Jewelry

[Mz iMac]

Years ago I had taken a piece of jewelry  along w/its receipt to the store from where I purchased it from.  Told the sales staff I needed an appraisal.  It was done for FREE no questions asked!

Not sure if jewelry stores still do the above.

[Jk9]

There are several factors as others have said.  Additionally, it depends on the "type" appraisal you want.  I wanted the full appraisal of the stone and all as if for insurance purposes,   I had my green diamond solitaire done and they had to take the stone out and reset the stone.  It was around $200.   While I was there, the jeweler was talking on the phone with a woman about having to evaluate each diamond in her vintage 18kt brooch and that it was taking a long time to do.  

[Pezzie]

@Ainhisg    The charge should be for each piece you wish to have appraised.  I know you will be going  to someone  reputable,  but avoid those that charge based on the appraised value, for obvious reasons

[Ainhisg]

Thank you, everyone!  I appreciate all responses and always learn something!

[Zitawins]

@Ainhisg   I took a strand of pearls my late husband had given me to a local jeweler last summer. The clasp had separated from the end and I was afraid I'd lose them'.

They said the whole necklace had to be restrung (with knots between each pearl) and quoted me $90. so I went ahead and it's beautiful and sturdy. One of my girls will get it.

[Ainhisg]

OP here.  I just wanted to circle back and tell you my experience.  After much consideration, I had narrowed down my choices to two jewelers (local, home-owned businesses) based on Google reviews and questions I had asked on a local Facebook group and Nextdoor.  All set to go yesterday when I saw that one is closed on Mondays. So that left the other one.  

He did not have as many reviews as the one I had originally chosen, but after getting to the store, I saw why.  He did have "some" jewelry and could order whatever I wanted, but he mainly focuses on jewelry repair, appraisals, and making custom pieces.  So if shopping for jewelry, what he had available wasn't a lot, hence not having as many reviews.  He has a gemologist that comes in on Mondays and Wednesdays. That was a big plus, as I have one piece with stones that were sold to my father as being pink sapphires.  The jeweler said he doesn't think that's what they are, but the gemologist will take a look and let me know.

Anyway, appraisals are charged per piece, and it was $75 for the first appraisal and $35 for subsequent appraisals.  I about fell over at the reasonable cost.  I had 6 appraisals done--5 on what he suspected were close to or over the $3000 point, which is what my extra jewelry policy requires to pay.  So I had 6 appraisals for $250.  I live in SW Missouri, so I suspect things are much less expensive here.  And it was a small store with no employees, so there's not that overhead and extra expense, either, making things cost less.