APPRAISALS:

Why Appraise Your Jewelry, Diamonds, Gemstones & Watches? One of the first questions an appraiser may ask you is, "Why do you need this appraisal"? This may seem like a nosey question to people who are unfamiliar with appraisal practice, but it is in fact an indication that you may be speaking with a trained professional appraiser. Each appraisal must identify the specific intended use.

Support, information and peace of mind!: Are you trying to locate a qualified, caring and friendly team of Graduate Gemologists (GIA) to help you with determining the value of your valuables? Based on your needs, our goal is to consistently offer you professional, unbiased feedback, caring support, information and excellent advice. We want to be part of your team to help you comply with Insurance Company requirements, with Estate valuations, distribution and/or liquidations. We can provide you with background and market information needed to help you make those important buying decisions. You get one-on-one expertise of one of our Gemologists and a commitment of excellent service. We provide services that are affordable. We believe that 'peace of mind' (and good information) can be priceless! Give us a call to discuss your needs or to set an appointment.

You may bring in your jewelry for appraisal at any time. You will normally be asked to leave it with us so our appraiser can thoroughly examine, describe and value your items. If you leave fewer than ten items, your jewelry can normally be picked up within a few days. Larger appraisals, of twenty or thirty items or more, will normally need to be left for three to four weeks. Our appraisal charges< are based upon the amount of time involved; we will give you an estimate before we proceed. Your appraisal document consists of a permanent file copy for you, with complete descriptions and photographs of all your jewelry, and a copy for your insurance company. We keep a duplicate copy in our files as well, along with any worksheets we have used.

There are many reasons for having your jewelry appraised and the value of your personal property is different in each of a variety of situations. Some appraisals have definitions of value dictated by law. With others the appraiser chooses the appropriate type of value and appraisal method for the situation. However, assessing the value of your jewelry is only one of the appraiser's jobs.

The appraiser has three functions, and all of them are important to you.

1. Identifier. Your jewelry must be identified as to the materials, workmanship, condition and any other elements affecting its value. It is then evaluated, i.e., ranked in quality in relation to all other similar property.

2. Valuer. A value must be assigned to the jewelry that is appropriate to the intended use of the appraisal.

3. Witness to the property. The appraiser can attest in a court of law that the jewelry existed at a certain point in time, that it was in a certain condition, and that it was valued according to accepted valuation practice. (This is why it is necessary for your appraiser to examine your jewelry when you have the appraisal updated.)

Again, your appraisal document is written for a specific intended use, it serves as a permanent record and it performs the three functions listed above.

Support, information and peace of mind!: Are you trying to locate a qualified, caring and friendly team of Graduate Gemologists (GIA) to help you with determining the value of your valuables? Based on your needs, our goal is to consistently offer you professional, unbiased feedback, caring support, information and excellent advice. We want to be part of your team to help you comply with Insurance Company requirements, with Estate valuations, distribution and/or liquidations. We can provide you with background and market information needed to help you make those important buying decisions. You get one-on-one expertise of one of our Gemologists and a commitment of excellent service. We provide services that are affordable. We believe that 'peace of mind' (and good information) can be priceless!

Pre-purchase planning, purchase/sale related evaluations, collection evaluations, etc., our team is available (on appointment basis) for on-site, walk-in, mail-in and phone consultations for a fee. If you are in need of Gemological information (Jewelry, Diamonds and Colored Gemstones, or have questions regarding such issues as "Purchase or Replacement Pricing" (Did I pay a fair price? Is it worth keeping? If I sell it, would an appraisal help determine it's value, etc?), determine an item(s) Quality (Does my diamond or gemstone match the certificate or meet GIA quality standards?), etc.. Give us a call to discuss your needs or to set an appointment at 949.586.1368.

Other Services:

Some of the most common reasons for having your jewelry appraised are as follows:

Purchase/Sale Related Reasons
- Quality Confirmation (Item match the certificate it came with?)
- Purchase Price Evaluation (Did I pay a fair price?)
- Sale Price Evaluation (How much can I get for this jewelry?)
- To confirm certification & valuation (Did I get what I paid for?)

Insurance Related Reasons
- Insurance Scheduling
- Insurance Claims (Post Loss Appraisal)
- Damage Report (Evaluation of damage, repair, or replacement)

Estate Related Reasons
- Estate Planning/Trust Formation
- Federal estate tax (estates in excess of $1 million)
- State probate for estates with a will
- Distribution of Property between Heirs

Liquidation Related Reasons
- Resale of property
- Orderly liquidation
- Forced liquidation

Divorce/Dissolution of Marriage
- Division of property

Litigation Support
- Expert Witness services
- Consultations

Non-Cash Charitable Donation (IRS Deduction)

Insurance Replacement Appraisals:
An insurance replacement appraisal is a report used to assist your insurance company replace your item in the event of theft, loss or damage. An appraisal is required to receive coverage on your jewelry items and is recommended that the appraisal is updated every two to three years. Through World Gemological Services, updates are at no additional cost. Insurance replacement appraisals show the value of the item with current market prices for diamonds, gemstones, gold, etc… Please ask your insurance provider for more details.

Estate Appraisals:
An estate appraisal helps in putting a value on inherited items as well as division of items as in death or divorce.

Resale Appraisals:
A multi-market evaluation and valuation report written in narrative form. Such reports outline the options available to sellers and indicate the values, which may be realized from these options. The report may be restricted to specific time frame or provide for multiple time frames. In addition, values may be stated as specific figures or ranges. Given their depth of research and retail, plus the potential liability for negligence, resale appraisals should only be written by individuals trained in appraisal principles.

Federal Tax Appraisal:
A report on fair market value as defined by the Internal Revenue Code and the U.S. Tax Court that should only be prepared by one specifically trained in tax appraisals.

Evaluation Report:
A qualitative analysis or description of a piece, which may, or may not include a value conclusion. Such reports lay the groundwork for disposal by explaining too owners just what they have and what might be done to improve its value. In addition, evaluation reports can help prevent switching stones when items are consigned or pawned.

Consulting:
If for any reason you have a question regarding your item or if you need help in selecting items for your jewelry store, we provide consulting services to assist you. Services vary according to need. Our team of Graduate Gemologists have been providing gemological services to insurance companies, jewelry trade, independently owned retail stores to large multi-store chains, wholesalers, and others. We can offer you the highest prices for your diamonds, pre-owned watches, fine jewelry or estate pieces. There is never any obligation or cost for our consultation. If you wish to sell diamonds, pre-owned watches or fine/estate jewelry, please feel free to contact us.