Our jewelry appraisal process involves several key steps to determine the value of a piece of jewelry.

1. Initial Assessment: The appraiser examines the jewelry closely, checking for any obvious signs of damage, wear, or previous repairs. They will also evaluate the design and craftsmanship of the piece.
2. Identification of Materials: The appraiser identifies the metals and gemstones used in the jewelry. This includes determining the karat weight of any gold, silver, or platinum, as well as identifying the type, quality, and cut of any gemstones (diamonds, sapphires, etc.).
3. Quality and Condition Evaluation: The appraiser assesses the quality of the gemstones, focusing on the “Four Cs” for diamonds (cut, color, clarity, and carat weight) or the relevant grading criteria for other stones. The overall condition of the piece is also noted, including any signs of wear or previous repairs.
4. Comparison to Market Values: The appraiser uses current market data to compare the jewelry to similar items, considering factors like rarity, demand, and pricing trends for both materials and design.
5. Final Valuation: After gathering all the necessary information, the appraiser calculates the value of the jewelry, typically providing a written appraisal that outlines the specifics of the piece, its quality, and the final determined value. This appraisal may be used for insurance purposes, resale, or other financial needs.

Throughout the process, the appraiser typically works with specialized tools such as magnifying loupes, gemological instruments, and weight scales to ensure an accurate evaluation.