Quote:
Originally Posted by Buster46
I would like to find a good jewelry appraiser close to TV to appraise rings and watches. I would like an appraiser that will do it while I wait as do not want to leave the items with them. Also, what should I expect to pay for the appraisal? Any information is greatly appreciated. .
Thank you
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Even a GOOD home inspector will take 4 or more hours to do a house inspection if he/she is to be thorough and protect your interest.
As a former jeweler, my two cents worth is you will NOT get a detailed, accurate appraisal from someone that will do it on a "while you wait" basis. To do a proper appraisal one must clean the jewelry thoroughly first and that alone could take some time. Then there are stone measurements, mounting measurements, grading of the diamonds against a master color set, the weight of the item [including the stones], if the stone [diamond is of one carat plus in size, then there should be a plotting of the characteristics of the diamond. A photo of the item should be taken to be added to the appraisal as well. Then there is research that needs to be done to accurately value the diamond[s]. If done properly this takes time, not something that should be rushed by having someone sitting around "looking over your shoulder, waiting".
Also, if you do not
trust the person that you are asking to do the appraisal on your jewelery, why would you trust his/her evaluation? You need to feel comfortable and trust the person or don't use them.
Also, for your FYI, never, never have an appraisal done by someone that bases their charges on a percentage of the value of the item. It would be in that person's best interest to "over inflate" the value so they would be paid more for the appraisal.
My appraisals started at $75 per item and went up based upon the number of stones in the mounting. I never discounted my appraisals because I was asked to do multiple items, each item takes a certain amount of time to prep, evaluate, photo, and then write out the appraisal in such a way as to protect you the owner, NOT the insurance company. Vague, descriptions of the jewelry with only a short description and a total value of the item without individual breakdown of the stones verses the mounting and labor only gives the insurance companies the ability to assign as little value to the "part" that is lost.
One last thing before I "get off my soap box" - do not go for an over valued appraisal thinking you are going to get more for the piece if it is lost or stolen, most likely you will NOT. For the most part, an insurance company only has to "make you whole" . Why pay premiums on an item that was appraised for $3500 if you could purchase the item everyday for around $2000- $2500?
Sorry for the long post but I loved my work and did well at my own business, that is why I were able to retire to The Villages at an early age!