How much does it cost?

This is the most frequently asked question and the hardest to answer. We are a service with a base cost of $95.00. Due to complexity and other factors some appraisals cost more. We will estimate your appraisal fee before we start the appraisal.

We have 3 levels of service Gold, Silver and Platinum Packages.

• Silver Package: This is our basic report. It includes a detailed description of the mounting and gemstones plus a digital photograph and valuation of the jewelry item. The stones can be mounted or loose.
  
  
• Gold Package: This appraisal includes the Silver Report and a grading report of a diamond or colored gemstone. The stones can be loose or mounted. It also includes a computerized and digital fingerprint and photograph which shows the natural inclusions. It requies a more thorough examination of the item under the microscope.
  
  
• Platinum Package: This appraisal includes the Gold report with a performance grading anaylsis to show you how light is reflected through the diamond. The stones can be loose or mounted.
  
  

The 3 categories of appraisals are Insurance, Estate, and Market Value Reports. These are different in that an Insurance Appraisal gives "New Replacement value", an Estate appraisal gives "Fair Market Value", Market Value Appraisal gives "The Actual price value between buyer and seller".

We estimate the cost of your appraisal (for free) so you will know "how much" before we start the process. Can we do this without looking at the jewelry in hand? Yes, if you send us a photo of the jewelry item(s). We can give an estimate. Please call us for the email address to send your photo.

What do I get for my money?

For your payment you will receive a consultation on your Jewelry and/or Reports.
The detail of the report is based on the package you choose (Silver, Gold, or Platinum Package).
All reports include a timeline of item, 1 copy for your Insurance company and 1 copy for your records. We authenticate, describe, and evaluate items for your edification. You sit with the Jewelry Judge as he does his work (Your jewelry never leaves your sight). You are able to ask any and all questions about the process and get accurate answers you can understand.

Is this just an opinion?

No! Reports include photos of the jewelry, detailed scientific analysis of the gem and the experience of someone who has 55 years in the jewelry business. Your report includes computerized diamond color and cut grading. The gem or jewelry is put through many evaluations to come to the conclusions about its appraised value. Appraisal values are based on the most-up-to-date current market values. This is a professional service, not a trip to the local jewelry store.

Why do I need an appraisal?

The most important reason to get an appraisal is for insurance purposes. If your jewelry is ever lost or stolen, you must have detailed documentation of its description and value if you hope to have your insurance company help you replace it. Having an appraisal is also important in the event that you ever need to prove that your jewelry is, in fact, yours. Additionally, you should get an updated appraisal every two years. Aditionally, every two years you ahve your appraisal updated. Due to changing market values, if you do not have a current appraisal, your jewelry may not be sufficiently insured for its true replacement value, and you will not be fully covered in the event of a loss. An appraisal is indispensable when trying to ascertain the value of your jewelry for estate purposes, divorce settlements, private sales and loans.

What about insuring my jewelry? Can you help me with that? Should I put it on my homeowner's insurance?

No, you should not include your jewelry on your homeowner's insurance policy. If, in the event that you must make a claim on your jewelry, your insurance premiums may drastically increase. It is important that you insure your jewelry separately. We do not offer insurance, but we can recommend reliable insurance companies that you may contact.

What if I already have an appraisal from the store from which I made my purchase?

Why do I need another appraisal?

It is always a good idea to get a second opinion about the value of important items. An independent appraiser who does not buy or sell jewelry will give you an unbiased opinion about the true condition and value of your jewelry. You need not worry that you are getting an inflated replacement value or that the stated condition of your jewelry is not accurate.

What can I expect when I come for an appraisal?

You will be asked to fill out a take-in form with your name and address. You will then be taken to a private room, so that we may review your jewelry items and discuss the purpose of the appraisal. For example, an insurance appraisal must be much more detailed than an estate or resale appraisal.

What happens after my jewelry items have been reviewed?

You will be given the appraisal fee. The base appraisal price is $95 and may increase depending on the size and complexity of the item, and which level of appraisal package you choose (Silver, Gold or Platinum). If you bring more than one item to be appraised, you will be informed of the appraisal cost of each individual item. The appraisal price includes labor, research time, and the difficulty of appraisal due to complexity of the item.

What is included with my appraisal?

You will receive an appraisal for your own records, as well as an appraisal to send to your insurance company. The appraisal is comprised of a digital color photograph, documentation of the type and condition of the metal and mounting, and a description of the stone(s). The appraisal will include the grades of clarity, color and cut of the stone(s), as well as the measurements and weights of the stone(s). The replacement value is clearly stated at the bottom of the appraisal. (Please see our REPORTS page for an example.)

Will I have to leave my jewelry item(s) for appraisal?

NO! We do the appraisals while you watch and wait. Your jewelry NEVER leaves your sight. You can watch the entire appraisal process and ask any questions that may come to mind, If however, you are unable to wait while the appraisal is done, you may leave your jewelry here, where it will be appraised and then kept stored in a heavy safe.

How long does an appraisal of one item take?

Usually an appraisal takes about half an hour to complete. This may increase depending on the complexity of the item.

Do I need to make an appointment or do you accept walk-ins?

We do accept walk-ins, but we prefer to make an appointment so we may give you our full and complete attention that you rightly deserve.

I cannot bring in my jewelry for an appraisal - can you help me?

YES! Jewelry Judge Ben Gordon can bring his "mobile technology" to your home, or office to do an on-site appraisal. This is actually an option that many insurance companies and professionals use when they have a large amount of jewelry that needs appraising.