Appraisal Experience

Our Appraisal Reports

The discipline of appraisal is separate from that of gemology; it is the study of valuation. I use the principles & methods to calculate the value based on gemological grading/evaluation, materials & the appropriate market.

Jewellery appraisals are done in our office by appointment only. Your jewellery items never have to leave your sight and in many cases, you can leave your appointment with your completed appraisal in hand. Additionally, if you are unable to stay while your item(s) are being appraised you can feel safe in knowing that your precious jewellery will be kept locked tight in our fire & theft-rated safe.  

The appraisal report will be specific to the item(s) being appraised, who the appraisal is for, and what the intended purpose or use of the appraisal is. You can expect to see the following:

  • Purpose of report
  • Definitions of value
  • Limitations
  • Method of Valuation
  • Description of assets (including photos if applicable)
  • Scope of work
  • Factors affecting value
  • Conclusion/Valuation

**Payment upon completion of the appraisal. Accepted forms of payment include e-transfer and cash. Invoices and appraisals can be sent via email. Hard copies are included at no extra cost.


Our Pick Up & Drop Off Service

We understand that it may not be convenient for you to come to us for jewellery appraisal services. Whether it be due to health, safety, or time, we offer a pickup and drop off service. Our intensive Intake Form will describe your items, including measurements, weights…

**Service is $20 within the Niagara region. Please note that to ensure the safety of your valuables my cleared record check is available to view upon request. **

 

Vanessa Szabo

Different Valuations Used

In appraising, whether it is jewellery or fine art, there are 3 types of valuations used depending on the intended purpose of the appraisal. 

Retail Replacement Value:

This pertains to the replacement of an item. Most typically this method is used for the purpose of obtaining insurance.

Fair Market Value:

Fair Market Value, or FMV, is defined as the price at which the property would change hands between a willing buyer & a willing seller, neither being under any compulsion to buy or sell and both parties having reasonable knowledge of the relevant facts. This method of valuation is commonly used for Estates, Divorce & Probate.

Liquidation Value:

Often used in the case of distress or forced sale when the client needs to sell the item(s) in a short time frame. Commonly used in bankruptcy, forced liquidation, or the need for immediate cash.


Our Appraisal Equipment

We only have the BEST tools in our lab:

  • Kassoy 50x Zoom Stereo Microscope
  • Fable Refractometer & Polariscope
  • GemOro Platinum diamond carat
  • GemDialogue
  • GemOro CZ Masterset
  • Oris Nelson DiamondNite Tester
  • A & D legal trade gram scale
  • Spectroscope, dichroscope, Gem-A Chelsea filter
  • Library of reference materials