Your jewelry is precious to you, so it may well be that you decide to have some of it insured. You may also, at one time or another, consider selling one or more pieces of your jewelry. In either event, you may find yourself in need of the services of an appraiser. Not all jewelry appraisers are alike. Just as doctors and lawyers have areas of specialization, so do jewelry appraisers. Antique jewelry, minerals or jewelry with unusual workmanship or stones may require specialized knowledge.

If you ask yourself (and get the "right" answers) to the following questions, you'll be on the right track toward making a correct, educated selection.

What is the appraiser's educational background? Get answers and, if you wish, do some research to check validity.

What specific experience does the appraiser have with the kind of jewelry you are having appraised? Let him/her show you appraisals he or she has done before.

Is the appraiser a member of an appraisal organization? Call the organization to check on validity. One way to be certain you're making the right choice is to get a referral from a recognized appraisal organization such as the International Society of Appraisers (ISA). Another way to be comfortable with your choice is to have your jeweler, whom you know and trust, do the appraisal for you.

How does the appraiser charge (by the hour, by the piece)? It is considered unethical in the appraisal business to charge a percentage of the value of an item being appraised.

If you wish to have one or more pieces of jewelry appraised, please inquire at Kingston Fine Jewelry (845) 336-5455. As always, we look forward to serving you.