Scott using his microscope

I specialize in the value of your jewelry…

carefully identified, valued, and documented. The result is an appraisal you can believe in.

You may need your jewelry appraised for many reasons, such as getting insurance coverage, distributing or selling estate items, determining estate tax liability, or addressing other legal matters.

Scott at desk with couple holding ring

Oral Appraisals

$90 per half-hour

Although it is not provided in writing, this service is an appraisal. In most cases, identification, research, and valuation occur while you are here with your jewelry. It is often useful for sorting items for insurance coverage or distributing them among heirs.

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Diamond bridal set with gem equipment

Written Appraisals

$120 per hour/$180 minimum*

This service provides complete documentation for insurance coverage or other specific uses. The time required depends on the number of items, their complexity, and your intended use of the document. We review your items’ distinguishing characteristics before you leave them.

(*base rate for insurance assignments)

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Scott at desk louping a ring with client

Broker’s Price Opinions

$75 per half-hour

In this service, I provide my opinion of how much I can sell your item for and specify what my commission would be. I may suggest other selling options you can consider. It is not given in writing and is done while you wait. If we agree that I sell your item, I waive the fee.

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Scott louping ring under flip lamp
 

“Scott was incredibly helpful at identifying and providing me information regarding an antique locket. Not only is he extremely knowledgeable, but also very friendly and enjoyable to work with. Scott provides you with the needed information to make informed and empowered decisions about your jewelry. I would absolutely recommend his services!”

- autumn browning

 

Scott Gordon’s Qualifications and Memberships

 Questions I’m often asked

Why do I have to leave my jewelry for a written appraisal report?

It takes time to produce a professional report. I clean and study your jewelry to judge its quality and condition, write its description, and photograph it. If you have diamonds estimated to weigh 0.50 carat or more, I make a diagram of their clarity characteristics.

What if I don’t know whether to insure my jewelry?

I recommend starting with oral appraisal to see if your items fall above or below a certain value. Then you can decide whether to cover them under your general homeowner’s policy or on a separate, more comprehensive “rider” policy.

For a written appraisal, how long do you have to keep my jewelry?

It varies according to the number of items and why you need them appraised. I complete most written assignments within one week. To earn your trust, I show you identifying characteristics before you leave your items, and again when you pick them up.

What if I’m not sure whether I want to keep or sell my jewelry?

In my Broker’s Price Opinion I estimate how much I can sell your item for, what my commission would be, and how long it would take to sell it. I also discuss other options, such as how to sell it on your own.

I know you work by the hour, so how do I know how much the appraisal will cost?

For almost all written appraisals, I quote a maximum fee that I won’t exceed so that you can decide whether to go forward. For oral appraisal, the time it takes varies according to the number and kinds of items you have, and the questions you need to have answered. I have found that about 40 minutes to an hour is usually sufficient for one or two items, and sometimes more.

Is there anything I should do before I come?

Bring any documentation you have, such as sales receipts and old appraisals. Here are other things you can do to prepare for your jewelry appraisal.

 
 

free phone consultation

Whatever your jewelry question, let’s talk about it.

Scott standing and showing stones to young couple