Professional Gemologist Appraiser

What To Do With A Big Jewelry Win Question: I recently won a piece of jewelry from a contest in the U.S.

The Art of the Steal: Inside the Sotheby’s-Christie’s Auction House Scandal

Price: $8.49

The insurance retail value is 280,000 dollars and I took it to Sotheby’s and they told me that they will set the reserve at only 80,000 dollars.

Is that realistic?

Should I try another market besides the auction market?

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Professional Jeweler - Don’t Think So… I received an ‘Ask The Expert’ question over the weekend but didn’t get around to answering it until this morning.

It highlights two major points - The first was Barbara’s Question which was straight forward enough. You can see that, together with my response below - but the WORST part was the ‘So Called Service’ her jeweler provided.

Who knows what he charged her for this rubbish…

So here is a photo as supplied to the client. I have followed it with an example image of our ONLINE appraisal Certificate.

Which one would you rather have..?

You can click on images to see larger images. If you need more detail check out the Cert Demo available from the sidebar.

Here’s Barbara’s Question: Hi there, I bought some antique jewelry and I guess it was pre 1906 because there is no mark on the pieces.

Anyway there are 3 pieces: a pendant and earring set.

The stones are ruby and white sapphire.

Now the gold content was tested..Is this reliable?

The jeweler said that it was no guarantees because it was not marked on the set???

Here is a picture of the set and the note written by the Jeweler saying it was 18K. Your opinion please??

Thank you

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The question came in to Ask The Appraiser and I thought it would be very relevant, so I have added it here.

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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.

The Pearl Necklace

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

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G’day and Welcome to the Jewelry Appraisals Center. My name is David Foard F.G.A.A.

I’m your resident Gemologist Valuer and this is your chance to tap into my 35 years experience in the Jewelry Industry and one of the current ‘Ask the Experts’ on the very successful Search Portal About.com.

ASK THE APPRAISER NOW!

Do you think the Button is a bit too Big?

All you have to do is hit the ‘Ask The Appraiser’ button and submit your question. Couldn’t be easier… *** BUT PLEASE - Do NOT ask me to do an appraisal for you - Only You can do that ***

If you have any Jewelry related or Valuation Appraisal questions you need an answer to, then this is the place for you. This complimentary service is my way of saying…

“Thanks for the visit - I appreciate your time, even if it’s just to take a quick look around.”

Article Continued Below…

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• Related Items Available on eBay Right now…

REBECCA COLLINS Garnet & Freshwater Pearl Necklace $810 US $299.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Sunday Jul-20-2008 15:07:41 PDT Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list

Garnet 925 Sterling Silver Swirl Ring Size/Sz 8 US $9.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Sunday Jul-20-2008 15:07:51 PDT Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list

RED SILVER CRYSTAL CROSS EARRING PENDANT JEWELRY SET US $19.99 End Date: Sunday Jul-20-2008 15:08:00 PDT Buy it now | Add to watch list

ITALIAN WHITE TOPAZ GEM GERMAN SILVER BRACELET 7" 122ct US $18.99 End Date: Sunday Jul-20-2008 15:08:52 PDT Buy it now | Add to watch list

COWGIRL WESTERN DANGLE TURQUOISE CROSS BRACELET 7.5 IN US $28.99 End Date: Sunday Jul-20-2008 15:09:05 PDT Buy it now | Add to watch list

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Article Continued…

Should you find you need our Jewelry Appraisals Online - you can get it here…

22k Gold Bracelet Question: I took my 22k gold bracelet to a jewlery store to have four links taken out to resize so that it would not fall of my wrist.

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

Price: $14.67

I waited in the store while they did the work. When the gave me back the bracelet it did not appear like the same bracelet.They said they cleaned it and that why.

Unfortunately the bracelet markings were never very distinguishable so the numerical mark are not clear being 916. Besides the official gold weight markings how can one authenticate 22k gold?

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