There are three basic types of appraisals. Each serves a different purpose and provides a different estimate of an item’s value. It is important to determine which type of appraisal will best meet your needs.

*Replacement Cost Appraisal (RCA) provides an estimate of the cost to replace an item with a new one of comparable look and quality. Replacement Cost Appraisals are most often used to determine an appropriate amount of insurance coverage. It is important that the RCA provides an accurate estimate of an item’s replacement cost. If the replacement cost is over-stated, your items could be over-insured and you will pay higher premiums than necessary. If a piece is lost or stolen, the insurance company often only reimburses you for the item’s estimated replacement cost, not necessarily the full insured amount.

*Fair-Market Value Appraisal (FMVA) is most often used for tax, trust, estate or loan purposes. The FMVA provides an estimate of the likely selling price of an item if it is sold in its current, as-is condition in its most common market.

*Consumer Protection Appraisal (CPA) is for the consumer who is considering the purchase a coin, fine jewel or precious gemstone. The report provides the consumer with an accurate description of the item’s quality and physical characteristics. The CPA helps you assess whether the seller has fairly and accurately represented the quality of the piece and whether the asking price is fair.

Our written appraisal will include:

• work to inspect and gather facts about the piece
• market research to compare like pieces
• writing of the appraisal

Hourly rate is $125 on-site. Total hours will depend on the complexity of the jewelry. A simple wedding band will always cost less than a three-stone engagement ring; there's simply more to appraise with the latter.  

All appraisals are a minimum of one hour.  The time spent with you and your jewelry during the appointment will be equal to the time we take to prepare your written appraisal.  Example: If our appraiser spends 45 minutes with you, the total appraisal time will be billed at 1.5 hours. This is a typical scenario and if more time will be needed we will discuss at the beginning of your appointment.