Appraisal Fees
The following fees are a guide to provide you basic information as to the cost of an appraisal and are subject to change upon the actual presentation of any jewelry items to the appraiser.
The Evaluation:
All jewelry items are examined in front of you, while you watch. Items may need to be cleaned before they can be properly examined. The usual time frame for 1 to 2 items is from 30 to 45 minutes. We can evaluate most jewelry items (new and antique) as well as watches and pearls. Our fees are based on different factors according to each client's specific needs. There are options for verbal opinions and written documents. Evaluations are provided for the following purposes: insurance documents, estate valuations, purchase verifications, unbiased opinions on jewelry you want to sell, determining values on inherited jewelry, liquidation, bankruptcy and divorce. Each written appraisal is tailored to what we can do to help you. The appraiser will usually be able to verbally provide you information regarding your jewelry at the time of the examination (unless additional research is required) with your written documents following by email within a few business days. Please bring with you to your appointment, any documents regarding the jewelry such as sales receipts, diamond or gemstone certificates, previous appraisals and boxes and documents for watches.
Written DocumentsFees are based on per item. *The minimum fee is $75 for the first item and $65 for each additional item that is examined at the same time. This covers most jewelry items with stones under 1 carat and includes detailed reports with color photographs. Items with stones over 1 carat start at *$85. Larger stone sizes over 2 carats are more. Please feel free to request a quote based on the type or number of items you want examined.
Some items have large diamonds or gemstones; have numerous stones or are complicated or unique which may have higher fees due to the additional work that is required for a proper evaluation. At the appraiser's discretion, discounts may be given to clients that have multiple items or gold only items (charm bracelets, watches and pearls, may be excluded). All fees will be discussed prior to any services performed. We want to keep our fees reasonable for the consumer and never charge based on the value of an item. *Complicated, unique or unusual items may have a higher fee. (All fees are subject to change.) |
Verbal OpinionsVerbal opinions are based on the number of items as long as there are no single stones over 2 carats in size or the combined weight of the stones for a single item is under 2 carats.
No documentation is provided. Clients are free to take their own notes. 1 item: $50 minimum* 2 or more items: $60 total or $30 each minimum* Verbal opinions don't usually require as much evaluation time as written ones. Each item takes about 10 to 15 minutes. *Complicated, unique or unusual items may have a higher fee. For clients that have numerous items for which a verbal opinion is preferred, we can provide an hourly fee instead of per item. (All fees are subject to change.) |
Hourly feesIn certain cases, evaluations will be done at an hourly rate which is usually a minimum of $100 per hour for the appraiser with additional fees for needed research and documentation.
Evaluations can be performed at your home, office or bank vault for a flat travel fee of $100 within Pinellas County and $150 within Hillsborough or Pasco County. If you are located out of Pinellas, Pasco or Hillsborough County, please call to inquire about travel fees. (All fees are subject to change.) Updated 2024 No part of this site, its contents or images may be reproduced without express written permission from Schuler Gemological Services Inc.
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