Frequently Asked Questions

A jewelry appraisal is a formal, written evaluation of a piece of jewelry prepared by a qualified expert. It documents the item's description, gemological characteristics, condition, and assessed value. The type of value reported depends on the purpose — replacement value for insurance, fair market value for estates, or liquidation value for resale. A proper appraisal is signed and dated by a credentialed appraiser and is accepted by insurers, courts, the IRS, and financial institutions.

Absolutely not. Vincent comes to your home and completes every appraisal right in front of you. Your jewelry never leaves your sight — not for a single minute. You keep your pieces with you throughout the entire process and take them home when he leaves. There is no drop-off, no waiting days or weeks, and no wondering where your valuables are.

Vincent's fees are widely recognized as among the most fair in the industry — clients regularly report paying a third or less of what other certified appraisers charge. Fees are based on the number of items and complexity of the work, never on a percentage of the appraised value (which is considered unethical in the appraisal profession). Contact us for a specific quote based on your collection.

Yes. Vincent's appraisals are accepted by all major insurance carriers, including State Farm, Nationwide, Allstate, Erie Insurance, and hundreds of independent agencies — many of which actively refer their clients to him and have hosted appraisal events in their own offices. His reports meet the documentation standards required by insurers for scheduling jewelry on a homeowners or renters policy.

Every 3–5 years is the standard recommendation, though the jewelry and precious metals markets have been especially volatile in recent years. The cost to replace lost, stolen, or damaged jewelry has risen sharply — an appraisal from even 5 years ago may significantly understate today's replacement cost, leaving you underinsured. If gold, platinum, or diamond prices have moved substantially since your last appraisal, it's worth updating sooner.

Vincent serves clients throughout the mid-Atlantic region, including Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C., Pennsylvania, and Delaware. He is based in Churchville, MD. If you're unsure whether your location is within his service area, just reach out — he's happy to discuss travel arrangements for larger collections.

Yes. Vincent prepares impartial, court-ready appraisals specifically for equitable distribution, divorce proceedings, and dispute resolution. His reports are formatted to withstand legal scrutiny, and he is available to serve as an expert witness if required. His independence — the fact that he has no financial stake in the outcome — makes his valuations particularly credible in legal settings.