Laboratories, Inc.

About this Appraiser

From the mines and markets of Africa, Asia and South America to the offices and shops of Los Angeles and New York City, Charles I. Carmona, GG, ASA, has spent over 35 years learning and living the gemstone and jewelry trades. Along with his ever-growing technical expertise, he applies those skills and experiences to his practice as a professional gemologist. Whether you have a simple one-piece appraisal or a development project involving years to complete, you′ll get the same quality of attention and work.

He is President of Guild Laboratories, Inc., based in Los Angeles, California. His credentials include a Graduate Gemologist diploma from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA, 1978) and an Accredited Senior Appraiser designation from the American Society of Appraisers (ASA, 1986).

Domestically, his gemology and appraisal practice involves identifications, insurance, accounting and legal issues, supported by a fully-equipped gemological laboratory with advanced scientific instrumentation and a formidable reference library. Besides all gemstone varieties and types of jewelry and watches, his appraisal repertoire includes coins and currency and other related personal property. Along with the public, past and current clientele include federal, state and local agencies and law enforcement, as well as the gem and jewelry trade, banks, museums and the media. Regularly traveling, Mr. Carmona has done work in 22 U.S. states and territories.

Internationally, as a consultant for the World Bank, he has supervised the establishment of gemology and gem-cutting schools in Madagascar (2006-7) and Tanzania (2013-5), as well as smaller private projects and assignments in several other countries.

He is the author/publisher of The Complete Handbook for Gemstone Weight Estimation, which has become a trade standard around the world. He is a popular and multi-lingual speaker at jewelry and gemology conferences in North America and overseas.

Mr. Carmona is available by appointment in his downtown Los Angeles jewelry district laboratory, or at your location locally, across the country or around the world.