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Appraisal Articles

Insights on antiques, jewelry, and the appraisal process

More Than Metal: The Enduring Value of Hand-Hammered Copper & Brass

More Than Metal: The Enduring Value of Hand-Hammered Copper & Brass

The polished gleam of a machine-pressed brass bowl often catches the eye, shining with a uniform, factory-perfect finish. But take a closer look at a...

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Jessica Rickman
Oct 09, 2026
The Appraiser's Legal Tightrope: Navigating Personal Property Liability

The Appraiser's Legal Tightrope: Navigating Personal Property Liability

Deciding on the true worth of a treasured item, whether it's a sparkling heirloom passed down through generations or an entire estate needing careful division,...

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Jessica Rickman
Oct 06, 2026
Beyond the Veneer: Appraising Antique Chest-on-Chests and Tallboy Drawers

Beyond the Veneer: Appraising Antique Chest-on-Chests and Tallboy Drawers

We often walk past the imposing stature of an antique chest-on-chest or a tallboy, admiring its general form without realizing the intricate stories its construction...

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Jessica Rickman
Oct 02, 2026
Antique Chatelaines: The Ultimate Utilitarian Luxury Decoded

Antique Chatelaines: The Ultimate Utilitarian Luxury Decoded

Peering closely at an intricate silver piece, perhaps a Victorian-era clip with several delicate chains dangling, you might initially mistake it for an elaborate decorative...

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Jessica Rickman
Sep 29, 2026
Gold-Filled or Pinchbeck? Deciphering Antique Gilt Jewelry

Gold-Filled or Pinchbeck? Deciphering Antique Gilt Jewelry

Holding an antique locket, its surface gleaming with a warm, golden luster, you might find yourself wondering about its true nature. Is this a precious...

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Jessica Rickman
Sep 25, 2026
Unlocking the Value of Vintage Cufflinks: Gold, Enamel, and Gemstones

Unlocking the Value of Vintage Cufflinks: Gold, Enamel, and Gemstones

When someone brings in an old jewelry box or a dresser drawer full of forgotten treasures, it’s often the larger, flashier pieces that catch the...

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Jessica Rickman
Sep 22, 2026
Rookwood, Weller, Roseville: Unlocking the True Value of American Art Pottery

Rookwood, Weller, Roseville: Unlocking the True Value of American Art Pottery

A common scenario I encounter involves someone bringing in a piece of pottery, often a vase or a bowl, that has been a quiet fixture...

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Jessica Rickman
Sep 18, 2026
Beyond the Patina: Appraising Antique Wooden Carpentry Tools

Beyond the Patina: Appraising Antique Wooden Carpentry Tools

When I'm evaluating an antique wooden carpentry tool, the true story of its value often lies far deeper than its surface appearance. You might see...

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Jessica Rickman
Sep 15, 2026
Woven Wealth: Appraising Hand-Woven Wicker and Rattan

Woven Wealth: Appraising Hand-Woven Wicker and Rattan

The humble vine, bent and woven by skilled hands, tells a story far richer than its unassuming appearance might suggest. From a breezy porch rocking...

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Jessica Rickman
Sep 11, 2026