Frequently asked questions
 
1.  Why do I need your appraisal if I have one from my jeweler?
Documents supplied by the selling jeweler may contain accurate information; however, some relevant information is often omitted, thus failing the test for a good appraisal.  A trained professional gemologist, who is independent of the sale, and who complies with the standards that define a comprehensive appraisal report, performs a true appraisal.
 
2. Why is the value on the document supplied by my jeweler higher than the price I paid for my jewelry?  
There are two reasons.  First, the jeweler may value your piece higher so that you will be protected on your insurance policy for more years, in case of price increases.  Second, the jeweler uses the "tag" price on his documents because this is another way of reminding you of the "bargain" you received when your purchase price was so much lower.  In either case, you may be paying unnecessary premiums to your insurance company and develop a false sense of the value of your jewelry.  Jewelry should be appraised and insured for its purchase price, as long as it can be replaced for that price for a reasonable business period. Exceptions to this rule should appear in writing on your appraisal.
 
3.  My independent laboratory document has a section that lists a retail price for my diamond.
Should I insure the diamond for that price?  
If that price is higher than the price you paid, the answer is no.  That is why an independent appraisal supported by
actual market knowledge offers the most accurate and thorough protection on your insurance policy.
 
4.  Should I bring my old appraisal/laboratory documents to my appointment?  Yes.
 
5.  Will you update an appraisal from another jeweler without seeing the pieces?  No.
 
6.  Do you appraise on-line? No.
 
7.  Is it important for you to open my watch to appraise it?  
Yes, if you wish me to check authenticity of the movement, date of manufacture and condition.  Also, this allows me to include on my report serial numbers and a technical description of your movement, which are important pieces of information for a future jeweler and insured adjuster.
 
8.  Can you provide an appraisal for insurance and an appraisal to help me sell my jewelry?  Yes.
 
9.  Can you update your appraisals without re-examining the pieces?  Yes, if permitted by your insurance company.
 
10.  Is your fee based on the value of the piece?  
No, it is based on the complexity of the work and the time it takes to clean, measure, identify, photograph, research the market, and prepare the report.  The fee is charged only once, with updates provided upon your request, over the years, at no charge.
 
11.  Can you tell me if my jewelry is worth appraising?  Yes, and there is no fee to make this initial determination.
 
12.  When are you open?  7 days a week, at my customers’ convenience.
 
13.  Do you identify and value estate and antique pieces?  Yes.
 
14.  Do you identify and value chipped and broken gemstones and damaged jewelry?  Yes.
 
15.  Can I observe while you appraise my jewelry?  
Yes, I like my clients to sit with me during the appraisal process as it provides them a wonderful learning experience.
 
16.  If I want to divide my jewelry among my children, can you help me so there will be no family disputes?  
Yes, this type of appraisal is frequently requested.
 
17.  Can you appraise my jewelry for my divorce?  Yes.
 
18.  I want to donate jewelry to a charity.  Can I value the donation using the documents given to
me by my jeweler?  
No, because those documents are for your insurance policy.  Donations require a different kind of appraisal.
 
19.  Can you appraise my silver place settings and tell me how to sell them?  Yes.
 
20.  Can you tell me how much my diamond was worth 25 years ago, and how much its value has
increased since then?  
Yes, this is called a retrospective appraisal.
 
21.  Can you tell me the difference between an insurance appraisal, a fair market value appraisal
and cash value appraisal?
Yes.  The insurance appraisal represents the highest value.  The cash value appraisal is simply a cash equivalent value for gemstones and jewelry, and usually represents the lowest value.  The fair market value appraisal usually represents the middle ground.  This type of valuation is required for divorce, donation, federal estate tax, and distribution of assets, among other uses.
 
22.  I have a ring with a stone that changes color under different lights, and my jeweler told me it might be alexandrite. Can you tell me what it is?  
Yes, but only if you bring it to me for testing.  There are a number of real gemstones, synthetic gemstones and imitation gemstones that change color under different lights.
 
23.  I want to trade something I own in exchange for a diamond ring.  How do I know I am being treated fairly?  
What you are requesting is called a barter appraisal, and I will be happy to provide it for you.
 
24.  I purchased my diamond ring on the Internet.  When you appraise it for insurance, do you use Internet jewelry stores or brick and mortar jewelry stores to determine its current value?  
I use both, and when we meet, we will discuss which venue provides the best value for your protection.
 
25.  Should I appraise costume jewelry?  
Most costume jewelry is inexpensive fashion; some costume jewelry has collector's value and some modern costume jewelry is fairly expensive and worthy of being insured.
 
26.  Are you available to travel to perform appraisals or to lecture?  
Yes, for individuals, organizations and businesses. In addition, for those who cannot come to my office, I will come to their homes to identify and evaluate jewelry and silver.
 
27.  I inherited an old ring with a large white stone and a large red stone. Should I presume because this ring
has been in my family for 3 generations, that these stones are genuine?
Unfortunately no.  Imitations of gemstones have been manufactured for thousands of years, and synthetic gemstones have been manufactured since the first decade of the 20th century. I will be happy to confirm what your inheritance is, and it’s value.