At Susan Eisen Fine Jewelry and Watches, your appraisal is performed according to the requirements of the International Society of Appraisers, Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), the American Gem Society, the American Society of Appraisers, and the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers. Your jewelry appraisal is professionally prepared to the highest standards. For information on the qualifications of Susan Eisen, please click here or request an updated CV.
Appraisal fees are based on the complexity of the item, the expertise and research necessary, and the time to complete the report. We do not charge a fee for the first item and then the same for each subsequent item as some its are quick and easy and this can result in overcharging the customer. Prices and charges are estimated at the time the jewelry is brought in for appraisal.
Many types of documents are offered including: certificate of replacement cost documents to help establish the replacement cost for insurance or other appraisals for a variety of purposes including estate, divorced property settlements, forced sale, non-forced sale, private sale, heir equitable distribution, inventory, tax inventory, charitable contribution, estate planning, or consignment.
Appointments are required and in most cases the appraisal is completed and back in your possession in one week. Each piece of jewelry is weighed, measured, and described in detail. If required, your jewelry or watch is analyzed in our Accredited Gemological Laboratory, with sophisticated equipment to find the identification and characteristics of your gemstones.
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Gemstones are identified, graded, measured, and their weights calculated and metal content is determined using current methods and up-to-date equipment.
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When requested all diamonds are described with weight, shape, color and clarity. In diamonds over .50 carat, the internal characteristics of the diamond are diagrammed depending on the type of appraisal you request and further details regarding proportions are included. GIA certification service is also available if you so request.
- Colored gemstones are described with weight, shape, color, and clarity with further details when they affect value.
- Your appraisal includes enlarged digital color photographs of the items printed right on the report.
- Photomicrographs (photographs through a microscope) are available if needed for insurance claims, etc. Your appraisal explains the gemstone grading systems used. An explanation of the definition of value is included, along with the instructions for the appropriate use of the appraisal document.
Offsite, home, in-vault, rush, or on-site jewelry appraisals are available at an additional fee. We offer a variety of packages for your appraisal needs.
Appraisals can be done during an appointment, and there is no need to leave your jewelry for each appraisal. Because we are buying and selling jewelry everyday, it keeps us aware of the market and as the only Master Gemologist Appraiser, ASA and Certified Gemologist Appraiser, AGS in El Paso, with 45 years of experience, as a goldsmith, we can offer you what no one else can.
Sometimes we are requested to do jewelry store valuations, examining jewelry store operations, inventory, sales, and departments for reasons including the divorce of a family owned jewelry store, or estate tax for a family owned jewelry store. This may include writing a report, serving as an expert witness, depositions, or consulting for mediation. If you need this type of appraisal work, please do not hesitate to request our services.
For everyone’s protection, be sure the appraisals you’re reviewing are accurate and up-to-date. The following tips will help you ensure that is the case:
- Be sure the appraisal date is not older than three years. Values on gold, labor, and gemstones change often and need to revalued frequently.
- Make sure your appraiser is certified. Anyone can sell a diamond and anyone can write an appraisal. If you are a professional, be sure your client has a signature from a reputable appraiser on the valuation statement.
- Look for precise descriptions of the cut, color, clarity and carat weight of the gemstones. The mark, carat, and weight of the gold or platinum mounting should also be included.
- Understand which valuation method is used. There are 3 different kinds of valuation . Confusing one type of value for another can result in serious trouble for you or your client.
