JEWELRY APPRAISAL

At Matheu’s Fine Watches and Jewelry, your Jewelry Appraisal will be professionally prepared to the highest standards in the industry.

Certified Appraiser

Our Certified Appraiser has a high level of education backed with a significant experience and product knowledge. Our appraiser has taken and passed courses and prescribed exams in evaluation and valuation, principles and business practices, appraisal ethics, standards and report writing. Your Jewelry Appraisal will include the following:

• Gemstones will be identified, graded, measured and their weights calculated.
• Metal content will be tested and determined.
• All diamonds over one carat will be issued a complete grading analysis, with color, clarity and cutting proportions listed. The internal characteristics of the diamond will be diagrammed (plotted) and included with the report.
• Colored gemstone grading analysis will be done for colored stones when appropriate.
• All grading systems used in the document will be explained.
• An explanation of the definition of value will be included, together with instructions for the appropriate use of the appraisal document.

Steps to take prior to having Matheu’s appraise your jewelry item:

1. Clean your jewelry. Prior to having your jewelry appraised, make sure it is cleaned. There are stringent guidelines for grading stones in their mountings, and your diamonds and precious gemstones will receive the finest estimated value of their color and clarity if they are sparkling clean.
2. Inspect your jewelry and get any needed repairs. When you clean your jewelry, scrutinize it for loose stones, sharp prongs, weak clasps, stretched-out strings on beads and pearls, and any other signs that repairs are necessary. To achieve the best appraisal value, you will want the jewelry piece in top condition before the appraiser evaluates it.
3. Organize documentation. Similar to having real estate appraised, a jewelry appraisal is dependent upon research and information. However, with jewelry, you are the source of information, not public records of sales transactions, regarding personal property sales records of jewelry and precious stones. Compile any documentation that could be beneficial for the appraiser in determining your jewelry’s value. This documentation creates a “paper trail” of your ownership history and value of the jewelry, and may provide information that will assist in the appraisal process.

Important Documentation to have for your appraisal:

• Sales receipts (best proof of ownership).
• Warranties (very important).
• Diamond or gemstone certificates from GIA, etc. (very important)
• Insurance summaries listing the jewelry.
• Prior appraisals (helpful if previous appraiser took stone measurements, or examined stones before they were mounted).
• Letters, etc. with facts relating to the jewelry or its history.