KB Gem & Jewelry Appraisals

KB Gem & Jewelry Appraisals is the sole proprietorship of Katy Bodenburg, a Graduate Gemologist of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and a Certified Master Appraiser (CMA) with the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA). Since 2005, Ms. Bodenburg has been providing dedicated, independent appraisal services to the Cincinnati area, drawing upon over 30 years of experience in the jewelry industry. This extensive background encompasses retail jewelry sales, quality control, design, repair, and gemstone setting, giving her a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies and nuances of the jewelry world.

Born and raised in Cincinnati, Ms. Bodenburg takes pride in serving the community where she grew up. Her passion for jewelry ignited during her time spent working as a bench jeweler, where she developed a profound appreciation for the artistry and technical skill involved in crafting fine jewelry. This passion led her to pursue intensive gemological studies at the esteemed Gemological Institute of America, culminating in the prestigious Graduate Gemologist (GG) designation in 1997.

Recognizing the importance of staying at the forefront of the appraisal field, Ms. Bodenburg embarked on a journey to become a Certified Master Appraiser. Through dedication and rigorous study, she achieved this accomplishment in 2013, earning her the distinguished status of being the fourth CMA in the nation. Ms. Bodenburg's commitment to professional development is unwavering, consistently attending annual jewelry-related conferences, educational seminars, and workshops to expand her knowledge and expertise.

The Value of Independent Appraisal

At KB Gem & Jewelry Appraisals, independence is paramount. As an independent appraiser, Ms. Bodenburg is not involved in buying, selling, or brokering jewelry. This ethical structure ensures that her evaluations are impartial and objective, providing clients with unbiased and trustworthy valuations.

Furthermore, her fees are independent of the value being appraised, guaranteeing that the cost of the appraisal remains consistent regardless of the worth of the jewelry. This transparent pricing model eliminates any potential conflicts of interest and fosters trust between Ms. Bodenburg and her clients.

Services Offered

KB Gem & Jewelry Appraisals specializes in providing a comprehensive range of appraisal services for all types of jewelry and gemstones.

Each appraisal appointment is conducted meticulously, ensuring every detail is examined and documented. The process begins with a thorough cleaning of the jewelry, followed by detailed photographs. Next, Ms. Bodenburg performs a comprehensive analysis, identifying gemstones and/or diamonds, measuring their weight and dimensions, and conducting a meticulous grading of the gem's cut, color, and clarity.

Through rigorous research and analysis, Ms. Bodenburg assigns a fair market value to each piece. Once the appraisal is finalized, clients receive a PDF copy of the written report via email for their review. Hard copies of the appraisal report are also available upon request.