Jewelry Appraisal Near Me

The Vermont Gem Lab is run by Vermont’s only ASA Master Gemologist Appraiser (1 of 37 in the world) and is the only AGA Certified Gemological Laboratory in the state. Owner Kennon Young is also a GIA graduate gemologist and a JA certified bench jeweler with over 25 years in the trade. We are proud to have the most accredited and highest tech jewelry manufacturing facility in the State. 

Appraisals are offered for insurance, price confirmation, fair market value/estate work, marketable cash value, and more. We appraise modern and antique jewelry, loose diamonds and gemstones, watches, and silverware/flatware.

Please Contact Us to schedule an appointment with our appraiser. 

 

How Much Does a Jewelry Appraisal Cost?

All appraisals are done on the spot, while you wait, by appointment. 

Estate, insurance, and resale valuations, per hour- $300 (Minimum of one hour)

Expert witness, per hour- $350 (Minimum of three hours)

Brokering- 15% of sold value, not including costs of sale

 

Estate Distribution/Estate Appraisal

Estate Jewelry Appraisal may be required by the IRS or your state for estate taxes, equitable distribution, divorce settlement, or bankruptcy. These reports must be produced in accordance with bylaws and ethical standards set forth by the appraisal foundation, the IRS and state law. Consult your appraiser and attorney regarding the appropriate laws that pertain to your appraisal needs.

Documents that must be sent to the IRS for tax, donation, death, or divorce are required to be written by a qualified appraiser (as defined by the IRS). A detailed description is required for all items, but an appraisal is not always required.

An appraisal by a qualified appraiser is required for estate taxes if any one item is valued at more than $3,000.00, or for any collection of similar articles that is valued at more than $10,000.00 (U.S. Treasury Regulation 20.2031 -6).

An appraisal by a qualified appraiser is required for donations when an individual item is worth more then $5000.00.  If the donated value exceeds $20,000.00, then a copy of the appraisal must accompany the form (IRS form 8283).

 

Antique and Vintage Jewelry Appraisal

“A man walking through the desert, dying of thirst, carries a parcel of diamonds. He comes across a man with water. How many diamonds, if not all, would he give for just one cup of water?” Any item can have an infinite number of different values, based upon what you’re doing with the item. This can vary depending upon the buyer, seller, region, marketplace, quality, market saturation, and many more factors. Value is defined by transactions within these specified parameters. An example would be:

1.01 carat, G color, VS1 clarity, Excellent cut diamond

Sale takes place in the Burlington, VT region

  • Seller is a retail “brick and mortar” store
  • Buyer is a retail consumer
  • Date and Time is December 24th, 4:55 PM
  • Retail value conclusion: $7350.00

Change a single one of these aspects and the value conclusion will differ. This is appraisal theory. With just this simple knowledge, one can understand how an appraisal that reads “One 1.01 carat, G color, VVS1 clarity, Excellent cut diamond; Value: $25,000” is simply not enough. What if the client was purchasing it from auction, or a pawn shop? Would you expect the value to differ?

A professional appraiser understands not just jewelry manufacturing and gemology, but marketplaces and many different transactions that take place within these marketplaces (and ultimately how they affect value). The following chart shows many reasons for valuation as well as the corresponding value.

 

Where to Sell Jewelry Near Me

Looking to sell jewelry? We can help. The Vermont Gem Lab has an exclusive brokering and buying service unlike anyone else.  We not only purchase directly from the public, but we’ll sit down with you and educate you on several markets in which you can sell your unwanted engagement ring, out of fashion gemstone jewelry or old gold and platinum scrap.  We equip you with the knowledge you need in order to make comfortable and educated decisions regarding the resale of your jewelry.


Brokering

For designer pieces, or items that are valued at over $10,000 wholesale, the Vermont Gem Lab offers brokering services.  We consistently achieve selling prices above what jewelry buyers offer.  Methods of resale include online marketing, jewelry buyers, auction houses, and private sale to the ultimate consumer.

We work directly with our clients and the buyer to achieve the best possible value for your jewelry. Our fee for this service is 12% of the hammer or selling price, not including ancillary fees such as shipping and insurance.