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Appraisal Articles

Insights on antiques, jewelry, and the appraisal process

Measuring History: The Enduring Value of Antique Tennessee Survey Tools

Measuring History: The Enduring Value of Antique Tennessee Survey Tools

Imagine a dusty old box, perhaps tucked away in a grandparent's attic or unearthed during a barn cleanout in rural Tennessee. Inside, amidst forgotten tools...

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Jessica Rickman
May 29, 2026
Appraisal Secrets: Unlock the True Value of Your Engagement & Wedding Rings

Appraisal Secrets: Unlock the True Value of Your Engagement & Wedding Rings

Picture this: a cherished engagement ring, a symbol of enduring love, perhaps an heirloom passed down through generations. You know it's precious, invaluable in sentiment....

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Jessica Rickman
May 26, 2026
Middle Tennessee's Civil War Antiques: Relics of Conflict, Riches of History

Middle Tennessee's Civil War Antiques: Relics of Conflict, Riches of History

Imagine a scene many Middle Tennesseans can relate to: an elderly relative passes, and the family begins the daunting task of clearing out their beloved...

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Jessica Rickman
May 22, 2026
Beyond Luster: How Nacre Quality Dictates Pearl Value

Beyond Luster: How Nacre Quality Dictates Pearl Value

It’s a common scenario: a client brings in a beautiful pearl necklace, a family heirloom, perhaps worn lovingly for decades. On the surface, the pearls...

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Jessica Rickman
May 19, 2026
USPAP Confidentiality: The Appraiser's Ethical Minefield

USPAP Confidentiality: The Appraiser's Ethical Minefield

It’s a situation many of us have faced: you’ve just completed an extensive estate appraisal for a client navigating a complex divorce. The report details...

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Jessica Rickman
May 15, 2026
Bakelite, Lucite, Celluloid: Decoding the Differences

Bakelite, Lucite, Celluloid: Decoding the Differences

It’s a scenario I encounter regularly: a client brings in a collection of what they assume is costume jewelry, perhaps inherited from a grandmother, describing...

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Jessica Rickman
May 12, 2026
Opal's Spectrum of Splendor: Black, White, and Boulder Opals in Jewelry

Opal's Spectrum of Splendor: Black, White, and Boulder Opals in Jewelry

Imagine inheriting a beautiful antique ring, its central stone shimmering with an otherworldly dance of colors. You know it's an opal, but is it a...

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Jessica Rickman
May 08, 2026
Ruby vs. Garnet: Spotting the True Red Gem

Ruby vs. Garnet: Spotting the True Red Gem

Imagine someone excitedly bringing in a vintage cocktail ring, a family heirloom, the centerpiece a deep, fiery red stone. "This is my grandmother's ruby," they...

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Jessica Rickman
May 05, 2026
Sterling Silver Appraisal: Uncovering the True Value of Tea Sets & Holloware

Sterling Silver Appraisal: Uncovering the True Value of Tea Sets & Holloware

It’s a common scene: a dusty old box emerges from an attic or a forgotten corner of the basement. Inside, nestled amongst yellowed linens, is...

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Jessica Rickman
May 01, 2026