Explanation of Jewelry Appraisal Services

Insurance appraisal reports are provided with a valuation for the current replacement value. Insurance appraisal reports include a thorough description of jewelry, gems, pictures of the item(s), and value(s). Includes cleaning (as able, depending on condition), metal testing, gem testing, and checking gem settings for security and condition. Value conclusions in an Insurance Appraisal report are based on current market conditions, metal prices, and labor costs. Valuations provided in a report are estimations of the buyer’s costs of a new, duplicate piece or substitute property with equal function and desirability. P.S. A pair of earrings counts as one item.

Estate jewelry appraisal reports are provided with a valuation for the fair market value of items presented for equitable distribution, estate tax, or sale of property for equal distribution. Estate appraisal reports include a thorough description of jewelry, gems, pictures of the item(s), and value(s). Includes cleaning (as able, depending on condition), metal testing, gem testing, and checking gem settings for security and condition. 

The definition of fair market value is set forth in Treasury Regulation §20.2031-1(b), which states that the "fair market value is the price at which property would change hands between a willing buyer and a willing seller, neither being under any compulsion to buy or to sell and both having reasonable knowledge of relevant facts. The fair market value of a particular item of property in the decedent's gross estate is not to be determined by a forced sale nor is the fair market value of an item of property to be determined by the sale price of an item in a market other than that in which the item would be most commonly sold to the public, taking into consideration the location of the item wherever appropriate."

Verbal evaluation is done during an appointment and does not include notes or paperwork. Verbal evaluation is recommended for sorting items for relative value, what is “real” vs. not “real,” or if you just want to know the history and era of what you have. The client may take notes and take photos of the items being processed for their records, during the session. 

Using GIA grading standards. No official paperwork, no images,  just hand-written on a receipt.

Using GIA grading standards. No official paperwork, no images, just hand-written on a receipt.

Services and their fees are the same as described in the "Services Price List". Report delivery time will be discussed while arranging the appointment with the client.

Updates on appraisal reports are available for a reduced fee, ONLY for reports created within 5 years by J.S. English Appraisals. The appraiser must have the item(s) present for updates. No updates will be made on previous appraisals without the subject item(s) present at the time of evaluation for the update(s). 

J.S. English Appraisals values its wholesale clients just as much as its retail clients. Please contact us. We look forward to discussing how J.S. English Appraisals could be the right fit for you.