In addition to a passion for the beauty of metal and stone, and an insatiable curiosity regarding origin and authenticity, the best part of an appraiser is humility. That means knowing what you know, knowing how to find out about what you don't know, and knowing when the item is outside your expertise.
Here then is a list of products within this appraiser's sphere of knowledge. (This list is by category, and many products exist which do not readily fit a category. So feel free to ask if your unique items are something that I can assist you with).
Diamonds, colored gemstones, pearls, jade from the authentically rare and important to common stones in everyday jewelry, from sources worldwide. Gems may be antique or modern, ornamental or personal, faceted or carved, including old styles of cutting, organic and inorganic, imitations throughout history, 20th and 21st century's synthetics and artificially enhanced stones.
The jewelry metals - including gold, silver, the platinum family, iron, bronze, brass, titanium, tungsten and niobium.
Carvings and objects of art using gemstones and jewelry metals.
Modern jewelry from around the globe.
Antique and estate jewelry - prevalent in western culture.
Antique, estate and modern sterling silver, silver plate and or gold place settings.
Antique, estate and modern timepieces.
* Open By Appointment Only
**Services For Individuals**
In addition to homeowner's insurance, various life cycle event's prompt individuals to seek appraisals on jewelry and gemstones. Here's a list of the most commonly requested reports.
1. Appraisals to support donation to a charity, required by the Internal Revenue Code.
2. Appraisals to support a deduction for a casualty loss, regulated by the Internal Revenue Code.
3. Appraisals on jewelry subject to a federal estate tax, regulated by the Internal Revenue Code.
4. Appraisals to divide jewelry equally among family members.
5. Appraisals to use jewelry as collateral for a bank loan.
6. Appraisals to support investment value of gemstones and jewelry, including historical value analysis.
7. Appraisals to support a barter agreement.
8. Appraisals to sell jewelry through traditional auction houses or via the Internet (as in EBay); to sell or consign a jewelry store, or to sell another individual, and finally to identify and val ue for a home estate sale.
9. Appraisals for property settlement in a divorce.
**Service for Insurance Agents.**
The homeowner's insurance appraisal is the most frequently requested report. Insurance agents often require appraisals on their clients' purchases of new pieces, updates for old appraisals, as well as for the replacement/ repair of damaged or lost gemstones and jewelry.