Special Offer!

Bring in this page and receive $25 off your appraisal fee.

Harper and Faye Jewelers

Professional Jewelry Appraisal Services F.A.Q.

Who will do my appraisals? Our appraisals are performed by a G.I.A. Graduate Gemologist with over 30 years experience in every facet of the jewelry industry, including the appraisal of antique and estate pieces.

What does an appraisal include? Your appraisal includes a detailed description of the piece, metals testing and weighing, gemstone identification, diamond grading, diamond plotting (optional), a photograph, and two copies of the document.

How long does an appraisal take? Normal turnaround time depends on the size of the lot, but is typically two days (for a single piece) to two weeks or more (for large estates). Rush service may be available.

Will I have to leave my jewelry? Yes. In order to be accurately appraised, each piece must be thoroughly cleaned, its stones and metals tested, measured and weighed, and diamonds graded and plotted . This simply can not be done "over the counter" by an ethical appraiser.

Why so much detail? The most valuable part of the appraisal is a complete and quantitative description. If the description is detailed, you are assured of getting a fair replacement for your jewelry. A vague description allows for more latitude in replacement, and unfortunately, it is in the insurance company's best interest to give you the least expensive replacement that will fit the description.

How do I know I'll get my diamond back? You need not worry. We can do a quick stone plot to diagram a diamond's internal characteristics. Or, bring in your Diamond Grading Report if you have one. You will sign a copies of this diagram before you leave. When you pick up your jewelry, you can look in the microscope again, and verify that it's yours.

What's the procedure? First, call to make an appointment with the gemologist. When you bring in your jewelry, we'll fill out a take-in form. We agree on a rough estimate of value, and write a loose description of the item (we can't be specific until we have had time to examine the pieces). We will then give you an estimate for the appraisal, although the actual fee is based on time spent. When you pick up your jewelry, you sign the form to acknowledge its receipt.

How much do you charge? We charge based on actual time spent with your, at $125 an hour. As a general guideline, we can process between one and ten pieces of jewelry an hour. Large, complicated pieces take more time, simple items like gold chains take less. There is a $65 minimum. There may be charges for supplementary insurance (large or expensive items), shipping, or outside specialist's opinions. We will call for approval for any such supplementary charges.

What types of appraisals do you offer? We offer the following types of appraisals:

Insurance Replacement: An opinion of the average amount required to replace the item at retail, in the local area.

Cash Value: An opinion of what you might be able to SELL your item for in the most likely market. This is usually a broad range, depending on how quickly you want to sell.

Fair Market Value: Most often used for estate and donation purposes, this appraisal gives an opinion of the average amount that the item would sell for in the most likely market for the type and condition of the piece.

Qualitative: Answers the question "what is it", but not "how much is it worth". Takes less time, and costs less than a typical appraisal.

Updates: Based on a prior insurance appraisal which you provide. Minimum charge is $35.00.