Gems and Jewelry Appraising: Techniques of Professional Practice

1. The Appraiser.- Who Is a Professional Gems and Jewelry Appraiser?.- Opening an Appraisal Service.- Establishing a Professional Image.- Questions Most Often Asked by Gemologists about Appraising.- 2. Appraisal Procedures and the Nature of Value.- The Purpose of the Appraisal.- Appraisal Functions.- Limiting and Contingency Conditions for Appraisal Documents.- Handling Insurance Replacements.- 3. Conducting the Appraisal.- Initial Examination and Take-In.- Appraisal Preparations.- Photographing the Jewelry.- Cleaning the Jewelry.- Identifying, Measuring, and Weighing Gemstones.- Analyzing Metal Fineness.- Weighing, Measuring, and Noting the Manufacturer.- Trademarks and Hallmarks.- Conducting Market Research.- Computers and Telecommunications.- Comparing Notes with Foreign Colleagues.- 4. Research and Analysis: how to Estimate Value.- Pricing Old-Cut Diamonds.- Phenomenal Gems.- Fantasy-Cut Gemstones.- Ivory.- Jet.- Coral.- Amber.- Opal.- Jade.- Pearls.- Bead Necklaces.- Rare and Collector Gems.- Synthetic Gemstones.- 5. Jewelry from Antiquity to the Modern Era.- Jewelry Antiquities.- Antique Jewelry.- Examining and Evaluating Period Jewelry.- Cameos.- Class Rings, Fraternal Jewelry, and Religious Jewelry.- American Indian Jewelry.- Ethnic Jewelry.- European Designer Jewelry.- Jewelry from New-Wave Designers.- Costume Jewelry.- 6. Valuing Watches, Coin Jewelry, Carvings, and Other Articles.- Vintage and Contemporary Wristwatches.- Pocket Watches.- Coin Jewelry.- Erotica.- Carvings.- Hardstone Carvings and Gemstone Sculptures.- Silver Flatware and Holloware.- 7. Legal and Ethical Aspects of Appraising.- The Appraiser's Role in Gemstone Barter.- Survival Techniques for Expert Witnesses.- 8. Preparing the Appraisal Document.- The Appraisal Report.- Developing a Professional Brochure.- Illustrations of Cutting Styles.- Size-to-Weight Conversion Charts.- Standard-Size Cabochon Gems.- Opal Cabochons.- Caliber-Cut Gemstones.- Weight System Conversion Charts.- Pennyweight-to-Gram Conversion.- The Troy System.- Avoir and Troy Weights.- The Carat System.- Diamond Prices: 1980-1985.- Gold and Silver Prices: 1971-1986.- Weight Estimation Formulas.- Diamonds.- Colored Stones.- Recommended Report Forms.- Gem Identification Report.- Quality Analysis: Colored Stones.- Quality Analysis: Opals.- Quality Analysis: Change-of-Color.- Stones.- Quality Analysis: Pearls.- Quality Analysis: Cat's Eye and Star.- Stones.- Jewelry Appraisal Update.- Sample IRS Valuation: Donation Appraisal.- Metal Finishes.- Opal Terms.- Antique and Period Jewelry Items.- Sources of Additional.- Information.