Expert appraisers can determine the worth of your senior’s valuables, including gemstones, watches, jewelry, coins, and silver flatware.
- Some appraisers buy jewelry or offer consignment; others simply appraise services.
- Appraisers test the authenticity of your gemstones, measure their sizes and weights, determine their grades, and provide an inclusion plot for each stone.
- For each item appraised, they provide a document with their analysis of the item, a verification photograph, and their determination of its value, which can be used to either sell the item or to verify its value for insurance purposes.
- Most appraisers will clean your jewelry thoroughly, check for damage, and point out repairs that may be needed.
- Reputable appraisers should keep all appraisals confidential and should not disclose information about your items to any third parties without your permission.
Services
- Most appraisers work by appointment only.
- They may need additional time for research when appraising rare pieces, and may ask to keep your item for a few days.
- If you are planning on selling the jewelry you have appraised, expect to receive about 50% of the appraised value.
- Most professional appraisers charge by the hour, so the cost of your appraisal will depend on the number and complexity of the pieces presented.
- Some appraisers charge by the piece; others by a contracted amount based on an estimate of time involved. Be aware of those who charge a percentage of your jewelry’s value.
Specialization
Under most state laws, no specific licensing or qualifications are required to do appraisal services. Do your research to ensure a qualified appraiser, look for an Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA) who is a member of the American Society of Appraisers. ASA gem and jewelry experts are designated Master Gemologist Appraisers. A jewelry appraiser should also be a Graduate Gemologist (GG) of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).
Preparation
- Be clear on items you want appraised; others you want appraised for sale.
- Have clear descriptions of the items you are presenting to the appraiser.
- Are you looking for a home visit? Or to take your items to a location.
- Take documents with you that may “verify” the quality of the stones.
Evaluation
Emotions are often tied to the values of beloved pieces that have been passed down thru the decades. Be clear that you are retaining a high integrity individual with appropriate certifications.
- Understand the length of time in business and how clients have been well served.
- Have price estimates provided in advance..
- Do they do in-home appraisals?
- What kinds/types of jewelry are appraised?
- Do they buy or consign jewelry or gemstones? Do they sell jewelry?
- How can they best help you received the desired outcome of your jewelry? What is their experience in the jewelry market?
- Do they use genuine diamonds for color grading or cubic zirconia? (Beware of an appraiser using cubic zirconia)
