Appraising “Branded” Gemstones
A recent appraisal assignment on a branded loose gem- stone, developed into a challenge in determining a fair retail price. The story starts as many do. The client purchased a gem on a cruise, took…
News ArchiveThe Web Bests the Rest
No way. Not in a million years will the Yellow Pages no longer be the mainstay of appraisers promotional efforts. Welcome to the future. Lets face it. Appraisers do not have unlimited budgets for advertising…
News ArchiveInstruments
Im So Confused Such a simple thing, yet it turns out to be somewhat complicated and controversial. At times it is a one-size- fits-all list of all the instruments the appraiser has in his or her…
News ArchiveHigh Marks
So, you've always dreamed of owning an authentic Lalique plique jour enameled dragonfly brooch with opal hind wings and eyes of demantoid garnets. In this desire you are not alone. It is classic jewelry at…
News ArchiveWhat a Revolting Idea- a Cover Letter
During the 1980s, a revolution swept through the jewelry appraisal profession and the cover letter became standard appraisal practice. It seemed that every course, seminar and book endorsed the use of a cover letter. Now there…
News ArchiveWhat’s it Worth? Markups are Changing!
When appraising, there are two basic approaches to value and both are well-known among appraisers. Often the cost approach is used where the components are individually priced and then a markup is applied. When trademarks…
News ArchiveBlazing an E-Trail: The Electronic Transmission of Appraisal Reports
Love em, or hate em, computers are here to stay. Today, instead of merely creating appraisal reports, they are also used to transmit them by email. Called PDF- appraisals, these files ending with the suffix…
News ArchiveWatch Model Changes Invite Creative Coverage: The Re-occuring Case of the Disappearing Rolex
Watches can be the easiest or hardest jewelry to evaluate. Take, for example, the price of a current Rolex model that a simple phone call or catalog check reveals pretty easy. But take another Rolex example…
News ArchiveThe Tourist Trap Debate
Every year, tourists purchase jewelry from port town shops, major city tourist areas, and even from cruise ships, either on board or at a recommended local store. The vacation is a great memory until they…
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