How to Appraise Antique Jewelry

Antique jewelry is often passed down through generations of a family, and is therefore very meaningful to the owner. If the piece is authentic, it could also be very valuable. To determine the monetary worth of your piece, you will want to appraise it. Read on to learn how to appraise antique jewelry.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Identification and price guide for antique jewelry
• Camera
• Pen and paper
• Magnifying glass

Appraise Antique Jewelry

1. Purchase or borrow from your local library an identification and price guide to antique jewelry. Arthur Guy Kaplan's "The Official Identification and Price Guide to Antique Jewelry," available at Amazon, is a good one to try. See the Resources section below for a link. A good book with many photographs should help you identify the style and time period of your piece, in addition the approximate market value.

2. Inspect your antique jewelry carefully, using a magnifying glass. Write down any imperfections you find such as scratches, chips or other blemishes.

3. Look for company names, emblems or even a production year on your jewelry. Knowing the age of your item will help you appraise it more accurately. The age may tell you that it is a reproduction piece and not authentic.

4. Take numerous pictures of your antique jewelry from multiple angles. Be sure to get close-ups of any inscriptions, other distinguishing marks or damage that might have occurred to your item. Good, clear pictures will help a professional appraiser identify your item and also serve as a record in case of loss or further damage.

5. Bring your piece to a professional jewelry appraiser who specializes in antiques to determine the actual monetary worth of the item. Show the appraiser the list you have made of imperfections and other details worth noting. He or she will carefully go over your piece to determine authenticity. You may need to leave your jewelry with the appraiser for a set amount of time.

6. Clean your antique china gently. Use warm water, a mild detergent and a soft cloth.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have a piece of authentic antique jewelry that is worth a lot of money, you may want to purchase additional insurance to add to your homeowner's policy. This will protect you in case of loss, damage or theft.
• Appraisals will vary depending on the condition of your item. The price listed in guides is the appraisal on a piece in excellent or mint condition. Most jewelry, especially when worn on a regular basis, will not be in perfect condition.

Resources

• The Official Identification and Price Guide to Antique Jewelry