Jewelry Appraisal FAQs

Here are answers to the most popular jewelry appraisal FAQs.

What does your appraisal cost ?

…..I work on a per item fee structure. The fee is $100 for the first item and $75 for each additional item. Occasionally an item is quite intricate and require additional time. I will quote you a separate fee for that item. If the assignment is quite large I will quote you a special rate.

A non-refundable $50 Deposit is required. It is applied against the total appraisal fee.

Some clients or their insurance company ask for a plot diagram of the identifying characteristics inside the main diamond. The fee is $50.00 for a plot diagram.  It is an addendum to the appraisal.

The first thing I do with larger assignments is review your items and tell you how long the assignment will take and how much the total assignment fee will be. That way there is no guess work. That will be put in writing and signed by both of us before the assignment begins.

(FYI: YOU should NEVER agree to an appraisal fee based on the item’s resulting value, a percentage of resulting value, or a high stated quote just because the item is expensive. If you receive a quote like this…..get out of there fast. Find someone with an hourly rate or a per item rate so that you know what your financial investment is up front.)

What do I actually get from you for an appraisal ?

…..Your appraisal is a comprehensive document. The appraisal lists all pieces being appraised, separately, assigning a value for each piece individually.

With each item there is a detailed description of manufacturing method, trademarks, hallmarks, metal type, karatage, weight, and color. Diamonds and gemstones are part of the appraisal and are broken down by type of gem showing color, clarity, dimensions and carat weight.

Some clients or their insurance company ask for a plot diagram of the identifying characteristics inside the main stone. For an additional fee of $50.00 we will include a plot diagram of the main stone’s identifying characteristics. It is an addendum to the appraisal.

All items are photographed digitally and printed on the appraisal. All appraisals are signed.

Exactly what should any jewelry appraisal contain?

…..A jewelry appraisal is a report that describes an item of jewelry in detail and assigns a value to the jewelry based on the purpose of the appraisal.

It contains a very detailed description of the item being appraised. This is most important.  Appraisals contain many elements and because of that, must be multi page documents in order to be complete.

A professional appraiser will provide you with a written opinion of value, on which you and others involved can base your decisions.

Do I need an appointment ?

…..Yes. Appointments are available during the day between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

Do I have to leave my jewelry with you and why?

…..NO ! I don’t take possession of your jewelry treasures.

What if I want to liquidate some jewelry assets ? Can you help ?

…..Of course.  I will help you liquidate them by acting as your broker. My broker fee is 10% of the sale.

Do you buy and sell my appraisal jewelry?

….. No! As an independent jewelry appraiser, I am not in the business of buying and selling your jewelry products. That means I won’t come in with a low ball appraisal just to offer you slightly more than the appraisal to take the jewelry off your hands……like some appraisers.

I also believe in full disclosure. As a matter of fact, you will see some advertisements on this site for what I consider to be quality jewelry vendors. If you visit these sites and purchase something while there I may receive a commission.

Since you don’t buy and sell jewelry, what about brokering ?

…..Good question. Let’s say you have a piece of jewelry or a loose diamond you want to sell. I will do my best to help you sell it through my personal contacts and through my website. I charge a flat 10% of the final sales price. If it doesn’t sell for some reason there is no fee.

Can you help me with scrapping my gold?

…..Of course…..because of my relationship with gold refineries I do that all the time.

What should I look for in a professional jewelry appraisal ?

…..There are a number of key things every jewelry appraisal should contain.

a) A cover letter that includes an explanation of the allowed use of the appraisal and the type of value being sought.

b) The appraisal should state any limiting conditions such as the gems examined were in the setting, not out of the setting.

c) If requested, a plotting diagram of the identifying characteristics of the main large diamond or color gem.

d) The standards used in grading the diamonds and color gems.

e) Descriptions of the items being appraised with conclusions drawn.

f) Color photos imbedded in the appraisal of the item(s) being appraised.

g) A description of any lab work performed, as well as any other support material not found in the cover document or appraisal body.

h) A profile of the person performing the appraisal.

Lastly……..a reputable appraiser will never charge you based on the value of your jewelry.  The fee will be based on a per item fee or an hourly rate.  Make sure you find out before the appraisal.

Why should I have my jewelry appraised ?

…..Not sure? Well……..I know this. People treasurer their jewelry more than other items of personal property.  That’s just the way it is.  And people want to protect their treasures.

So…………..have you asked yourself any of these questions ?

     * Do I have too much or too little insurance for my jewelry assets ?

     * What are these jewelry assets worth for Estate Tax purposes ?

     * What about Tax Deductions if I donate my jewelry assets ?

     * Is my jewelry worth what I paid for it ?

     * If I sell my jewelry will it be at the wrong price ?

     * How do I confirm the quality and value of my jewelry ?

If you have asked any of these questions you probably need a jewelry appraisal.