Jewelry appraisers can provide
valuable services to people who own diamonds and jewelry or are
in the process of buying diamonds and jewelry.
First, the jewelry appraiser can identify your
jewelry as to the material, quality, workmanship, condition and
other characteristics that influence the item’s value. For
example, diamonds that appear similar to the eye can vary in terms
of color, clarity, cut, fluorescence, measurements and durability.
These are all factors that uniquely identify one diamond from
another and can cause the value of one stone to be more than double
that of another even if they are identical to the unaided eye.
Second, the jewelry appraiser can estimate the
value of the jewelry item. The definition of value can vary depending
on the purpose of the appraisal. For example, an appraisal value
could be quite different if the purpose is 1) selling the item,
2) purchasing an item from a retailer, 3) insuring the item after
purchase, 4) settling an estate, 5) distributing property in a
divorce, or as an expert witness in a lawsuit.
Third, the jewelry appraiser is a witness to
the existence of the property. This is important in the process
of filing an insurance claim for the loss of an item where proof
might be required that the jewelry existed at a certain point
in time and was in a certain condition. This is why an appraiser
should insist on examining the jewelry item when updating an insurance
appraisal.
Fourth, the jewelry appraiser can provide advice
as to the durability, wearability, and repair of jewelry items.
Jewelry made of metal and gemstones can vary greatly in their
hardness, toughness, and resistance to heat or chemicals. Because
the appraiser has professional training (i.e. Graduate Gemologist)
and is not involved in the sale of the item, they can provide
unbiased recommendations based on their experience.
When selecting a jewelry appraiser, understand
why you are seeking the jewelry appraiser’s services so
you can choose the best provider of those services. Professional
jewelry appraisers set their fees based on an hourly rate or a
per item basis, never as a percentage of appraised value. Appraisers
who are efficient and highly computerized can often provide lower
prices for services than those performing the same task but take
twice as long to perform them.
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