Appraiser in Seattle area?

[Jelly88]

Hi All! I need to get a stone unmounted and appraised for insurance purposes. Does anyone know of a reputable appraiser in the Seattle area who can help? Also, what is an appropriate fee for an appraisal? I called one place that I found on Yelp and they quoted me over $100. That seems like a lot.

 

[crbl999]

I use Neil Beaty (@denverappraiser) and I paid around $120 for 1 item to be appraised for insurance purposes. I would recommend not shopping around based on price, but based on the type of report that is created. It should be detailed and in a specific format. I don't know what the format is called, but perhaps Neil will comment on this thread and provide more insight.

 

[Jelly88]

He is based in the Seattle area? I’m looking for someone local. I’m not trying to shop around based on price, just wanted to see if $100+ is reasonable. Since I’m new to this, I want to make sure I don’t get ripped off

 

[denverappraiser]

You might try Ted Irwin in Bellvue. I'm not going to quote someone else's prices but I would probably charge more than that.

You mentioned having it unmounted. Why? Are you making something new so you'll be unmounting it anyway or is this for the benefit of the appraisal?

 

[Jelly88]

Thanks denversppraiser!

I’m getting the stone recut by Brian Gavin and they need it to be insured first, which is why I need an appraisal. Brian Gavin can unmount it for me, but I figured since I only need to insure the stone (not the setting it’s in), I should have it unmounted for the appraisal.

 

[denverappraiser]

Most insurance companies will only bind on a piece of jewelry, not a loose stone. Given your situation, you may be better off insuring it as it is, before Brian touches it. Your insurance agent should be able to give details.

 

[Jelly88]

Good to know! Thank you so much!

 

[crbl999]

I believe Jewelers Mutual will cover a stone of damaged during a recut. I would be sure to ask specifically if your policy will cover this.