Kevin Keller
Chief executive officer · GIA Graduate Diamonds · Watch specialist
Kevin holds the GIA Graduate Diamonds diploma, has graded diamonds since 1993, is the store’s watch specialist and signs our appraisals.
Estate Appraisals in San Diego
Written appraisals for estates and inherited pieces · Done in-house · Usually same day
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FOR EXECUTORS, TRUSTEES, ATTORNEYS AND HEIRS
A written appraisal for every piece in the estate.
When jewelry and watches pass through an estate, the people handling it need a written record of what each piece is and what it is worth. We write those appraisals in-house at our San Diego store.
WHAT AN ESTATE USUALLY NEEDS
A signed document, piece by piece.
In general, an estate needs a written, signed appraisal that describes each piece and states its value. Fair market value is the figure generally used to settle an estate and divide pieces fairly among heirs. Replacement value is the figure an heir needs to insure a piece they keep.
Our written appraisals state one replacement value per piece. If the estate needs a different figure, call us and we will talk it through. Your attorney or executor can confirm what your estate requires.
WHAT THE APPRAISAL CONTAINS
For each piece in the estate.
Our tools: XRF analysis for precious-metal composition, Sigma metal verification for suitable coins and bars, diamond-screening instruments, gemological microscopes and appropriate watch tests.
- The appraisal date
- Measurements and attributes, stated approximately, as ranges
- Gemstone analysis and grading
- Photographs of the piece
- The signed expert appraisal
- A single replacement value for insurance: one after-tax dollar figure
MANY PIECES, ONE ENGAGEMENT
The whole estate, handled together.
Estates are usually many pieces. We handle them together as one engagement, piece by piece, and each piece is described and photographed in the appraisal.
HOW LONG IT TAKES
Usually same day.
Drop-off is best: leave the pieces with us and collect the finished appraisal, usually the same day.
Depending on the estate, some pieces can be done while you wait, in about 30 minutes to an hour; a large collection can take longer.
WHO SIGNS YOUR APPRAISAL
Signed by Kevin Keller.
A team with more than 50 years of combined experience, including GIA diploma holders, diamond cutters and estate buyers.
AJ Leonard
GIA Graduate Gemologist · Graduate Jeweler
Gemstone identification, diamond grading, custom jewelry and stone setting.
Anthony R. Zamonis
GIA Graduate Gemologist
Diamond grading, gemstone identification and custom jewelry.
UNDER ONE ROOF
If the heirs decide not to keep a piece.
We are also a jewelry buyer and lender, so the same store can make an offer on, or lend against, pieces the heirs decide not to keep. That choice stays with the heirs.
WHAT TO BRING
Bring the pieces.
Paperwork helps, but it is not required. Questions about cost? Call us and we will talk through the estate before we begin.
- The pieces themselves
- Any prior appraisals
- Lab reports
- Receipts
- Estate paperwork already in hand
ESTATE APPRAISAL QUESTIONS
Estate appraisals, answered.
I am an executor. What do I need to settle the jewelry in an estate?
In general, a written, signed appraisal that describes each piece and states its value. Bring the pieces and any paperwork already in hand, and we appraise them together, piece by piece. Your attorney can confirm what your estate requires.
Fair market value or replacement value: which goes on an estate appraisal?
It depends on the purpose. Fair market value is generally used to settle an estate and divide pieces among heirs; replacement value is what an heir needs to insure a piece they keep. Our written appraisals state one after-tax replacement value per piece. Call us to talk through what your estate needs.
Can you appraise a whole collection, not just one piece?
Yes. We handle an estate’s pieces together as one engagement, piece by piece, and each piece is described and photographed in the appraisal.
What should I bring for an estate appraisal?
The pieces themselves, plus any paperwork already in hand: prior appraisals, lab reports, receipts and estate paperwork.
How long does an estate appraisal take?
Usually same day. Drop-off is best. Some pieces can be done while you wait, in about 30 minutes to an hour; a large collection can take longer.
MORE APPRAISALS
Appraising something else?
The same team writes appraisals for jewelry, watches, handbags and whole estates.
YOUR NEXT STEP
Settle the jewelry with confidence.
Bring the estate’s pieces to 907 Sixth Avenue. Your written appraisal is usually ready the same day.