What is an appraisal?
A written and photographic record of your jewelry items and provides an independent, impartial, and objective opinion of value. The type of value used depends on the type of appraisal. For example, the value to replace a piece of lost jewelry (Estimated Retail Replacement Value) is different, and almost always higher, than the value of a piece of jewelry that you want to sell (Market Value).
How much does an appraisal cost?
Usually $125.00 for the first item, depending on complexity. The price for additional items in the appraisal is discounted, depending on the number of items. This pricing may also vary depending on the complexity of the item. Pieces that are larger, more detailed, or with an extensive number of gemstones will take longer to appraise and will cost more. Please contact us so that we can discuss your specific pieces and needs.
Why do I need an “Independent Appraiser”?
An Independent Appraiser is one who does not buy or sell jewelry and has no interest in the jewelry being appraised. This means that the appraiser has no conflict of interest which might tend to prevent creating a fair and unbiased appraisal. Some insurance companies and legal situations require an independent appraiser to conduct the appraisal so as to avoid conflicts of interest or over-valued appraisals that might lead the jewelry buyer to think that they got “the deal of the century” on their jewelry purchase, (when they really didn’t).
Do I need to leave my jewelry with you?
No. We are mobile appraisers. We come to you – your home, your office, your financial institution, your attorney’s office – where ever the need is and where ever is convenient for you.
What should I expect during an appraisal appointment?
Prior to the appraisal appointment:
Clean your jewelry or have it cleaned. This will save time so that we can spend more time examining your jewelry rather than cleaning it.
Gather together any sales receipts, laboratory reports, and old appraisals that you might have. These are the provenance, or history, of your pieces. For post-loss situations, photographs of the pieces or you wearing the pieces is a great help in establishing provenance.
For insurance replacement appraisals, call your insurance company and review what type of policy you have and the limits are. Some lower-value items may fall under “household contents” and may not require an appraisal – saving you time and money.
During the appraisal appointment:
First, we will review your needs and your jewelry to make sure that we are all “on the same page” so that the appraisal or consultation will best meet your needs.
Since we are mobile appraisers, we set-up our equipment where it is most convenient for you – usually a dining table or kitchen counter. All we need is access to a power outlet. We bring everything else that we need to conduct the appraisal.
Then it is time to get to work! For each piece, we will:
Weigh item
Measure item length, width, depth
Test & identify gemstones
Plot diamonds, as needed
Extensive photography of item
Document item condition
Review item documentation
Determine / test metals
Document manufacturing techniques
Measure & estimate weights of gemstones
Determine gemstone color, clarity, cut
Document trademarks, hallmarks, & circa date
During the appraisal process, you are encouraged to ask us what we are doing, how we are doing it and why we are doing it. Part of our goal is for you to learn more about the jewelry you own.
When all items are examined, we pack all of our equipment and let you get on with your day. We create the appraisal report, usually in one to two days (depending on the number of items), and will email you a PDF version of the report and mail you a hard copy of the report via USPS. Once you have had a chance to review your appraisal, if you have any questions, we can discuss them. Our goal is that you understand what you own and its value.
What if I am outside of your service area?
Please give us a call! Depending on your needs, jewelry, and location, we can usually work something out.
Do you appraise watches?
Yes, we appraise wrist watches and pocket watches. Just like jewelry items we work with, we ask for any sale receipts, boxes, and documentation that you have for your watch. The most popular watch brands in the world are regularly forged. The watch’s documentation will help in the separation of “genuine” verses “fake” or “partially fake”, but the physical examination of the watch is most important, detailed, and frequently takes more than one hour per watch.
Do you appraise coins?
For collector coins and collections, generally, no. Even though coins can be made of gold, just like some jewelry, the study of coins and currency, Numismatics, is an entirely separate field of study with its own grading standards. However, we do appraise jewelry that has coins incorporated into the motif – mounted coins set in rings, bracelets, and pendants, “shipwreck” coins in jewelry, etc. The difference is that once a coin is mounted into jewelry, the act of mounting it and subsequent scratches from the mounting and wear usually diminish the value the coin greatly. At that point, the coin is worth more as component of the jewelry than as a collector coin.
Do I need an appraisal to sell my jewelry?
Not always. Depending on what you are selling and where you might be thinking of selling, a full written appraisal might not be necessary. Sometimes a verbal assessment is all you might need. Other times, a full written appraisal in more in order, especially if the piece is high in value.
Do you buy or sell jewelry?
No. We do not purchase jewelry or watches for resale or scrap. This way, we can be fully independent, objective, and unbiased in the services we provide. We do, however, offer a jewelry brokering service to assist clients in selling their jewelry items.