Is your jewelry covered by accurate and legitimate appraisals?
If you lost your engagement ring tomorrow, would it be adequately covered by your insurance for it to be replaced as close to the original?
These are questions that are answered with a proper appraisal that is current and accurate.
Part of why I share the information related to jewelry is so you don’t feel intimidated by shopping for and caring for your jewelry.
You should always feel comfortable with the jewelry professionals you trust, and feel they have your best interests at heart.
That brings up the subject of ethics, which should be the barometer that underrides the practice of personal property and jewelry appraisals.
Knowing who to trust, and who will appriase your jewelry fairly and honestly should be your first priority when choosing an appraiser.
I’m so excited to share my visit with today’s guest, Fred Van Doren, Graduate Gemologist, and Certified Jewelry Appraiser.
His story starts in a chemistry lab, and while he still uses a microscope on a regular basis, he has solid experience in jewelry appraisal, as well as a long history within the retail sector of the industry, from a corporate perspective, to his own privately owned store.
Type of appraisals:
A sales appraisal reflects the retail price of an item.
Most jewelry appraisals are created for insurance coverage based on replacement and fair market values.
Other reasons for jewelry appraisals are for
-liquidation value
-consighment purpose
-estate appraisals
-tax write offs for donations
Credentials to look for with an appraiser:
GG  (GIA - Gemological Institute of America; Graduate Gemologist) or FGA (Fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain
Certificating Agencies
NAJA (National Association of Jewelry Appraisers)
ISA (International Society of Appraisers)
ASA (American Society of Appraisers)
Continuing education for gem and trade updates, such as lab created options, and gemstone treatments.