Appraisal Articles
Insights on antiques, jewelry, and the appraisal process
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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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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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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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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The Appraisal's Unseen Truth: Pearl Treatments and Mandatory Disclosure
Imagine inheriting a beautiful, lustrous pearl necklace, a cherished family heirloom passed down through generations. You’ve always admired its deep, almost iridescent glow, believing it...
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Beyond the Melt: Appraising Diamond Accent Gold Jewelry
It’s a common scenario in my office: a client brings in a beautiful 14k gold necklace, perhaps with an intricate pendant adorned with a scattering...
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Beyond Brown: The Vibrant Spectrum of Vintage Bakelite Colors and Patterns
It's a familiar scene: a client brings in a shoebox of inherited jewelry, often dismissing a chunky bracelet or a collection of seemingly ordinary pins...
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The Cost of Memory: Tennessee Civil Rights Memorabilia
A client once brought in a dusty shoebox filled with what seemed, at first glance, like ordinary ephemera: faded photographs of people marching, a hand-stitched...
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The Mikimoto Standard: Recognizing Superior Cultured Pearl Quality
We’ve all seen it: the moment someone discovers a forgotten piece of jewelry, perhaps tucked away in an old box or inherited from a beloved...
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