Professional Gemologist Appraiser

Mitchell wrote: "Hello, I recently found an item I bought a couple years ago and was wondering what the suggested retail price of it was.

Simple Soldered Jewelry & Accessories: A Crafter's Guide to Fashioning Necklaces, Earrings, Bracelets & More

Price: $14.83

The card that came with it says it is from the Serena Collection and is a Sterling Silver and 18 karat gold necklace with an oval shaped blue topaz.

Thank you so much for your time and assistance.

• Here is my answer:

G'day Michelle and many thanks for your query

What you have to understand is that Sterling Silver is ALWAYS going to be the cheaper precious metal.

It currently stands at $12.35 per ounce. Put that against gold at nearly $620 per ounce or Platinum at well over $1100 per ounce, and you get some idea of why most of the 'Slightly Better' costume jewelry is made in silver.

The 18 karat gold is generally a plating to give a yellow gold or two-tone appearance, so actually wouldn't have more than a few dollars value.

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The Serena Collection is simply a Manufactures Branding (much like Avon or Sarah Coventry) in an attempt to make the item look as if it has more value than it really does.

Which is true in a small sense, as it IS a better quality, but it is still just a silver item.

You should recall what price you paid for the item a few years ago. That should give you a good indication of what it is really worth.

Over time, you might like to add a small percentage to an appraisal value - but that is a price for Insurance replacement and nothing more. That is why jewelers can offer a 50% percent off sale - Off What?

It's a sales gimmick and nothing will change the fact that it is still only made from silver.

When you buy an item in a store, or online, you must remember there are several steps to the selling chain.

The Mining Company makes a profit.
The Import/Export Business makes a profit.
The Gem merchant makes a profit.
The Bullion Merchant makes a profit.
The Manufacturer makes a profit.
The Wholesaler makes a profit.
The Retailer makes a profit.
The Government makes a profit (taxes again) - Sheesh..!

So when you pay at the checkout what you are really buying is peoples profits. The silver or gemstone is only a small part of what you buy.

Sorry to be so harsh - but these are the facts when it comes to Value.

Any Recommended Retail figure or Valuation Appraisal actually takes into account all these costs and profits and fees - because this is what it would cost the Insurance Company to replace the item (not all together true - but that's another story).

So a suggested Retail price' is what you - as a willing buyer are prepared to pay to a willing seller. That's it!

Suggest you check with places like eBay or your local store for a more up-to-date guide. All we can do is add up someone else's profits...

Hope this helps, but don't forget our Jewelry Appraisals Online system does all these calculations for you.

Kind regards. David