Professional Gemologist Appraiser

Vintage jade and 14k set Question: Greetings Mr. Foard!

I just discovered this site, but have been wondering about my set for a while.

Jade (Fred Ward Gem Book)

Price: $14.95

Please bare with me for a moment as I hope you find it a wonderful story!

I attended an estate auction about 15 years ago, and it was getting to the end when they get rid of the lesser desirables. The auctioneer said that the item was "costume" jewelry.

My mother and I were so far back that I could not even see the box he was holding let alone its contents.

The starting bid was $2 and no one was bidding so my mother nudged me and said "I see green so whatever it is would look nice with your red hair for 2 bucks!"

Young and impressionable, I raised my number and bought it.

When I got home, I looked at my mystery purchase to discover that a pair of earrings and a ring set in rich 14k (stamped) yellow gold and amazing green jade lay in my box! The 3 stones are identical, measuring about an inch long with a dark emerald green color - not the light, hazy, waxy green jade that some sell today.

The stones are in wonderful condition with no chips, cracks, scuffs, etc.

When my husband told my tale to a jeweler friend right after my discovery, he offered $200 for it.

I am not ready to part with it, but I am wondering does older fine jewelry appraise higher than today's makes or is it normally based on commodity values, market, etc. to estimate its worth?

Thank you much for your time and assistance, and I will be happy to leave a rating for you!

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