By a GIA Graduate Gemologist, in our Main Street gallery
Jewelry Appraisal in Bozeman, Montana
Written, signed appraisals for insurance, estates, divorce, and donations. Not sure which one you need? We’ll tell you in a minute below - and if you’re selling, you may not need one at all.
Different purposes call for different appraisals,
What Do You Need the Appraisal For?
Different purposes call for different appraisals, and they're priced differently. Pick the closest match.
Retail Replacement Value Appraisal
Insurers want to know what it would cost to replace your piece with a similar one at retail. This is our most common appraisal.
The Three Kinds of Appraisal
Each one answers a different question about the same piece of jewelry.
Retail Replacement Value
What it would cost to buy a similar piece at retail, here, today.
Most Often Used for
- Insurance coverage
- Damage and loss claims
- Estate planning (sometimes)
Relative Cost
Standard hourly rate
Fair Market Value
What a willing buyer and a willing seller would agree to, at a certain place and time.
- Settling an estate
- Charitable donations
- Tax purposes
2–3× the insurance rate, because it must hold up in court
Marketable Cash Value
What the piece would realistically bring if sold for cash.
- Divorce settlements
- Planning who inherits what in a will
Varies by purpose - see estate planning below
What It Costs
Appraisals are billed by the hour, and the time depends on the piece. Here's a typical example.
A One-carat Diamond Solitaire Ring
Assuming the diamond isn't in the top three clarity grades.
Estate appraisals take longer because the appraiser must be prepared to defend the conclusions in court. A simple gold chain usually takes 10–15 minutes.
What Makes a Piece Take Longer
More Kinds of Gemstones
Each needs identification, measurement, weight, color and clarity grading. Existing lab reports save time.
Unusual Shapes or Stones
Rare cuts and uncommon gems take more research.
Detailed Design Work
Every element is described so the piece can be accurately replaced later.
Antique Pieces
Period jewelry often needs careful research.
How It Works
You'll know the cost before any appraising begins.
Book a Pre-appraisal Appointment
Bring your pieces to the gallery. We look them over and tell you what the appraisal will cost.
We Appraise
Identification, measurements, grading and research, based on the purpose you need it for.
You Receive a Signed Appraisal
A written document signed by the appraiser, ready for your insurer, attorney or accountant.
Update Every Three Years
Most insurers ask for reassessment every three years. Reassessment rates are kept low.
Getting Your Will in Order? Decide Who Gets What, Now
If your will simply splits your jewelry by percentage or "equally among heirs," your family will need an Estate Appraisal - and because one or two pieces are usually worth more than everything else combined, there's rarely a fair way to divide them without selling.
A Percentage Split in the Will
Heirs pay for a Fair Market Value appraisal, then often must sell pieces or buy each other out.
A Marketable Cash Value Appraisal Now
You learn each piece's value and name specific pieces for specific heirs in your will or an addendum.
It doesn't need to be typed up, and it costs one-third to one-half the hourly rate of a Fair Market Value appraisal.
Alara Jewelry
Selling a Piece? You Probably Don't Need an Appraisal. a Pawn Shop Won't Care What an Appraisal Says - an Offer Tells You What the Market Will Bear
Longer than life
Fair Market Value is what a willing buyer and willing seller agree to. You can get actual offers at no charge - including from us - and you're never obligated to accept.
Meet Your Appraiser
[Appraiser name] has appraised jewelry in Bozeman for [X] years. Whatever your question about identifying or valuing your gems and jewelry, you'll get a straight answer.
Gemological Institute of America
American Gem Society
Appraisal-specific training
American Society of Appraisers
Qualified Expert Witness
Has testified in court a number of times
Questions People Ask
Can you just tell me if it's real?
We're happy to take a quick look in the gallery. That's limited to what can be seen at arm's length or with the simplest tests, though - for real answers about identity, quality and value, you'll need an appraisal.
Anything else, call (406) 522-8844 or ask us in chat.