Fine jewelry is created from precious metals such as gold and platinum paired with gemstones. The quality of the jeweler’s work is also an important value component. Jewelers include hallmarks identifying the purity content of their jewelry. Prominent jeweler’s often mark the piece with their name or symbol, such as the small Cartier mark on the thin edge of the brooch pictured.
Alice Karle Appraisal
Fine Art & Decorative Art
Insurance – Estate – Donation
1 805 682-2234
Appraisal of Jewelry and other fine decorative objects is offered by Alice Karle Appraiser. As a response to COVID-19 we are expanding virtual services to all clients. Information on Virtual Appraisal is in the Menu under the Appraisal Tab.
As an independent jewelry appraiser we have been performing jewelry appraisals for Insurance, Estate, and Sale purposes since 1996. We are not gemologists, and we mostly appraise through sales of comparable items rather than price guides. We have found this gives the most reliable value results. When advisable we work with gemologists, the GIA lab, and other grading services.
In the current world of virtual appraisals, we can appraise your jewelry through a series of photos and previous documents. This can include: receipts, gemological reports, or even old appraisals.
Part of the process will be for you to seach your jewelry for hallmarks. It’s fun when you find them! Most phones now have magnifiers. You can also purchase a 10-12 power jeweler’s loupe inexpensively online.
Office hours are between 9:30-am‑6:30pm, Monday through Friday, California time. Alice is a Certified Appraiser. Alice is also IRS Qualified for Estate & Charitable Donation Appraisals.
As required for IRS compliance, we are current in the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) Certificate by the Appraiser Qualification Board of the Appraisal Foundation, and comply with USPAP standards and rules.
We enjoy the unusual or difficult, and have relationships with specialists around the world. Our targeted research capabilities are the key to accurate identification and valuation of your important property. Visit the Gallery for examples of property we have appraised or marketed. Values are given for property with published sale or auction records only, as appraisals are confidential.
For over twenty years we have been dedicated to being of service to our clients by providing an ethical and professional service. We truly love what we do. We look forward to being of assistance to you. Whether your needs involve fine art wealth management, estate planning, insurance, or charitable donation, we are happy to advise you on your options and to provide the knowledge you need to make informed choices.
The gallery section of the website, provides an overview of the types of property we appraise. The Gallery thumbnails open an Image Gallery with links to detailed articles.
Property we appraise ranges from jewelry, sterling silver, and other decorative art, important fine and modern art of the 19th and 20th centuries, 17th century Chinese bronzes, to libraries of rare first editions.
Marketing services are also available for the sale of your jewelry, fine art, and fine decorative art. Valuation for marketing purposes is included in our appraisal practice, but is a separate service from marketing for sale. Appraisals are arms length and free of financial consideration. Disbursement or sale following an appraisal is entirely the client’s decision.