GemVal.com - An online resource for gemstone valuation.
Title
Online guide to gemstone prices
Description
Gemval is an online application that allows users to perform a rough value estimation for natural colored gemstones over the Internet. It consists of a statistical database of international market prices and an online engine for the calculation of average market values for different types of gemstones. Gemval valuations are performed on the basis of physical parameters of gem, like gemstone variety, weight in carat, color, clarity, cut quality etc., in accordance with Gemological Institute of America (GIA) standards. Since 2005, Gemval Laboratory publishes historical value charts and the Gemval Aggregate index (GVA), which reflect the overall pricing trends on the gemstone market.
Gemval.com offers a paid subscription service for precious gemstones. Appraisals for most natural gemstone varieties however remain free of charge.
Logos
Gemstones market analysis
Gemval monitors the gemstone supply and pricing trends of different regional markets. Most of the data suppliers are located in US, Europe, Thailand, India, China, Burma, South America and Africa. The statistical data are based on online sales, as well as on the monitoring of main gemstone trade fairs and expositions. The main pricing coefficients and value charts are recalculated and published on a monthly basis.
Gemstone color grading system
Gemval's color grading system is a simplified modification of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) color grading standards for natural gemstones. It consists of 230 color patterns, 25 base hue sets + grey scale, extended by 6 tones (very light, light, medium light, medium, medium dark, dark) and by 3 saturation grades (strong, very slightly greyish/brownish, slightly greyish/brownish). Unlike GIA's standard color set, Gemval color system is designed to fit a 32-bit LCD computer monitor and to enable color recognition via a web interface.
History
The story of Gemval began in 2003. A team of private business consultants based in Russia, started work on the project to develop a computerized gemstone appraisal system. The main goal was to create an appropriate mathematical model for the valuation of natural colored gemstones. Another requirement was to develop an online tool for fast approximate valuation of natural sapphires and tourmalines. Several statistical models for gemstone valuation were considered and tested during this work. After one year of data collecting and analyzing, the Gemval team discovered that a linear pricing model may be extended to almost any gemstone variety. The project was named Gemval.
The online tool, Gemval.com was opened to the public in April 2004. Initially, it was developed for a small community of gemologists and gemstone traders, whereby enabling them to facilitate a fast expert market valuation. However, Gemval quickly caught the attention of gemologists, collectors and gemstone dealers worldwide, thus contributing to the development of the service through critics and their friendly advice.
During 2004, Gemval was acquired by the Open Alias Corporation, which further invested in the development and promotion of the web service.
In November 2007, Gemval was appointed as an approved data supplier for the valuation data and pricing indexes of the Market News Service, International Trade Centre UNCTAD/WTO, Geneva.
Contacts
8 Copthall, Roseau,
St. George, 00152,
Commonwealth of Dominica.
