Jewelry Appraisal Center

Jewelry hallmarks

Professional jewelry appraisals completed by gemologists and valuers often have to take into account the effect the jewelry hallmarks have on the value of each item being appraised. Do they alter the price, up or down, depending on the hallmark. The simple answer is yes – and no. It depends on the hallmarks themselves and where they come from.

I get similar questions on forums and ‘expert’ websites, together with my own members discussion group. They are usually in the following format, and in general the same questions get asked over and over again. They go… Continue reading Jewelry Hallmarks And What They Mean...

Most people when they imagine a pearl are picturing perfect large round spherical gems, creamy white in colour with a shimmery iridescent surface. The reality is that pearls are usually irregular in shape, each one is different and to find one that is completely round is almost unheard of, not to mention trying to make a whole necklace of pearls that are all more or less the same. Natural pearls are the rarest and most highly valued variety, but nowadays most pearl jewellery is made from cultured or farmed pearls, which are grown on pearl farms… Continue reading What are the Main Differences Between Freshwater and Saltwater Pearls?...

Name jewelry is one of the trendiest types of fashion accessory for both men and women. A large part of this modern upswing in popularity is due to the hip hop culture where large name jewelry items have become the defining fashion in bling. While much of the current fashion is large, bling-style pieces, name jewelry can range from delicate and subtle to big and bold. But name jewelry is also very popular as traditional mothers jewelry. Name rings and name necklaces are by far the most popular items with online stores and retailers… Continue reading Name Jewelry Trends...