Jaybbles
Rough_Rock
- Joined
- Oct 3, 2011
- Messages
- 21
Hello all,
I am new to the forum, and to colored stones in general. I have already learned a great deal reading your posts and I look forward to learning more. My mother was an avid collector. She amassed a collection of large stones (tanzanites, fire opals, sphene's etc) with the intentions of using them in future designs of her own. Unfortunately she no longer can do so due to physical/mental health issues. Her medical bills have bankrupted her and are on the verge of doing the same to me. Sorry about the sob story, but my question is where do I begin? I had a few of the stones "looked" at and was told they are worth far-less than she paid ( I have some of the invoices) and they offered me next to nothing. I realize that I need an independent appraisal, and I have found a gemologist in my area that sees well-credentialed and not involved in any aspects of purchasing or making recommendations about selling. So I am am hopeful, to at least come away from that with a clear idea of "what" exactly she has, and what it is worth. Where do I go from there???
Ebay? I can live with their fees, but it seems like stones of this size (20+ct) often go unsold. I can see where people would be understandably leery to make such a large purchase without a personal inspection. Any tips or feedback on how to handle my visit with the appraiser or what to do beyond that would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you,
Jason
I am new to the forum, and to colored stones in general. I have already learned a great deal reading your posts and I look forward to learning more. My mother was an avid collector. She amassed a collection of large stones (tanzanites, fire opals, sphene's etc) with the intentions of using them in future designs of her own. Unfortunately she no longer can do so due to physical/mental health issues. Her medical bills have bankrupted her and are on the verge of doing the same to me. Sorry about the sob story, but my question is where do I begin? I had a few of the stones "looked" at and was told they are worth far-less than she paid ( I have some of the invoices) and they offered me next to nothing. I realize that I need an independent appraisal, and I have found a gemologist in my area that sees well-credentialed and not involved in any aspects of purchasing or making recommendations about selling. So I am am hopeful, to at least come away from that with a clear idea of "what" exactly she has, and what it is worth. Where do I go from there???
Ebay? I can live with their fees, but it seems like stones of this size (20+ct) often go unsold. I can see where people would be understandably leery to make such a large purchase without a personal inspection. Any tips or feedback on how to handle my visit with the appraiser or what to do beyond that would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you,
Jason