What if you receive some antique jewelry that was handed down as an inheritance? Are you just going to stick it in a drawer and forget about it? What if that antique jewelry is really quite valuable? You should get an antique jewelry appraisal to assess the value of the jewelry to determine whether you should sell or keep it and have it insured.
There are some things to watch out for when it comes to an appraisal. One of those things is the claim of free antique jewelry appraisals. Nothing in life is for free. And when it comes to a free antique jewelry appraisal, you have to wonder what the catch is. You see, a properly trained appraiser has an extensive background as a graduate gemologist and also has accreditation as an appraiser through a noted group such as the American Society of Appraisers.
A true professional will not offer a free antique jewelry appraisal. That is why you should question an appraiser’s antique jewelry appraisal education. Just because someone has been in the jewelry business or has served as a gemologist does not make them qualified to hand you an appraisal. There must be formal antique jewelry appraisal training along with a certified background.
When you get antique jewelry appraisals, you should receive a formal report. This formal antique jewelry appraisal should contain the following:
177 antique jewelry appraisal
1. A cover report that explains the reason why the appraisal is being sought after as well as what you plan to use the information for.
2. The methodology of the appraiser as well as comparison trends should be duly noted.
3. The antique jewelry should be completely described so that it could be potential identified without the need for a picture.
4. The date, time, location and approximate value should be listed in the antique jewelry appraisal.
5. There should be a statement that the appraiser has no vested interest in the piece and is an impartial party.
6. There should also be a signature of the appraiser as well as their qualifications and such.
If your antique jewelry appraisal does not have the information above, you are right to question the validity of it. In addition, the fee for the appraisal should be stated in advance before the antique piece is examined. That way, there is no fee adjustments based on the true value of the antique piece of jewelry.
Do not trust an online antique jewelry appraisal either. A true value and inspection cannot occur unless the jewelry piece is physically in front of the appraiser. While you can use the internet up to a point to identify a time period at least, do not trust any appraisal other than from someone you can meet in person who has the proper credentials.
