Greetings esteemed IGS members. I am new to the forum and am seeking recommendations for an IGS member company or business for valuation/appraisal services of an unusual collection of garnet gemstones. I would prefer a business located in the Colorado/Wyoming USA region, however, I would consider any USA location, if necessary.
The collection consists of garnets that were found in Colorado, primarily at Ruby Mountain, and collected in the 1960’s by hobbyist “rockhound” family members. In 1970, these rough stones were shipped en masse overseas to be hand-cut/faceted/polished (at great expense as evidenced by the original invoices) by lapidary firm Hermann Lind, II, of Idar-Oberstein, Germany. The finished stones are of exceptionally fine craftsmanship, and vary in size from 2.5mm to 7.5mm, all round cut (with the exception of two ovals), and with varied color from deep red, to bright red, to purple, to pink, with some of them displaying color-change attributes as well. After being shipped back to the USA, the finished stones were placed in jars and mostly forgotten about until I inherited them nearly 50 years later in 2019. They were never used in jewelry, or for any other purpose, and would be considered “new old stock”, I suppose.
I did review the IGS business listing and see many businesses that offer such services, however, I was hoping to get a recommendation or referral for a specific company that may have expertise or interest in the unique properties of Colorado gemstones and/or a high rating from fellow IGS members.
Many thanks for your time and have a great day!