Professional Appraisals

Your appraisal will be professionally prepared to the highest standards.
At Sawyer Jewelers, your appraisal will be performed according to the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice.

• Each piece of jewelry will be weighed, measured, and described in detail.
• Gemstones will be identified, graded, measured, and their weights calculated.
• Metal content will be determined.
• All diamonds will include a detailed description of their color, clarity and cut.
• The internal characteristics of the stone will be diagrammed upon request.
• Enlarged color photographs are available if needed for insurance claims, etc. for a small fee.
• The definition of current replacement value or Insurance replacement value will be included.

Rush, or appraisals while you wait are available at an additional fee with an appointment.
Please feel free to contact us directly or e-mail Denny or Theresa if you have any questions.

What exactly is an appraisal?

An appraisal is:

• A written statement, independently and impartially prepared by a qualified appraiser, setting forth an opinion of defined value of an adequately described property, as of a specific date supported by the presentation and analysis of relevant market information.
• An educated, informed objective opinion of value based on a stated purpose and function.

An appraisal is not:

• A verbal guess of price or cost on the basis of a cursory examination of an item or a digital photograph of an item.

Are there different types of appraisals?  Which kind do I need?

First, let me say that I would love to take your money but there are some situations that do not warrant an appraisal. There are 2 basic types of appraisals - Insurance and Fair Market Value (FMV)

• Insurance - Insurance appraisals are used for insurance purposes, usually to determine the coverage amount on your jewelry. This purpose of this appraisal is generally twofold: the value that is given to your pieces is used to set your premiums, and the description is used in order to replace the piece if necessary. Because of this, it is very important that the descriptions be extremely detailed and specific as far as quality of manufacturing and gemstones.
• Fair Market Value (FMV) - Fair Market Value appraisals can be used for a variety of purposes, including liquidation, collateral, divorce settlement, investment, estate/probate, and charitable contributions. The purpose of the appraisal determines the market that is used to calculate the value of your jewelry. The best way to determine which of these fair market appraisals is right for you, is to tell your appraiser what you intend to do with the piece, or the reason why you want to have it appraised.