Appraisal Services

Our services vary depending on your specific needs. We provide evaluations at our secure Beverly Hills gem lab or, we can bring our portable laboratory to you.

Insurance appraisals

Appraisal reports for insurance coverage protect your jewelry and watch collection in the event of a loss, damage or theft.

We appraise all types of watches and fine jewelry including engagement rings, antique jewelry, designers such as Cartier, Boucheron, VCA, Tiffany & Co.

The description and value are used when setting your insurance premiums. Appraising too high can cost you excessive premiums and appraising too low will leave you short on funds during your settlement. For this reason, we carefully research the market to arrive at the most accurate replacement value.

When filing a claim, your appraisal report is subjected to the most scrutiny. This is why we provide a highly detailed description with photographs and an explanation of the market where your jewelry can be replaced to support the value of your jewelry.

Is your appraisal up to date? The value of gold, diamonds, gemstones and watches fluctuate which is why we recommend updates between 2 - 4 years.

If you are filing a claim, we also provide post-loss and damage assessment reports.Appraisal reports for insurance coverage protect your jewelry and watch collection in the event of a loss, damage or theft.

Trust & Estate Appraisals

Administering an estate can be a daunting task. You may require an estate related appraisal for any of the following reasons. We recommend an initial conversation to discuss your needs and to determine the best approach.

Estate Planning / Equitable Division

In this case the appraisal should facilitate a fair division among recipients.

Based on your requirements, we may use either Fair Market Value (see estate tax appraisals) or Marketable Cash Value (cash in hand after cost of selling removed).

Estate Taxation / Settlement

If the estate exceeds the estate tax exemption (12.06 million in 2022),

the IRS require that Jewelry is appraised at Fair Market Value for estate taxes. There are other strict requirements so please consult with your tax attorney for proper guidance.

Fair Market Value is the amount for which the jewelry would change hands, in its present condition in its most common market, with a disinterested third party for his/her own use, and with no compulsion to buy or sell.

Jewelry is evaluated in its current used condition, followed by research in the market where the piece is typically sold to the end-user. For most standard jewelry items in good condition, we look to the auction market and/or dealers specializing in pre-owned fine jewelry.

Trusts & Conservatorship Formation

Jewelry retained in a trust is appraised at Fair Market Value for the establishment of tax basis and needs to be updated periodically.

State Probate

Jewelry mentioned in a will may be appraised by the personal representative or, a qualified appraiser. At a minimum, we recommend a verbal consultation to assist with testing and sorting the jewelry collection.

Purchase Advice

Whether making and important purchase on-line or building your jewelry collection, knowledge is power.

Maximize your investment. Make sure your Art Deco ring is not a reproduction. Understand why your ruby is treated (or not) and why it affects the price. When purchasing jewelry, gems and watches, DETAILS MATTER and we have the knowledge to help you save money and refine your collection.

Most reputable jewelers will agree to an inspection by an unbiased, independent appraiser before the sale is finalized. We provide consultation services where we evaluate and discuss the attributes of your piece, assuring you will make an informed decision.

Resale Advice

When it’s time to sell your jewelry and watches, preparation is the key to success.
Your re-sale strategies and options are explored and, if needed, we provide brokering services to locate interested buyers for you. During your pre-sale consultation, we evaluate your collection and share the important characteristics that are relevant to a potential buyer. Results can be provided verbally during the consultation or, we can create a quality analysis report with the full description.

We will also advise, when you can benefit from a diamond grading or gemstone origin report from a respected laboratory such as the GIA or AGL.

Loan / Collateral Appraisals

We offer appraisal services when jewelry is offered as collateral to secure a loan.

The jewelry is evaluated followed by market research, then the details are provided in an appraisal report.

Should the lender default on the loan, the jewelry needs to be converted to funds. Depending on the lender’s requirements, orderly (or forced) liquidation is the most appropriate market for this type of appraisal report.

Donation Appraisals

Appraisals for donation must be performed by a qualified appraiser and follow strict IRS guidelines.

Please refer to IRS form 8283 and consult with your tax attorney to be sure that you are complying with the law.

We fulfill the requirements of a “qualified appraiser” as defined by the IRS and comply with their guidelines when preparing an appraisal for donation.

Litigation Support

Jewelry may become the subject of dispute that leads to litigation or arbitration.

When seeking a resolution, we have the professional training and expertise to assist and provide opinions of value in an unbiased manner.

These assignments are billed on an hourly basis. A contract and non-refundable retainer is required to proceed with an Expert Witness / Litigation assignment.

Call us for a discussion to determine if our expertise is suitable for your case.