Jewelry Appraisals in Cheshire, CT

There are many different types of jewelry appraisals, and you need to trust an expert to help guide you to the right one. Please contact us and we would be happy to make sure you get the exact type of appraisal you need. All appraisals are by appointment only. With over 40 years of experience, Don Walsh has the knowledge and ability to make sure you are properly protected. Below are some of the appraisals we will perform.

Insurance Replacement

This will provide you with ample information that will ensure a replacement of equal utility, kind, quality and value. Our definitive report will assist the insurance company and/or replacement agency in providing a replacement of an item comparable to that which was lost or stolen.

Estate

This can be for conservatorship or death estates where probate taxes are due. In both cases, we assign a Fair Market Value to each item. Fair Market Value is the price at which property would change hands between a willing buyer and a willing seller, neither being under compulsion to buy or sell, and both having a reasonable knowledge of relevant facts. Appraising for tax purposes is a highly specialized task that requires specific training and experience. Errors can bring serious penalties for the client and fines for the appraiser. We have the experts to help prevent this from happening.

Division of Property

This can be either for cases involving divorce or for equitable distribution of an estate. Some divorces will require immediate equity value so we use a liquidation value. Other times, we use fair market value.

Liquidation

This will provide you with values if you had to liquidate your property immediately and time was of the essence.

Donation

Similar to an estate appraisal, this is typically used for tax purposes when donating the property. We use fair market value here as well.

Damage & Loss

This applies after damage to a piece, when you need to establish the loss in value. For diamonds, we determine the value before the damage and the value after, which gives you the loss in value.

Hypothetical Appraisal

This report sets values for lost or stolen items with little or no documentation. We base it on your description, any photos and other available information.

If an appraisal shows a piece is worth more than you expected, we also buy jewelry, and our jewelry repair service can bring older pieces back to wearable condition.

Insurance Appraisals for Your Jewelry

Most insurance companies ask for a written appraisal before they will list a ring, necklace or watch on your policy. An insurance appraisal states the retail replacement value, so your insurer knows what it would cost to replace the piece with one of equal kind and quality.

Gold, platinum and diamond prices change over time, so a replacement value written years ago may no longer match today’s market. If your appraisal is several years old, it is worth having it reviewed. Our post on keeping your appraisals up to date explains why.

Jewelry Appraisal FAQ

How much does a jewelry appraisal cost?

The fee depends on how many pieces you bring and the type of appraisal you need. Call (877) 271-4367 to ask about the fee for your pieces. Appraisals are by appointment only.

Who will appraise my jewelry?

Appraisals are done by Don Walsh, a Graduate Gemologist and Certified Gemologist Appraiser with over 40 years in the jewelry business.

Do I need an appointment?

Yes. We work by appointment only. Contact us or call (877) 271-4367 to set up a time.

What should I bring?

Bring the jewelry along with any paperwork you have, such as receipts, earlier appraisals or diamond grading reports.

Can you appraise jewelry for an estate or a divorce?

Yes. Along with insurance replacement appraisals, we prepare estate, division of property, donation, liquidation and damage appraisals. Each one uses the value standard that fits its purpose, as described above.

Serving Cheshire and Nearby Towns

DW Gem Services is at 355 Highland Ave in Cheshire, CT, a short drive from Southington, Wallingford and Meriden. Appraisals are by appointment only, so you have our full attention when you visit.