The Process
Initial consultation
What is a professional appraisal? The process begins as a consultation to determine the 'purpose' and 'function' of the appraisal, which in turn determines the approach to value. This usually answers the questions to the nature of the value placed upon the item(s) to be appraised. These issues directly affect the realm of 'value' needed to pursue the facts regarding the items to be discussed.
Taking-in Process
For protection, when you leave your valuables with us, we will document all pieces to give you a detailed receipt. This documentation would include the plotting of all major diamonds and color gemstones and also include a pictorial record for a better description. When you come back to pick your jewelry, we will match the diamonds with the original plotting we gave you. In addition, you would like to know all your valuables are protected by our insurance company.
Our Internal Research & Procedure
After the initial examination, the items are researched, pertinent information required to conclude the appraisal is gathered, and a value is assigned.
The appraisal analysis, opinions, conclusions, and report will be prepared in conformity with and subject to the following:
- According to the American Gem Society Standards which are the highest in the jewelry industry.
- The International Society of Appraisers.
- The Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) of the Appraisal Foundation.
- and The Principles of Appraisal Practice and Code of Ethics of the American Society of Appraisals.
- Guidelines for Insurance Replacement Cost documentation as published by the Jewelers Vigilance Committee Inc.
- And with the application of the techniques and equipment recommended and used by G.I.A.
Our three major appraising goals
- An estimate of value for the intended use of the appraisal report.
- A tool to help you to identify your valuables and document their current description, condition and quality.
- Provide you with a professional appraisal report, with very detailed gemological information to avoid unnecessary issues with an insurance claim or for any other intended use.
Information included in the report
The final appraisal report is a folded booklet that comes in a protective vinyl pouch with one extra copy. Hannon Jewelers' reports and its content are copyrighted.©
- Detailed description of the jewelry
- Photographs of each piece of jewelry
- Description of metal types and weights
- Stone types, weights and dimensions
- Identification mapping of diamond characteristics for all stones over .50 carats
- Karat stampings, trademarks, copyrights, hallmarks, serial numbers, etc. to show authenticity
- Copy of laboratory reports or certificates
- Declared value
- Important note: If you already have documents, such as historical or family records, certificates, receipts, previous appraisal reports, or any other important information about the items, we ask that you bring them in along with your jewelry. It may be important to be documented in our final report.
Hannon Accredited Gem Laboratory
An Accredited Gem Laboratory® is a special designation awarded only to qualifying AGS member firms that have proven their dedication to professional gemological identification in accordance with the Membership Standards of the AGS. Hannon Jewelers Accredited Gem Laboratory contains gemological equipment and reference materials in a dedicated space for research and analytical purposes.
According to standards specified by the American Society of Appraisers, a full laboratory of instruments is employed to make gemstone and diamond evaluation. The list of instruments used include, but is not limited to:
- Zoom Binocular microscopes
- Digital measuring devices
- Spectroscopes
- Fiber optic illumination
- Refractrometers
- Electronic Balances
- Polariscope
- Color Comparison certified diamonds
- Ultra Violet light sources
- Specific gravity liquids
- Proportion measuring devices
