Verbal consultations are an excellent way to learn about your jewelry and its value.
Fox Fine Jewelry provides three types of jewelry appraisals
Appraisal to Sell Jewelry
Selling your jewelry
A written appraisal may be worth the expense if:
- You have a larger, mined diamond (not lab grown), especially one carat and above, or
- Your jewelry has a very high value, often with gemstones like sapphire, ruby, emerald, or alexandrite.
We will advise you if we believe a written appraisal by a GIA Gemologist will help you get a significantly higher price.
Fox Fine Jewelry will make an offer to purchase your jewelry at no charge. Our offers are often higher than other jewelers, especially for nice gemstones and diamonds, because we specialize in custom made jewelry.
Verbal Jewelry Consultations
Verbal Consultations give you information about your jewelry
Whether you want information about jewelry you own, have inherited, or are gifting, we’ll answer your questions such as:
- What are the stones and their quality?
- What is the value?
- What is the approximate age (if determinable)?
- What stones or parts are original (if determinable)?
You may want to know about your diamonds and gemstones before using them in custom jewelry. We’ll answer your questions and discuss custom design options.
Verbal Consultation Costs
There are two Verbal Consultation levels at Fox Fine Jewelry.
- American Gem Society CSA - $25 for every fifteen minutes
- GIA Gemologist - Price varies. Contact us for a quote
If you have many pieces, you can begin at the lower priced CSA level. The CSA will identify the pieces that potentially have more value. Then you'll shift to the GIA Gemologist for your more valuable pieces.
Appointments are recommended, especially for larger quantities of jewelry.
Estate and Insurance Appraisals
Insurance or estate appraisals are formal, written documents by an independent appraiser.
Appraisals are performed by a GIA Graduate Gemologist
Most written appraisals are $150, although some are more. All items are photographed, described and insured at take-in.
Appraisals include a photograph and detailed description of the jewelry, with each gemstone and diamond measured and graded.
Most Insurance Appraisals take about two weeks; please inquire if you need yours expedited.
Fox Fine Jewelry has been appraising jewelry since 1984
We have a full laboratory on premises in compliance with the American Gem Society, with whom we are recertified annually.
Appraisals with overstated values
Some jewelers routinely "discount" jewelry and supply an appraisal with a higher value. With few exceptions, the appraised amount should equal the amount paid. Inflated "feel good" appraisals incorrectly mislead the buyer, and cause them to pay excess insurance premiums.
There are a few exceptions, notably preowned jewelry or jewelry purchased during a “going out of business” sale.