What Does a Jewelry Appraisal Cost?
Written Appraisals, Consultations, Expert Witness & Other Services
The cost to have jewelry appraised by a reputable independent appraiser in Las Vegas and Southern Nevada depends on many factors, including purpose of the appraisal, which market the appraisal is for, complexity of the piece, etc.
That being said, here are some guidelines to give you an idea of costs associated with using the services of HGL Certified Jewelry Appraisers.
Appraisals for Insurance
The most common type of appraisals we see are for insurance purposes. If you need a Retail Replacement Value appraisal for insurance, the cost starts at $125 for the first item and $95 for each additional item. Heavy pave custom jewelry and diamond chains or customized watches start at $250 per item. Bands that are not soldered, and sizeable chains are considered one piece. Sets of jewelry is still charged per individual item.
These costs assume there is nothing extraordinary about your item(s) . Most items fall within these price parameters. If you are unsure if your items would fall under normal jewelry you can email us photos to get better price estimates. However, if your item is exceptional and there is any additional cost, we will inform you at the beginning of the appointment.
Some examples of item (s) that will cost more are single diamonds over 3 carats in weight, rare watches and or rare and antique designer jewelry, necklaces or bracelets with more than one size and types of gemstones items that are custom made with specialty colored stones or colored diamonds, Items that require extra testing or GIA reports for accuracy, etc.
For high-volume appraisals, hourly rates may be more suitable and efficient, please inquire about our hourly rates if you have more than 9 items. There is a 3 hour minimum for hourly rates.
Updates for items previously appraised by HGL Certified Jewelry Appraisers within 5 years of the original appraisal date are billed at 50% of the current appraisal rates.
Estate Jewelry Appraisals
If the intended use of your appraisal is for Estate or Equitable Distribution purposes, the scope of the assignment expands to meet the particular need of the executor or bank trust department. These assignments are most appropriately billed at an hourly rate, which is $195 per hour when conducted in our office lab. Outside of our office, the rate is $275 per hour with a 2-hour minimum (portal to portal) with a $600 retainer fee in advance.
Other appraisals that fall into this category include those whose intended use include fair market value for taxation purposes, appraisals that require hypothetical scenarios or extraordinary assumptions.
Read more about estate jewelry appraisals here.
Expert Witness & Deposition Services
We have extensive experience providing deposition and expert witness services. (Please refer to the Credentials page on this website). Call us for a discussion to determine whether our expertise is suitable for your case.
Deposition and Expert Witness assignments are charged at an hourly rate of $350 with a 2-hour minimum and $700 retainer against actual hours in advance. These assignments vary and often present refined scheduling challenges (beginning and ending times). A contract and non-refundable retainer are required to proceed with an Expert Witness assignment.
Please call to discuss details and negotiate pricing.
Verbal Consultation
Verbal consultation is done in our office and starts at a fee of $50.00 per item. The appraiser does all the work normally associated with an appraisal report but does not provide printed documentation. Payment is due at the end of the appointment.
Traveling Appraisals (Local)
Local onsite appraisals are billed at $275 per hour with a 2-hour minimum (portal to portal) with a $600 retainer fee in advance.
Out-of-town Assignments
Travel outside the Las Vegas valley is billed at $1,000 for each travel day and a minimum of $2,000 for each workday. Travel expenses including airfare and lodging are billed to the client as well. A contract and non-refundable $2,000 retainer fee are required for all out-of-town assignments.
Please contact us to negotiate the details.
Brokering Services
Please call for additional information.