Appraisal Services

Appraisal charges are priced per piece or at an hourly rate.  For a single item we charge $70 and the hourly rate is $95 per hour.  Typically we can appraise 2-4 items per hour depending on the complexity of the pieces.  Doing an appraisal starts with a light polishing, thorough cleaning and inspection of your jewelry.  Any tightening of stones, links or clasps will be done at this time as well.  To calculate values of jewelry, we use guidelines established by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).  These guidelines are used for both the weight of the piece as a whole as well as the grading qualities of any gemstones in the piece.  James is a Graduate Gemologist with the GIA as well as a holding a degree in Geology.  Jonathan has his GIA Diamonds and Diamond Grading Certificate.  Debbie completed an appraisal training course with the Jewelers Board of Appraisal Review and Judy also has her Diamonds and Diamond Grading certificate from the GIA.

Our appraisals consist of getting a gram weight of the piece, adescription of the details of the piece, identifying the gemstones inareas of type, number, color, weight and quality, and if a vintage piece, a time period in which is was created.  Any hallmarks or makers’ marks are also noted.  We belong to several organizations that provide us with the most up-to-date information and market values.  Should you experience a loss, we can work directly with your insurance company to replace your item with a new piece of comparable quality.

Jonathan’s prides itself on being fluent in dating vintage and antique pieces from different eras.  Jonathan has a fine personal collection of antique pieces.  From time to time we have been asked to broker entire estates valued at many thousands of dollars.  Another valuable service that we offer free of charge is giving general information and value to customers about jewelry items they may have inherited but aren’t sure what they have.  We also photograph and do research on rare items to get as much information as possible.  We can travel to clients’ homes or bank vaults if the need arises.

We also are currently purchasing scrap gold and unwanted vintage or antique items, with a proper photo ID.