Scott using his microscope — I specialize in the value of your jewelry.
Identified, valued, and documented with care, for an appraisal you can believe in.

Do you need to insure your jewelry, liquidate it, distribute it among family members, or determine estate tax liability? I provide professional appraisals for these and other needs.

Scott at desk with couple holding ring — Oral Appraisals

**$90 per half-hour**
People often use oral appraisals to distribute jewelry among heirs or sort it to decide which items may need written reports for insurance coverage. In most cases, I identify, research, and value your jewelry while you wait, and then we discuss the results.
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Diamond bridal set with gem equipment — Written Appraisals

$120 per hour/$240 minimum*
This service provides complete documentation when you need to schedule your jewelry for insurance coverage. The time required depends on the number and complexity of your items. I set the maximum fee (based on time) when I see your items.
**(*base rate for insurance assignments)**
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Scott at desk louping a ring with client — Broker’s Price Opinions

**$75 per half-hour**
The Broker’s Price Opinion tells you how much I expect to sell your jewelry for and specifies my commission. I may suggest other selling options for you to consider. It is an oral opinion that is done while you wait. If we agree that I sell your jewelry, I waive the consultation fee.
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“Scott was incredibly helpful at identifying and providing me information regarding an antique locket. Not only is he extremely knowledgeable, but also very friendly and enjoyable to work with. Scott provides you with the needed information to make informed and empowered decisions about your jewelry. I would absolutely recommend his services!”

- autumn browning

Scott Gordon’s Qualifications and Memberships

Graduate Gemologist diploma, Gemological Institute of America, awarded in 1981.
Fellowship Diploma, Gemmological Association of Great Britain, awarded in 1988.
Accredited Senior Appraiser, American Society of Appraisers, accredited in 1990, renewed in 2021.
Master Gemologist Appraiser®, American Society of Appraisers, certified in 1991, renewed in 2021.
Accredited Senior Gemologist, Accredited Gemologists Association, accepted in 1998.
Member, National Association of Jewelry Appraisers, granted in 2006.
Member, Personal Property Resources Panel, The Appraisal Foundation, 2020-2022.
Member, Jewelers of America, joined in 1991.

Questions I’m often asked

Why do I have to leave my jewelry for a written appraisal report?

I take time to produce a professional report. First, I clean and study your jewelry to judge its quality and condition. Then I write its description and photograph it. If your diamonds are estimated to weigh 0.50 carat or more, I make a diagram of their clarity characteristics.

What if I’m not sure about insuring my jewelry?

I suggest that you start with an oral appraisal to determine whether your items are worth more or less than a certain amount. Then, you can decide if they’re already covered under your homeowner’s policy or if you should cover them with a separate policy.

How long do you have to keep my jewelry for a written appraisal?

It depends on the number and complexity of your items and why you need them appraised. I complete most written assignments within one week. I always show you identifying characteristics before you leave your items and again when you pick them up.

What if I don’t know whether I want to keep or sell my jewelry?

In my Broker’s Price Opinion, I estimate how much money I expect to sell your item for, what my commission would be, and how long it would take. I also discuss other options, such as how to sell it on your own.

If you work by the hour, how do I know how much the appraisal will cost?

For almost all written appraisals, I quote a maximum fee that I won’t exceed so that you can decide whether to proceed. The fee for oral appraisals varies according to the items and the questions you need answered. Usually, an hour or less is sufficient for one or two items.

What should I do before I come?

Please bring any documentation you have, such as sales receipts and old appraisals. Here are other things you can do to prepare for your jewelry appraisal.