Credentials

Sally O’Neill is a Graduate Gemologist (GG) from Gemological Institute of America (GIA) as well as a Certified Master Appraiser of the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA). These credentials are a sign of a reputable and skilled appraiser. Sally O’Neill is highly qualified to evaluate your jewelry.

Additionally, she has been designing, making and selling jewelry as well as collecting vintage and antique pieces for over 40 years. SHE KNOWS JEWELRY!

A thorough appraisal will include laboratory work to inspect and gather information about your property, market research to compare similar pieces and the writing of the appraisal. The responsibility of the appraiser is to fairly and objectively put all relevant facts on the table so you are fully informed.

PUrpose of a JEWELRY APPRAISAL

Types and Reasons for Appraisals

There are several types of appraisals each with their own required market level and corresponding value.

There are many legitimate reasons for seeking an official appraisal including for insurance replacement, determining the value of an estate when people pass away, settlement for divorce or bankruptcy, verification of a purchase or simply wanting to know what you have so you can divide fairly among your family.

Insurance Replacement Appraisals 

Any time you insure property, you will need proof of the item’s value in order to recover the monetary worth.

The most common type of appraisal is done for insurance replacement purposes in the event that your jewelry is lost, stolen or damaged. These are written appraisals required by your insurance company to provide an accurate description (including identity, condition and value) of the property.  It is a good idea to find out from your insurance company exactly how much is normally covered.    That will give you an idea of whether you need an appraisal and additional coverage. 

Fair Market Appraisals
Primarily the courts for estate or divorce settlement purposes require these. However, they are also appropriate for customers wishing to know what they should charge if they were to put their property up for sale to another member of the public. A definition of Fair Market Value is “Probable price at which a willing buyer will buy from a willing seller and that neither buyer or seller is under any compulsion to buy or sell”. Research and market comparisons will be done.

Liquidation Appraisals
Individuals, banks, estates, among others may need a liquidation value appraisal in order to know what the immediate and reasonable cash value of the items they possess are worth. This estimated amount will be lower than other types of appraisals.

Retail Pricing Appraisals
This is for the retail jeweler who has acquired antique or estate jewelry and needs accurate identification information and pricing value. Information will be given about the specific period, style, condition, quality and retail value.

Official Appraisal and Pricing

The official jewelry appraisal includes a complete written analysis and valuation of your property. It may also include mapping of the major diamonds. Photographs will be provided. The electronic PDF copy of the appraisal document will be emailed to you and the official hard copy can either be picked up or mailed. We will start with the take-in process where information will be gathered about your jewelry items.  You are welcome to be present and wait.  Please set aside one hour for this appointment.   Afterwards you will take your property with you.   The final appraisal normally takes up to two weeks to complete.

Appraisal Fees start at $200.

Additional charges may apply depending on the number of stones to be evaluated and other factors. An estimate of the appraisal will be given before any work is performed.

No Charge Offer to Purchase

If you are interested in selling your jewelry there is no charge or obligation if you wish to receive my offer.

Consultation SERVICES and PRICING

Consultation Services

All consultation services are $100/hour with a one-hour minimum unless otherwise specified.   Payment is required at time of service.  Checks, Cash, Venmo and Credit Cards accepted.   Specific monetary values of your jewelry cannot be given at a consultation.

Pre-Appraisal Consultations. This is a time to look over your jewelry and determine if an official written appraisal is merited. The first 30 minutes of the consultation are free after which the hourly fee will set in. The cost for an official appraisal will be given to you at this time as well. 

Identifying Gemstones. You will receive a detailed written description of your stones with specifications such as measurements and identification.

Valuation. $100 per Valuation—includes one item only. A jewelry valuation is often performed by the original jewelry store where the piece was purchased.  It generally is not an official written record for insurance replacement purposes.   With Sally, you will receive a 1–2-page document giving specifics about stones, metal type, purchase price and date of purchase.  It may also include photos and information about the jewelry artist and/or jewelry store. 

Jewelry Box Evaluation. Do you have a jewelry box full of bling and you don’t know what it is or what to do with it?    This type of consultation may be a good option for you. We will look over your jewelry and test the diamonds, pearls and metals.  We will create categories such as antique, modern, keep, give away, re-purpose, etc.   If there are pieces that merit an official appraisal you will be given an estimate of cost for that service

-What you will get from the Jewelry Box Evaluation is knowledge of what you have and what to do with it.

-You will not receive a written document or photos for this service. Monetary value will not be assessed at this time.  

This service is performed while you wait, and your jewelry is always in your presence.