Jewelry Appraisal CenterThe question came in to Ask The Appraiser and I thought it would be very relevant, so I have added it here.
----------
Pearl Necklace Question:
I am trying to get an idea on the value of a pearl necklace that has been handed down to me from my grandmother.
It was purchased around 1905 in New York City, USA. It is of very good quality, 18 inches long with each white pearl being approximately 7mm in width.
I very much appreciate your time.
Thank you, Eileen
Here's My Answer:
G'day Eileen and many thanks for your query.
The Valuation of Pearls is generally considered to be MORE complex then the appraisal of ANY OTHER TYPE of jewelry - including Diamonds.
This is one of the MOST asked about subjects, and is also one of the few items we CANNOT do at the Jewelry Appraisal Center.
NOT YET ANYWAY - BUT IT'S COMING... 
We have had a special online appraisal form under beta testing for some time, but like Opals, Pearls are not standardized in the same sort of way other gemstones are calculated.
Article Continued Below...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
- Related Items Available on eBay Right now...
 Agate Druzy White Pearl Blue Topaz 925 Sterling Silver Pendant 175  US $8.99 |  Chihuahua Dog 925 Sterling Silver Heart Mother Of Pearl Dangle Earrings EP231 US $15.99 |
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 | Gems & Jewelry Appraising, 3rd Edition: Techniques of Professional Practice List Price: Sale Price: $28.72 You save: $11.27 (28%)  |
DescriptionThis new edition covers all the standards, procedures, and ethics of appraising gems, jewelry, and other valuables. Each step involved in conducting an appraisal is fully explained, with photos, case studies, key documents, worksheets and pricing data included... |
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Article Continued...
The reason become quite clear when you think about peals. Not only do they have to be classified by size, but the SHAPE, COLOR, LUSTRE, any blemishes on the surface, and finally (especially for strings of pearls) there is the question of EACH pearl having to match.
Phew! No wonder they are hard to evaluate.
I won't go into the way Gemologist/Valuers like myself go through a Pearl Appraisal, but just let me confirm - IT'S REALLY REALLY HARD!
I would suggest you take it to your local FRIENDLY jeweler and have them do a full gemological and written appraisal for you, and while they are at it, maybe do a complete check on the stringing, clasps and general condition and treatment of your necklace.
Yes, I know it's going to cost, but at least then you will have WRITTEN PROOF of what you have in the event of them being lost or stolen, together with a full check over of the gems too.
It's easy to forget that we have our cars serviced each year, but forget to have our jewelry checked over. Pearls in particular are VERY susceptible to all sorts of damage over time, so need a good examination and restringing etc - at least every five to ten years or so. Don't become a 'Victim of Loss' and leave it too late.
Sorry I can't be more helpful. The best you can do is a comparison shop by looking in your Shopping Mall Jewelers window or even browsing through eBay and the like. The Antique Jewelry Fair at http://www.antique-jewelry-fair.com/ occasionally has Vintage jewelry on offer.
Remember though, that the second-hand price has NOTHING to do with the Appraisal value, which is quite a different thing. It is much better to use our Jewelry Appraisals Online software system to get an accurate description and even a photo if possible to help identify your jewelry.
If you have any other problems or queries, please don't hesitate to contact me personally at this website.
Kind regards. David
Start Your Jewelry Appraisal Now!
Invitation:Thanks for your visit, but after all the hard work (unpaid) we put into this site - if nothing else - we would certainly appreciate your comments on this article. |
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...
Do you enjoy making jewellery and want to use it as a gift for your bridesmaids? Handmade pearl bridesmaid jewellery is a unique and special gift that will create memories of your special day. Handmade jewellery means that you can personailise the jewellery for each bridesmaid, making several different pieces. Pearls can be purchased for a small or a large amount of money so the gifts do not have to be expensive. Â Since your handmade jewellery is custom made by you, you can make yourslef a matching piece of jewellery to wear on your wedding day. In fact… Continue reading Why Not Create Handmaid Pearl Jewellery...
Do you envy those families that pass down watches, rings and other precious heirlooms, wishing your family had something significant and meaningful to pass along generation after generation? Perhaps your family isn’t blessed with the cherished objects or those that might even become a running joke generation after generation You don’t have to fight through the spider webs in your dad’s cellar trying to find something worth eventually passing along to your children, grandchildren and so on through the future generations. Instead, decide to start your own tradition beginning with the current generation. Begin to collect Italian charms. These charms… Continue reading How to Start a "Charmed" Family Tradition in Three Simple Steps...
Basic Online Jewelry Appraisal Kit
Enhanced Valuation Online Kit With Appraisal Advice Service Included
Deluxe 'Hands Off' Jewelry Appraisal Online Kit With Bonus Staff Assist
Upgrade Your Benchmark Package with the Appraisal Advisory Service
Let Us Do The Work For You - With our Staff Assist Program
Annual Renewals And Our Extended Warranty Guarantee