What is an Appraisal?
An appraisal is an informed professional opinion regarding the authenticity, quality, design and value of a gem or jewellery article. The opinion is backed by appraiser training, market experience, gemmological equipment and a reference library. Each stone, loose or set, is checked to determine if it is genuine, synthetic or imitation. It is examined for clarity, cut and colour, as well as size and carat weight. All jewellery is evaluated for its metal content, design and the period of its style and manufacture. Full scale colour photographs of the jewellery may accompany the appraisal documents.
Purpose of an Appraisal
The appraiser needs to know how the appraisal report will be used in order to provide an accurate value. Expert jewellery appraisals may be required for:
Insurance – to ensure replacement in the event of theft, loss or damage with an item of equal quality and kind in the retail market and known as Replacement Value
Donation, probate and/or community property settlement – An assessment based on what a willing buyer and seller would agree to without a forced sale in its most common market, identified as Fair Market Value
Liquidation – The monies expected to be received with the immediate sale of the item for cash, usually the lowest net return, Liquidation Value
We offer our appraisal services to trust companies, lawyers, antique dealers, insurance companies and private clients.
Please contact us for further information regarding appraisals or to set up an appointment.