FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

To ensure you’re getting an accurate appraisal and getting the value you’re paying for, you should have clear expectations and ask the right questions

What do you charge for an appraisal?

Fees are charged by the hour. See our Pricing page for more info.

How often should my jewelry be appraised?

Most insurance companies recommend updating every two to three years.

Are you a “certified” appraiser?

Yes! Deborah A. Villepigue GIA-GG, RMV, AGA, APPA, CGA, AGS-ICGA is a Certified Senior Member of the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers. A Certified Senior Member is designated when an appraiser has completed all the necessary gemological and appraisal training, has a minimum five years experience, and has passed a closed book four hour examination on appraisal theory, ethics and methodology in addition to a five hour practical examination. Character references and other pertinent information are also required.

How long have you been appraising jewelry?

For over 37 years, The Jewelry Appraiser, Inc. of Manhasset, NY has offered a plethora of comprehensive appraisal and consultation services. Deborah A. Villepigue GIA-GG, RMV, AGA, APPA, CGA, AGS-ICGA, one of the industry’s foremost credible jewelry appraisers, has been professionally crafting her art since 1987. Learn more about how we can help you on our Services page.

What memberships or recognitions do you have?

Deborah is an active member and past officer of the GIA Alumni Association, a charter member of the American Society of Appraisers (ASA), and a member of The National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA) and the Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC), which works to maintain honesty and integrity in the jewelry industry. In addition, Deborah belongs to the Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA), the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (NAWCC), and The American Society of Jewelry Historians. She also devotes time to the American Gem Society, (AGS), the International School of Appraisers (ISA), and the forensics of gemology. Deborah Villepigue’s name appeared in Cambridge Who’s Who with the titles VIP, business, and accomplished gemologist appraiser in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014.

Do you buy or sell jewelry?

We do not. By not buying or selling, you receive a totally unbiased opinion of value. If you request selling information at the time of the appraisal, we will assist you and refer you to a potential buyer or other avenues for liquidation.

May I wait and watch my item being appraised?

At The Jewelry Appraiser, we delight in educating our clients. You're welcome to watch and learn as your jewelry is being appraised. We're happy to answer whatever questions you have. If you prefer to leave your assets with us, we will insure them while they're in our temporary possession.

Do you handle appraisal updates for insurance purposes?

If the original appraisal was done by The Jewelry Appraiser, I will re-inspect your items, noting any changes that may have occurred, such as mounting alterations or damage. This service is charged at an hourly rate. If your appraisals was done elsewhere, it is our policy that all items be inspected and evaluated according to the standards used by The Jewelry Appraiser. Many previous appraisals (one-pagers in particular) performed by others often lack important information such as, description of gemstones/diamonds, description of mounting, gold marks, manufacturer marks, diamond plotting diagrams and images.

Do you appraise other personal property, other than jewelry, watches and silver flatware?

I only appraise items that are within my realm of expertise. I will consult other appraisers who have expertise in personal property that I don't have advanced certification to represent. No appraiser should claim to be an expert in everything.

Do you handle appraisals for estate tax purposes after a loved one passes?

Yes, we perform many types of appraisals. What you intend to do with the assets determines what type of appraisal you need. Each appraisal details the intended use with its purpose and function. An estate appraisal is different than an insurance appraisal.

What questions should I ask before hiring a jewelry appraiser?

Before you take your jewelry to a jeweler, ask the following questions first: • Are you a Graduate Gemologist of the GIA or the Gemological Association of Great Britain? • When did you graduate? • How long have you been in the jewelry industry? (Should have at least ten years of experience in the field). • Are you also certified as an appraiser by an appraisal organization like the American Society of Appraisers or the AGS. (There’s no such thing as a “GIA Certified Appraiser. There’s also no such thing as a “licensed appraiser” for personal property.) • How long have you been in practice? • Are your appraisals handwritten or computer generated? • Do you provide color photos of items? • Have you had your color vision tested by an eye doctor recently? Gemology and appraising are not the same thing! Gemologists are not necessarily qualified appraisers, and require significant training, certification, and experience to achieve competency in jewelry appraising. A gemologist may be able to identify and even grade a diamond, but may not know how to determine its value. The bottom line: If you want to buy a piece of jewelry, see a jeweler. If you need a professional appraisal, hire an independent jewelry appraiser.

Why do I need an appraisal?

The outcome of a professional jewelry appraisal is to describe your jewelry in enough detail to enable the full replacement of your jewelry in case of its loss. Typically, it includes a 20-point inspection.

Whether you are buying a new piece of jewelry, selling part of your collection, or you received a gift or inheritance of jewelry, determining exactly what you hold in your hand, and its actual worth, is very important. A professional jewelry appraisal, conducted by an accredited gemologist who is also certified as a gems and jewelry appraiser, provides the information you need.

An Appraisal Report is a package of information that includes:

Who performed the appraisal of your jewelry
When the appraisal took place
The qualifications and accreditations of the appraisers
The purpose or intent of the appraisal
What was done during the appraisal
Which standards were observed
Which criteria went into the evaluation
How the actual value of the jewelry determined
The final value of the jewelry as of the date of the appraisal
A Professional Jewelry Appraisal is your authoritative passport to peace of mind!