Easy Tips For Appraising Jewelry

Easy Tips For Appraising Jewelry Appraising jewelry goes beyond determining its value, it refers to its quality, color, condition and aesthetic beauty. Because jewelry can be so valuable, it is important to have high-end pieces appraised by an independent, qualified gemologist and appraiser.

However, it is possible to do a quick home appraisal or a mental overview in your mind when looking at a piece for sale at a bazaar or local antique market.

While appraisal isn't easy, you can give any piece of jewelry the once-over to get an idea of its authenticity and possible value. To learn some great tips that will help you appraise your jewelry simply and easily, keep reading.

1. Ask to see the original purchase receipt. If you've purchased the item yourself, you should have the receipt stored in a safe place, like your family files or a safety deposit box. Knowing the original purchase value can be a great gauge for inferring a piece's modern-day value.

2. Look online for similar pieces. If you know you're dealing with a 6.5 millimeter diamond that's approximately one carat set in a simple gold band, you can get a rough idea of the pricing. Of course, this can vary wildly depending on the stone's cut, color and clarity, but it's a start.

3. Track down the history of the jewelry. If you're dealing with a necklace discovered in a trunk in the attic, try to find out which family member acquired it and from where. Knowing and understanding the history of the piece can help you or a professional appraiser get a clearer picture of the item's value as an antique. Also, if you're purchasing the item, say at a yard sale, don't hesitate to ask the seller about the piece's history.

4. Get a good idea of the stones and materials. Try to identify the materials used in your particular piece of jewelry. Is it gold, silver or tin? Are those diamonds or glass? Knowing the gemstones and metals used in a piece's construction can help you get a better grip on its value.

5. Be able to identify a fake. For example, a flawless emerald is sure to be a fake along with a flawless and perfectly round pearl. A diamond with no internal flaw is probably an imitation as well. If you're not sure, always have an item tested by an independent and qualified gemologist and appraiser.

6. Typically, the heavier a piece, the more it is worth, but this doesn't always hold true. Fine and light pieces that use exceptional stones can sometimes be worth substantially more than their heavier, yet lower-quality counterparts.

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