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"The American Society of Appraisers is the country's oldest multi-disciplinary appraisal certifying organization and has a strict code of ethics as well as a stringent re-certification program which is required at 5 year intervals. This program assures up to date gemological and valuation competence of all senior members."

Appraisal services are an important part of securing, building and/or maintaining a fine jewelry collection. The wise client, whether only casually interested in jewelry and gemstones or a serious collector, will find the appraisal session one of great benefit. Information on the historical background of the jewelry and authentication of it are part of the thorough evaluation done by a competent appraiser.

While You Wait Appraisal Services

Many clients enjoy the security and information gleaned by staying in the office during their appraisal. This practice is encouraged and leads to a greater understanding by the customer of his/her property.

Some of the available appraisal services are:

The type of appraisal service you select is determined by your intended use of the appraisal. While some intended uses might be obvious, others may require some thought and may even involve seeking advice from your lawyer. Combination appraisals can be an efficient way to utilize your appraiser's time. If, for example, you are having jewelry from an estate appraised for its fair market value, you can request that the appraiser do retail replacement appraisals for insurance during the same session. By doing so, you will have the requisite appraisal to satisfy estate matters as well as an appraisal to secure insurance on your newly inherited jewelry. Out of Office Appraisals are available by arrangement. Travel time is billed one way. In office visits are encouraged when possible.

How to Identify your Diamond and Jewelry

Frequently the appraiser is called upon to teach the client how to identify his/her diamond. This is potent consumer ammunition in safeguarding your diamonds or other gems from being switched (inadvertently or fraudulently). This service can be offered by itself or as part of the dialogue during appraisal engagements. A utilitarian aid for this purpose is the 10X jeweler's loupe. One with high quality optics such as Carl Zeiss in 10X hand held configuation is recommended. Go to the IGS. Inc. page for Zeiss loupes( www.igsinc.com/loupead.htm <www.igsdiamonds.com/loupead.htm>). Other pages in the IGS site ( <www.igsdiamonds.com>) contain information about diamond terminology (glossary) and quality parameters of a diamond.

Fees:

A professional appraiser has no problem with a client seeking the best price for their appraisal job. The major concerns are

Comparing prices from two equally qualified ASA's is straightforward enough, but pricing based on productivity is another matter. For this purpose the client might wish to show the appraiser the items and get a firm quotation before work begins.

FEE SCHEDULE GUIDELINES