Estate Jewelry Appraisals

Estate jewelry appraisals are necessary for certain circumstances and events including inherited estates or trusts, dissolution of marriage, legal settlements, trust distribution between heirs, and estate taxes.

Unlike jewelry insurance appraisals that require replacement value of an item, an estate jewelry appraisal determines the fair market value of an item. Fair Market Value is the purchase price that two willing parties would agree upon with no obligation to buy or sell, and is usually lower than replacement value.

In our comprehensive estate jewelry appraisal reports, each item will be evaluated by current condition to determine selling price in markets that would typically buy or sell the item. 

When You Need an Estate Jewelry Appraisal:

  • Distribution of an estate or trust
  • Documents for estate tax filing
  • Estate planning
  • Filing federal estate tax documentation
  • Family member leaves jewelry in an estate to be valued and distributed
  • Family member moves from a home into a care facility
  • Non-cash assets of estate like fine jewelry, diamonds and gemstones*

*An estate appraisal may be required by a probate court in order to determine fair market value for distribution of non-cash assets. 

While most estates and trusts are not subject to federal estate tax, having a less formal written appraisal report documenting fine jewelry, diamonds and gemstones can result in  equitable distribution of assets in an estate or trust.

Personal Jewelry Catalog
A personal jewelry catalog is vital to documenting all the jewelry you own and can serve many purposes. For instance, in the event of a fire, flood or other natural disaster, you may be required to provide documentation to your insurance company to be reimbursed or to replace items. In recovering lost jewelry, you may need to provide proof of ownership to claim the item.
Unlike a comprehensive appraisal report, a personal jewelry catalog provides documentation of your fine jewelry so you can keep track of, prove ownership of or replace your jewelry in the event jewelry is lost, stolen or damaged.

A personal jewelry catalog includes photos of your item(s) with short descriptions of each item, including grades and condition, and the Fair Market Value or Marketable Cash Value.

When You Need a Personal Jewelry Catalog:

  • Itemized list of personal jewelry with date and location recorded and documented
  • Organizing large jewelry collections 
  • Valuation of inherited or gifted jewelry items
  • Estate planning or equitable distribution purposes when formal documents are not required

Investing in a personal jewelry catalog can also help prevent discord and unnecessary issues associated with distribution of an estate. Having documentation of the monetary value of each jewelry item in one place makes it easy and stress free for an estate to be distributed in an equitable and fair manner.

Antique Jewelry Appraisal at Cal Coast Jewelry Appraisers

From sentimental family heirlooms and rare gems to coveted collector items, an antique jewelry appraisal provides an accurate assessment of the fair market value of vintage and antique jewelry.

We offer the most reliable and comprehensive antique jewelry appraisal services. Our team of qualified professionals with years of experience in buying, evaluating, and appraising antique jewelry are here to help.

When You Need an Antique Jewelry Appraisal:

  • Identification and valuation of inherited or purchased items
  • Buying or selling of an antique jewelry item
  • Estate planning or probate needs
  • Dissolution settlements

There are many factors we take into consideration when valuing antique or vintage jewelry including assessing the fair market value of gemstone and precious metals, documenting quality of artistry, and identifying manufacturer or designer. Understanding the value of your antique jewelry is beneficial for insurance purposes in the event your antique jewels are lost, stolen or damaged.

Pricing List

Estate Appraisals

Estate Tax, Probate, Donation, Equitable Distribution, Liquidation

In office $225.00 per hour


In home, bank, etc. $250.00 per hour


Travel and equipment set up $95.00 per hour($95 minimum fee)


Deposition, Arbitration or Court $250.00 per hour (½ day minimum)


Fee estimate can be provided at the start of the assignment. Cancellation within 7 days for all expert witness testimony is billed at the ½ day minimum.

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Gemological Institute of America logo
American Society of Appraisers logo
National Association of Jewelry Appraisers logo
Jewellery Appraisers of the World logo
Women's Jewellery Association logo