Certified Jewelry Appraiser
&
GIA Graduate Gemologist in Baton Rouge, LA
Professional Jewelry & Diamond Appraisals While You Wait & Watch. Your Jewelry Never Leaves Your Sight.
APPRAISALS
You want and need a qualified appraisal if:
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You want to insure your jewelry.
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You are settling an estate or probate.
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You are making a donation.
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You are involved in a divorce.
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You are liquidating your assets.
Our appraisals provide identification, complete descriptions and photographs. Appraisals protect the value of your jewelry in case of loss, theft or damage.
Our Appraisal Process
Insight & Onsight Appraisal, While You Wait & Watch. Your Jewelry Never Leaves Your Sight!
Gino and Mopsy follow the rigorous diamond and gemstone grading standards established by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), along with the ethical principles and professional standards of the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).
Your privacy, security, and peace of mind are our highest priorities. All appraisals are performed by appointment only and while you wait and watch. Your jewelry will never leave your sight.
During your appointment, each piece is carefully examined, weighed, measured, photographed, and documented in detail. Your appraisal will include:
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Gemstone Identification & Grading: Gemstones are professionally identified, graded, measured, and their carat weights determined.
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Diamond Evaluation: Diamonds are evaluated for color, clarity, cut quality, and other relevant characteristics.
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Metal Identification: Precious-metal content is carefully determined and documented.
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Professional Photography: A digital photograph of each piece is incorporated directly into your appraisal report for clear identification and documentation.
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Comprehensive Documentation: Your appraisal includes an explanation of the grading standards used, the applicable definition of value, and guidance on the proper use and purpose of the appraisal document.
Above all, your appointment and appraisal are handled with the utmost discretion and confidentiality.
Types of Appraisals Offered:
Insurance Appraisals
Insurance appraisals are the most commonly requested type of jewelry appraisal. They provide the detailed documentation needed to insure existing or newly acquired jewelry against loss, theft, or damage.
A professionally prepared appraisal can make all the difference when it comes time to replace a treasured piece. Our comprehensive appraisal reports provide insurance companies with the detailed information necessary to accurately identify and replace your jewelry.
Each appraisal includes:
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Detailed description of the jewelry, including design, craftsmanship, and condition
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Gemstone identification and grading, including color, clarity, measurements, and calculated carat weight
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Diamond evaluation, including cut quality and other identifying characteristics
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Plotting diagrams for major gemstones when appropriate
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Mounting and craftsmanship assessment, including quality and condition
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Precious-metal testing and documentation
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Professional digital photographs for positive identification
Our appraisal reports are designed to provide the thorough documentation insurance companies need when establishing coverage and processing a claim.
The quality and completeness of your appraisal can directly affect how accurately your jewelry is valued and replaced in the event of loss, theft, or damage. We take the time to document every important detail—giving you confidence that your treasured jewelry is properly identified and adequately protected.
Estate Appraisals
An estate appraisal is a formal, professionally prepared document used to establish the value of jewelry for federal estate tax purposes, state probate proceedings, or the distribution of an estate.
When required for tax or probate purposes, the appraisal must comply with applicable IRS requirements and establish the jewelry’s Fair Market Value as of the appropriate valuation date. The same type of appraisal may also be used to determine an equitable distribution of jewelry and other personal property among beneficiaries or family members.
Because estate appraisals can have significant legal and financial implications, it is important that they are prepared by a qualified and experienced jewelry appraiser. Your attorney or estate professional can advise you whether an estate appraisal is required and which valuation date and standards apply to your circumstances.
Charitable Donation Appraisals
A charitable donation appraisal is a formal valuation prepared for jewelry or gemstones donated to a qualified charitable organization when the donor intends to claim a charitable tax deduction.
For noncash charitable contributions exceeding $5,000, the IRS generally requires a qualified appraisal to substantiate the claimed deduction. The jewelry or gemstones are valued at their Fair Market Value as of the date of the donation, in accordance with applicable IRS requirements.
A professionally prepared appraisal provides the detailed documentation needed to support the charitable contribution and gives both the donor and their tax professional a reliable basis for reporting the donation.
Divorce & Equitable Distribution Appraisals
Jewelry often carries significant emotional meaning, which can make it difficult to determine its true current market value objectively.
During the dissolution of a marriage, an independent jewelry appraisal provides an impartial assessment of the jewelry acquired during the marriage and establishes its appropriate market value.
This appraisal gives both parties and their attorneys an objective basis for determining the value of marital jewelry and facilitates a fair and equitable distribution of assets during divorce proceedings.
