December babies have birthstones that are bathed in blue: the deep, rich blue of tanzanite, the range of brilliant colors, including blue, of the zircon, and the sparkling aqua (“turquoise?”) of, well…turquoise. Your stones represent some of the oldest — and newest — stones. Tanzanite is a relative newcomer. In the 1960s, Tiffany & […]
Last time, we talked about the importance of updating your appraisal. Here are some tips for getting ready for your upcoming appointment. Gather the family jewels. You may think you only have a few pieces of jewelry. Oh, and then there are those bracelets that you inherited. And your silver service. And your mother-in-law’s rings […]
We insure all the valuable items in our life. But unlike a car, jewelry appreciates as time goes by. That insurance rider you received with your pearls 20 years ago can be wildly off-base. Just ask anyone who’s lost a precious heirloom and received only a fraction of its worth from an insurance repayment. This […]
Ahh, November birthday girls (and boys)…your birthstones are as beautiful and autumnal as you are: yellow topaz and citrine. Their colors seem to reflect the dark oranges, yellows, and luminous browns of the late-fall leaves. The two stones can be mistaken for one another, but the topaz is harder. First, the topaz. Named from the […]
It may seem odd to think of 60’s/70’s jewelry as vintage. But while we sang about revolution, there was a revolution in jewelry design, materials, and style. Colors became bolder, with higher contrast (i.e., turquoise and coral), uncut crystals took the place of polished gems, and formal pieces turned into more casual settings. Reflecting the […]
Even if going to school is a distant memory, the fall still evokes a sense of new beginnings and getting a handle on things — like your jewelry. Here are four tips for getting your gems — including jewelry from estates and members of your family — into back-to-school shape. (And you don’t even have to […]
For generations, the sapphire has charmed people with its other-worldly depths of color. According to legend, a sapphire will protect your family from envy and harm. (Although you may attract some envy with one of these beautiful stones!) In medieval times, people believed that a sapphire would attract blessings from heaven. Other traits attributed to […]
A jewelry appraisal will inform you what the average price an item would sell for. Independent appraisers conduct the appraisal because they are unbiased. Since they don’t buy or sell jewelry they are less likely to overvalue the jewelry. They will inspect all aspects of your jewelry (size, color, quality, etc) and will conduct market research to […]
So you have found the right woman. You know she is the one you want by your side for the rest of your life. You may have even planned out the perfect proposal. Your grandma has even passed her beautiful engagement ring down to you so you can give it to the one you love. […]
Getting a jewelry appraisal is never a bad idea. There are many benefits to having your jewelry appraised. In some cases you may want an appraisal for insurance purposes. Or you may wish to learn more about the history and value of your personal jewelry, gifts, or inheritances. Perhaps you are considering selling the piece in order […]
