Every jeweler does some
form of appraisals. Unfortunately only some are realistic
in overall values. Examples . . . Are you selling? insuring? divorcing?
borrowing using your jewelry as collateral? etc. Got the
idea. Not all values are for all purposes and conversely,
not all purposes work with the same value.
Here are ways to find an
appraiser.
Option One - Send
to Mackley & Company
Joseph Mackley, a senior gemologist and appraiser utilizing a gemological laboratory. You will get an ethical and realistic
appraisal. Our fee is two hundred an hour. Yes we charge
by the time vs by the 'value' or 'per-item'. We consider
this to be the fairest for all. If you are selling through
us you may want to get another opinion first.
Option Two - NAJA, ISA, ASA
There are some good ethical appraisers belonging to the
National Association
of Jewelry Appraisers, the International Society of Appraisers, the or the American Society of Appraisers. This is not a blanket endorsement.
Option Three - Others
Make sure they have good gemological designations such
as an FGA or GG. Generally, these are not certified appraisers
but they should have a basis of identification and retail
costs. For other than retail cost limit your options to one and two above.
If
you do not know value, know your valuer.
Decision Time - OK, I've
made up my mind to send my jewelry to Mackley & Company.
How do I go about it? First, we suggest you e-mail us and let us know what you are thinking of doing. Secondly,
send to Mackley & Company, Inc.,
9724 Kingston Pike, Suite 1012, Knoxville, TN 37922. (865)
693-3097. Thirdly, put a note in the package. Give us
your name, physical mailing address, phone numbers (daytime
is preferable) and e-mail and a list of your inventory.
Your jewelry is insured while in our possession.
