Here's something you might not have known: Sapphires come in every color of the rainbow, and when they are red, they're rubies. If you...

One of the things I am often asked to do is update appraisals from many years ago. Often, the value is similar to or even may be less...

Sometimes you have diamond pieces (usually rings) that you have inherited or no longer have use for you'd like to sell. If you have a...

While diamonds are the hardest natural substance on earth, if it weren't possible to break them, we wouldn't be able to cut them to...

This next topic applies whether or not the gemstone in your jewelry is a diamond. Still, since the series has been Understanding Your...

Today we're moving from the diamonds themselves to the way they are set. Above is a graphic showing twelve common ways stones (not just...

While shape is the outward shape of the stone, the word cut is used to denote how well a diamond returns light. Remember physics class?...

Diamonds are graded starting at D and going to Z before heading into Fancy Colors. D-F are colorless and are more rare and valuable than...

Diamonds are cut into many shapes--even more than the ten shown here-- and the shape impacts the value every time. It can also help date...

You have homeowners or renters insurance, so you would naturally think that means all the belongings in your home are covered, but that...

Check out the inclusions in these natural (heated) sapphires from a bracelet. While the stones match to the unaided eye regarding color,...

In all my years of writing appraisals, the pieces I have valued most often are wedding sets, either for the newly engaged, longtime...

Have you inherited boxes (or bags, or bins) of jewelry and you're not sure what it is, what it's worth, or what to do with it? Sorting...

There are several instances in which an appraisal is required. The first and most common is insurance coverage or Retail Replacement...