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Wendy is a Graduate Gemologist through the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), and holds certificates of completion in jewelry appraisal from GIA, and Advanced Personal Property Appraisal, from the American Gem Society.
We understand the sentimental value that is often associated with jewelry, and take great care in handling any jewelry entrusted to us. We are able to appraise a single item, or a collection, and tailor the report to your individual needs. The item can be examined while you wait, and the report mailed within a few days, or you can safely leave the items, and pick them up along with the report. All jewelry is kept locked in our safe whenever they are not being examined.
A single item appraisal is $80, while a multiple items are calculated at an hourly rate of $80 per hour (most average $50 per item). The cost of an appraisal is never contingent on the value of the item.
We are pleased to offer professional jewelry appraisals that are meticulously researched, and carefully prepared. Whether a report is needed for insurance, estate valuation, resale, or divorce settlements, each item is carefully examined, and tested. In general, the following parameters are considered in establishing the value of the jewelry in question:
• metal type, and fineness,
• stone identification
• estimated stone weight, clarity, color, for all stones present
• overall condition of each item is noted
• The jewelry is cleaned as appropriate for the type of jewelry in question
• each item is photographed from all angles.
Why does the purpose for which I want an appraisal matter?
Different types of appraisals will make particular market data more or less relevant in fully identifying a particular piece of jewelry. For example, an Insurance Replacement value for a relatively new item will lean heavily on current retail costs for a like item. Vintage jewelry from an estate would draw more heavily on Fair Market values in markets other than retail (auctions, on line sales, consignment shops, antique stores etc.).
How do you weigh gemstones when they are mounted in jewelry, do you have to take them out of the mounting?
The weight of gemstones that have been mounted into jewelry is estimated, based on the physical dimensions of the stone. Precise measurements enable the weight to be calculated with a high degree of accuracy. The only time a gemstone might be removed from a setting would be if the stone were to be sent to a gemological laboratory, and only after the client and appraiser agree that it would be in the best interest of the client to do so.
Why can't I just give my insurance company a copy of my receipt?
A well researched appraisal provides a snapshot, of the jewelry being insured at the time of the appraisal. It does not address what was paid for the article 30 or 40 years ago, nor does it address what it might be worth 10 or 20 years from the date of the appraisal. It is thorough, because the more accurate the report, the better informed the insurer is as to the value. Some insurers are able to “make do” with a receipt, at least initially, but the client is left in a vulnerable position should a loss appear.
Why do I have to keep updating an appraisal?
Most insurers want an appraisal report that is no older than 3 to 5 years. Updates can be made to an existing Wenric's report with a brief examination, at a reduced cost to you. Appreciation in the value of the articles can leave you without sufficient coverage for replacement in the event of a loss.
Appraisal FAQ’s:
