Services offered

INSURANCE APPRAISAL | ESTATE APPRAISAL | FAIR MARKET VALUE | LIQUIDATION APPRAISAL

Appraisal reports will include a detailed description of the item(s) of jewelry, it's measurements, their actual weights, metal testing, quality/condition assessment and value. When applicable they include digital images, gemstone identification, color and clarity grading and plotting diagrams for major gemstones. The appraisals are accepted by all insurance companies and are USPAP compliant.  

APPRAISAL SERVICES OFFERED

INSURANCE APPRAISAL Insurance appraisals that establish a Retail Replacement Value are the most popular by far.  They are required in order to obtain insurance coverage on your jewelry against loss, theft or damage, depending on the policy you have. They are also useful to have as a selling aid for supporting documentation or as a detailed record of your collection.

FAIR MARKET APPRAISAL This method of valuation is used for many types of appraisals, both federal and state regulations use this method for legal proceedings. What is Fair Market Value? It is defined as the price that a willing buyer and a willing seller, neither being under any compulsion to buy or to sell and both having reasonable knowledge of the relevant facts. Below are the most common needs for a Fair Market Appraisal.

• ESTATE APPRAISAL Executors or conservators of an estate will use this method of valuation.  An estate appraisal is required when establishing the total value of an estate for federal and state tax purposes. 
• RESALE APPRAISAL When an item is to be sold this type of appraisal establishes a resale value in the most appropriate market.
• DIVORCE SETTLEMENT APPRAISAL This is used in the equitable distribution for the estate during dissolution of marriage. It establishes the market value of the items that were purchased as marital property. 
• EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION APPRAISAL When splitting jewelry among heirs, an appraisal is done to help equally divide and distribute the property. 
• CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION APPRAISAL This is required by the IRS for donating jewelry to a charitable organization to help qualify a tax deduction. It is also required when item(s) being donated exceed $5000.00.  

LIQUIDATION APPRAISAL This valuation method is for a fast cash out or short sale in a limited amount of time to find a buyer. This valuation is usually just a quick identification and value report. It identifies what the item is and what they can expect to sell it for.

REMOTE INTERNET EVALUATION SERVICES Digital evaluations are convenient especially in geographical areas where jewelers and appraisers are not accessible. They are also more affordable when you don't need a full appraisal report but an experienced unbiased review of your item that was purchased or to be for sale. Where the item is not present, this is a limiting conditions report and not an appraisal seeing the  opinion of value is researched based on the assumption of comparable items in the market place. It is not a guaranty of authenticity without a physical inspection and this report is typically not accepted by your insurer.

• Your item will be assessed based solely on the information and pictures provided. The evaluation will state the item was not physically examined by the appraiser. 
• A description will be provided along with an opinion of condition.
• An approximate age if it can be determined (noting if an item is a reproduction or original). 
• Repairs, alterations and replaced original gemstones are noted if they are noticeable in the images.

OTHER SERVICES

ON LOCATION CLIENT SERVICES For those who are unable to travel, the property can not be removed or the collection is too large, I will travel to your location in the Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont regions. I offer my clients the convenience and security of the appraisal services being performed at your office, bank or home. 

NEW PURCHASE CONSULTATIONS This service is used to alleviate your concerns regarding your new purchase.  Are you worried if you got what you paid for?  Does your diamond match the diamond grading report given to you at time of purchases?  What is the quality of craftsmanship in your new item?  Purchasing sight unseen through the internet and on auction platforms are becoming more common and a consultation can verify the items purchased match the sales information, certification or appraisal that accompany the item(s).  No value information is provided with this service but an opinion that the price paid is within an acceptable range.  In the event the items purchased do not meet your expectations and need to be returned, many most sellers require appraisals from independent certified appraisers should a discrepancy or conflict arise. 

GEM IDENTIFICATION We can help answer any questions you may have on a loose or mounted faceted gemstone.  Such as what is it?  Is it natural, synthetic or imitation?  This is a verbal consultation with no value given in this service. To note, if your stone(s) are not loose there is a limitation to the accuracy and types of tests that may be performed when grading mounted gemstones or diamonds. 

DAMAGE REPORTS These reports are used to document damage to an item of jewelry or gemstone for the insurer so they know the scope of damage so the insurer can assess the the cost of repair or replacement. All damage is documented in the report and photographed. 

Please feel free to discuss with me what service best suits your appraisal needs. Click here to email