Perhaps you have inherited some jewelry you want to know the value and get a tax appraisal for or maybe you need to get some expensive jewelry insured. Jewelry appraisers help you quote jewelry which allows you to know the value and helps you to get it replaced if anything were to happen to it down the road or if you wish to sell it. When searching up ‘jewelry appraisers near me’ you will be hit with a long list of potential appraisers, but how do we weed out the best ones?
How Much Experience is Necessary?
The longer they have been working as a jewelry appraiser, the better. It’s important to make sure that most of their work has been in jewelry appraising and not in another field. Make sure to ask if they are a certified appraiser by an appraisal organization – either the American Society of Appraisers or the Nation Association of Jewelry Appraisers.
Is the Appraiser a Gemologist?
A gemologist has studied how to examine and identify gemstones. Jewelry appraisers who have studied in this field would have in-depth knowledge of gemstones and an understanding of their value and history. While jewelers can identify different gems, they have not been specifically trained in the field and all their knowledge has been picked up over years of making and fixing jewelry. A trained gemologist who practices jewelry appraisals is highly skilled in identifying and valuing different gems and will give you a report that is not distorted in any way.
What Is the Best Price?
Before going in for an appraisal appointment do a little research online to see what the market rate is going for jewelry like yours. Check with online sources like eBay, or your local gold and jewelry shops to see what the worth is or was for your pieces. Once you have a general estimate for the pieces you can tell if you are being given accurate prices by your appraiser or if you are being scammed.
Will the Process Damage Your Jewelry?
If you are worried about the appraising process, ask for the steps used in the process. Ask about the process, tools and ways they go about appraising jewelry. Beware of appraisers that begin filing your gold without your permission to get a sample for testing. Reputable and ethical appraisers will always ask for permission before even touching your pieces. You should also be on alert for an appraiser that takes your gold or jewelry into another room. The process should be done in front of you and not behind closed doors.
With all that said and done, you are now ready to hunt for a jewelry appraiser that will give you the best report on your pieces. It can be hard to discern whether a job has been well done or not, especially if you are a novice at jewelry but with some well-asked questions, you will be able to determine who the right appraiser is for you. Feel free to contact us for more information on appraisals.
