Easy Tips for Appraising Jewelry

By: Jared Adams

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.

Article Source: http://collectibles-articles.com

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