Only a few years ago, if you needed an appraisal of The revolution in the personal property appraisals gems and jewelry for any reason, you asked your local field (of which jewelry is a part) is a little more than a jeweler, who hastily scribbled a one-line handwritten decade old. There now exist uniform standards and note. He or she usually performed the appraisal for procedures for personal property appraisers, classes free, and did so with reluctance, accommodating you in valuation techniques, and degree programs in the only because as a customer you held the promise of a valuation sciences. future sale. The price your jeweler may have assigned Professional jewelry appraisers are on the edge of to the jewelry was granted without the least regard a new vocation. Banks, insurance companies, and for market research, legalities, or ethics. In most in governmental agencies have all helped bring about stances, the estimate was no more than a properly the changes and contribute to the birth of the profes completed sales receipt. sion; they have realized that they can demand and Gemologists were usually pushed into the role of get high standards of performance and integrity from appraiser by their jeweler employers, who were eager jewelry appraisers, as they can from appraisers of real to gain an advantage over their competitors by adver property.

There is more to appraising jewelry than just being parable sales and a value determination. Then, all this able to put a dollar value on an item. The title of ap information, with clear jewelry descriptions, must be praiser distinguishes the individual who is able to iden succinctly put together with photographs and deliv tify, witness, estimate status, excellence, or potential ered to the client. ity, and to determine the authenticity of an article. Today's jewelry appraiser should also be cognizant Many factors impact on a thorough appraisal, espe of the vicissitudes of fashion, how changes impact the cially on estate and period jewelry. jewelry market in a substantial and vital manner in both design and style. A careful look must be given to Developing all this expertise is a lot to ask of practi tioners who only a decade ago were barely making a study of color psychology with an awareness of why specific gemstones and their colors and enamels of cer distinction between a well-written sales receipt and a professional appraisal report. tain colors were used in different periods. Industrial In the past few years bold changes have taken place developments, from machine stamped jewelry, the use in this field. It is now understood that standard ap of aniline dyes in clothing, and development of the praisal concepts and principles can be applied to the electric light, have influenced design and use of gem stones.

Jewellery styles were influenced by wars, the economy, events like the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, and the growth of industrialisation. Sentiment was reflected in hair jewellery made from a loved one's hair, lockets containing family pictures, and pins bearing names and catch-phrases of importance to their period. This book gives you the historical background, the periods' fashion trends, and detailed descriptions of popular jewels, so you can have an even greater appreciation for the pieces in your collection. The book also includes information about: How jewellery is manufactured; How to determine what kind of metal an item is made from; Determining whether a stone is synthetic; A listing of maker's marks to help you identify and date pieces.

"A complete reference for goldsmiths, collectors, and jewellery makers, this book is a comprehensive guide to identifying, buying, using and caring for a dazzling array of jewels and gems." "Discover the origins of gemstones and understand the process of selecting the raw material. Includes practical advice on how to assess the quality, rarity, grade, durability, and cut of precious and semi-precious stones." "Learn how gems are calibrated, using the industry standard measurements of carats and points, and how they can be treated to improve both colour and clarity. A glossary section clearly explains all of the key terminology used." "Illustrations and colour photographs help you to identify the gemstones available to jewellery makers, from amethysts and diamonds to tourmaline and quartz, and demonstrate how they can be used in different designs and settings."--Jacket

Beginning and experienced collectors and even dealers sometimes have difficulty distinguishing a valuable piece of costume jewelry from less valuable jewelry. Two brooches, both signed by the same designer, can have vastly different values. This book provides beginning collectors with friendly one-on-one advice on how to begin a collection and how to recognize good quality costume jewelry. Background information for almost 130 different manufacturers, including the author s recommendations on which pieces from each designer are the most collectible, are provided. Over 200 new photos have been added to this edition, bringing the total to around 900 full-color photographs. A new section on miscellaneous makers is featured, and additional, up-to-date information about selling jewelry on eBay is provided. Once again, tips on how to upgrade a collection by selling to dealers and trading with friends; tips on how to catalog a collection; and tips on repairing, storing, and cleaning jewelry are included. A glossary of jewelry terms, complete bibliography, and an index of patent design numbers round out the book. 2008 values.

A guide to appraising antiques and collectibles at home, at auctions, estate sales, shops, and yard sales.

The 4th edition of Warman's Jewelry: Fine & Costume Jewelry price guide is for any jewelry lover interested in jadeite, pearls, diamonds, figurals, Art Deco, Art Nouveau, sterling silver, beads, rhinestones, avant-garde, designer, antique Victorian-Edwardian-Georgian, couture, plastics including Bakelite and Lucite, gold, and even more exceptional jewelry categories. The book features a fresh and fun redesign with more than 1,000 all-new images. Scholarly information and helpful hints guide the collector on an amusing journey through costume and fine jewelry from the 18th to 21st centuries. The easy-to-follow format allows collectors to quickly identify their jewelry, plus concise and informative intro shorts tell the readers specifically what to look for within categories. The book is an indispensable addition to any jewelry library. Learn about jewelry without the usual tedium of non-fiction for a read that goes fast from the first word to the closing paragraph. Plus, read short interviews with category specialists. All in all, you'll learn a lot without realizing you've been ... studying.