MB&B® Gemological Services
A Limited Liability Company
Here Are the Answers to Your Questions
Here Are the Answers to Your Questions
Thank you for visiting the website of MB&B Gemological Services in Brownsville, Texas. We do jewelry appraisals and sell an assortment of gemstones and diamonds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- Will you prepare my Jewelry Appraisal the same day of my appointment?
- No, we do not offer this type of service. We want to provide the most accurate appraisal, which requires research to be done on our part. We do not condone, nor use programs to provide us with a value on your items. On average, we should have your items returned to you in one week.
- No, we do not offer this type of service. We want to provide the most accurate appraisal, which requires research to be done on our part. We do not condone, nor use programs to provide us with a value on your items. On average, we should have your items returned to you in one week.
- Will my items be insured while in your custody?
- Yes, you items are fully insured while in our custody.
- Will my insurance company accept an appraisal from MB&B?
- Yes, our appraisers hold the highest qualifications a Jewelry Appraiser can expect to earn. All have earned the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Graduate Gemologist credential in addition to other credentials offered by several other academic institutions. Your Insurance Agent is welcome to contact us and validate the credentials of the appraiser assigned to you.
- My insurance company said that my diamond needs to be color graded against real diamond Master Stones. Does MB&B use Master Stones?
- Yes, MB&B owns and utilizes a set of twenty-three (23) actual diamond Master Stones. We do not allow the use of Cubic Zirconia (CZ) by any staff member to determine color grade.
Why should I have my jewelry evaluated by a gemologist?
Unlike a jeweler, a gemologist can identify and determine if the gemstones within your jewelry are natural, synthetic, and most importantly if your gemstone has been treated in any way. This information is very important to know because depending upon the stone and any treatments it has undergone, your gemstone(s) can be damaged if stored incorrectly, and if your jewelry requires repair. An example of this is pearls. Pearls should never be stored in plastic because the gases emitted by plastic will damage the surface of a pearl. Additionally, pearls require some humidity in the surrounding air to prevent them surface damage. Given this information, safe deposit boxes are never ideal for pearls simply because the environment is controlled to minimize humidity in the vaults. Various other gemstones have special requirements as well. These include, but are not limited to treated ruby, natural opal, and natural emerald.
Didn’t find what you were looking for? You can contact us at MB&B Gemological Services and speak to a member of our staff for more information. We look forward to hearing from you!