Gems and Jewelry Appraising : Techniques of Professional Practice

by Miller, Anna M.

• ISBN13: 9780943763101
• ISBN10: 094376310X
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1999-08-01
• Publisher: Jewish Lights Pub

Summary

Covers all standards, procedures, and ethics of appraising gems, jewelry, and other valuables. Each step involved in conducting an appraisal is fully explained, with case studies, key documents, worksheets, and pricing data included. After chapters on the appraiser and the appraisal process, chapters cover jewelry from antiquity to the modern era, valuing watches arid carvings, legal and ethical aspects of appraising, and the appraisal document. Includes many reference appendices on measurements and quality analysis, plus a glossary.

Author Biography

Anna M. Miller, G.G., M.G.A., R.M.V. is a Master Gemologist Appraiser and a jewelry historian, author, lecturer, and instructor. The developer of the Master Valuer Program, a jewelry appraisal course that is taught worldwide, she consults with individuals and companies on buying, selling, appraising, and interpreting the jewelry arts.

Table of Contents

Foreword	v
Preface to the Second Edition	vi
Preface to the First Edition	vii
Acknowledgments for the Second Edition	viii
Acknowledgments for the First Edition	ix
The Appraiser
Who Is a Professional Gems and Jewelry Appraiser?	1	(8)
Opening an Appraisal Service	9	(7)
Establishing a Professional Image	16	(3)
Questions Most Often Asked by Gemologists about Appraising	19	(4)
Appraisal Procedures and the Nature of Value
The Purpose of the Appraisal	23	(5)
Appraisal Functions	28	(7)
Limiting and Contingency Conditions for Appraisal Documents	35	(1)
Handling Insurance Replacements	36	(5)
Conducting the Appraisal
Initial Examination and Take-In	41	(4)
Identifying Treated Stones	45	(1)
Appraisal Methodology	46	(1)
Photographing the Jewelry	46	(4)
Cleaning the Jewelry	50	(1)
Identifying, Measuring, and Weighing Gemstones	51	(8)
Analyzing Metal Fineness	59	(3)
Weighing, Measuring, and Noting the Manufacturer	62	(4)
Trademarks and Hallmarks	66	(2)
Conducting Market Research	68	(1)
Average Setting Prices	69	(4)
The Principle of Qualitative Ranking	73	(4)
Computer Network Communications	77	(3)
Research and Analysis: How to Estimate Value
Old-Cut Diamonds: What Are They, and Where Did They Come From	80	(1)
Pricing Old-Cut Diamonds	80	(1)
Phenomenal Gems	81	(1)
Fantasy-Cut Gemstones	82	(1)
Ivory	83	(1)
Jet	84	(1)
Coral	84	(2)
Amber	86	(2)
Opal	88	(1)
Jade	89	(3)
Pearls	92	(6)
Bead Necklaces	98	(2)
Rare and Collector Gems	100	(1)
Synthetic Gemstones	101	(8)
Jewelry from Antiquity to the Modern Era
Jewelry Antiquities	109	(2)
Antique Jewelry	111	(8)
Appraising Revivalist Jewelry Using Market Data Comparison	119	(1)
Examining and Evaluating Period Jewelry	120	(5)
Cameos	125	(2)
Class Rings, Fraternal Jewelry, and Religious Jewelry	127	(3)
Native American Jewelry	130	(3)
Ethnic Jewelry	133	(2)
European Designer Jewelry	135	(2)
Jewelry from Contemporary Designers	137	(1)
Costume Jewelry	138	(3)
Valuing Watches, Coin Jewelry, Carvings, and Other Articles
Vintage and Contemporary Wristwatches	141	(6)
Pocket Watches	147	(4)
Coin Jewelry	151	(5)
Erotica	156	(1)
Carvings	157	(7)
Hardstone Carvings and Gemstone Sculptures	164	(2)
Silver Flatware and Holloware	166	(7)
Legal and Ethicals, Aspects of Appraising
The Appraiser's Role in Gemstone Barter	173	(1)
Investment Gems---Real or Racket?	174	(1)
Survival Techniques for Expert Witnesses	175	(7)
Preparing the Appraisal Document
The Appraisal Report	182	(1)
Developing a Professional Brochure	183	(9)
APPENDIX
Illustrations of Cutting Styles	192	(4)
Size-to-Weight Conversion Charts
Standard-Size Cabochon Gems	196	(1)
Opal Cabochons	196	(1)
Caliber-Cut Gemstones	197	(1)
Weight System Conversion Charts
Pennyweight-to-Gram Conversion	198	(1)
The Troy System	199	(1)
Avoir and Troy Weights	199	(1)
The Carat System	199	(1)
Historic Gold Prices from 1833--1997	199	(1)
Diamond Valuation Chart	200	(1)
Weight Estimation Formulas
Diamonds	201	(1)
Colored Stones	201	(1)
Recommended Report Forms
Gem Identification Report	202	(1)
Quality Analysis: Colored Stones	203	(1)
Quality Analysis: Opals	204	(1)
Quality Analysis: Change-of-Color Stones	205	(1)
Quality Analysis: Pearls	206	(1)
Quality Analysis: Cat's Eye and Star Stones	207	(1)
Jewelry Appraisal Update	208	(1)
Watch Worksheet	209	(1)
Sample IRS Valuation: Donation Appraisal	210	(1)
GLOSSARY
Metal Finishes	211	(1)
Opal Terms	211	(1)
Antique and Period Jewelry Items	212	(3)
Bibliography	215	(3)
Sources of Additional Information	218	(1)
Index	219