FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING THE APPRAISAL PROCESS?
After scheduling an appointment, we’ll meet at your home, office, bank or lawyers office to conduct the jewelry examination. I’ll bring all necessary gemological equipment to conduct the exam and you are welcome to observe if you wish. During the exam, I confirm the gemstone’s authenticity, take measurements and collect other relevant details about your jewelry including photographs. After the exam, I’ll pack up my equipment, return to my office and write a full appraisal report and email you a PDF report.
HOW MUCH DOES AN APPRAISAL COST?
Please reference my pricing page for more information.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE APPRAISAL REPORT?
A professionally written appraisal begins with a Cover Page and Scope of Work section detailing clients information, the documents objective, function and the type of value being sought. Next, you’ll find the body of the report containing a detailed description of the composition, quality and monetary value of your jewelry along with several photographs. Additionally, you’ll find sections detailing Assumptions and Limiting Conditions, a Confidentiality Statement, Privacy Statement, Certification of Appraisal Practice and a list of gemological equipment available to use during the examination.
WHAT KIND OF APPRAISALS DO YOU OFFER?
I specialize in insurance appraisals, estate appraisals and gem identification consultation.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I HAVE MY JEWELRY APPRAISED AND WHY?
Because the value of precious metals and gemstones can change over time, it is crucial to have evaluations updated every two to three years. This ensures you are fully covered for the current value of your jewelry.
HOW LONG IS THE EXAMINATION PROCESS?
It will take roughly ten minutes to set up my equipment and answer any questions you might have. For an Insurance Appraisal, examination time depends on the complexity of the piece and can take between 20 - 45 minutes for a full examination of each item. For Estate Appraisals, you can expect 10-20 items reviewed per hour.
WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY APPRAISAL?
For individual item insurance appraisals, I often have a detailed report emailed to you within 1-3 days of examination. However, this can take longer during particularly busy times of the year. For unique or antique pieces requiring deeper research, you can expect a finished appraisal within a week. For more than 3-4 items or an Estate Appraisal turnaround depends on the size of the estate and can take up to 1-2 weeks for a finished report.
WHAT TYPE OF ITEMS DO YOU APPRAISE?
I am trained to appraise all fine jewelry and gemstones with specialties in colored stones, diamonds and opal.
SHOULD I CLEAN MY JEWELRY BEFOREHAND?
Yes, this is very helpful, especially for diamonds as they have an affinity for grease. A bowl of warm water, a drop or two of dish detergent and a toothbrush does an excellent job of safely cleaning most jewelry.
WHAT IS FAIR MARKET VALUE?
Fair Market Value is defined at the price at which the property would change hands between a willing buyer and a willing seller, neither being under any compulsion to buy or to sell and both having reasonable knowledge of relevant facts. In practical terms, this is often less than retail value (buying the item new at the store) and more than liquidation value (wishing to sell the item right away at a pawnshop). Antique pieces, collectables and rare gem specimens would be an exception to this and can appraise higher than a modern reproduction or equivalent.
CAN I WATCH YOU APPRAISE MY JEWELRY?
Yes, you are more than welcome to observe the examination process and ask questions. I encourage it!
WAIT, I COULD'T FIND AN ANSWER TO MY QUESTION...
Please call, use our contact form or click the "Let's Chat" icon in the bottom right corner of the screen and I'll be happy to answer any additional questions you may have.
WHAT IS THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF JEWELRY APPRAISERS (NAJA)?
The National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA) is dedicated to promoting stringent quality standards for gem and jewelry appraisers. The association’s primary purpose is to serve the public’s trust by supporting, educating, and promoting highly qualified professional gemologist appraisers with expertise specific to the assignment. The National Association of Jewelry Appraisers is the only appraisal association in the United States that devotes itself solely to the appraisal of gems and jewelry. NAJA membership provides reasonable assurance to clients that their appraisal report is prepared with professional skill and integrity. Click here to learn more.
WHAT IS A GIA TRAINED GRADUATE GEMOLOGIST?
Many consider the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) to be the premier professional gemology institution in the world. The goal of GIA’s Graduate Gemologist program is to provide students with the comprehensive information necessary to thrive in the jewelry industry.
The Graduate Gemologist (GG) designation is conferred upon those who have successfully completed five course studies and three lab classes covering diamonds, colored stones and gem identification. A Graduate Gemologist candidate must also receive a perfect score to pass the final gem identification section of the program.
When studying on campus, this program takes approximately seven months to complete and classes are held daily from 8am-3pm. Distance learning is also available, but often takes several years to complete the program. Earning a Graduate Gemologist degree from the GIA involves a significant time and financial investment and is a marker of excellence in the jewelry industry.