Antique and Vintage Appraisals or Valuations

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Capricious Crowns & Jewels on October 27, 2011 at 11:32am

You probably won't find a group that appraises, unless they are licensed appraisers, and you will be charged a fee.  Most of us are dealers, and while we all struggle with this, you will have to do some research and work to see what you have.  Dealers simply don't have the time, and since they have spent years researching and finding out what they have and trying to sell their things, they are not going to have the time to help, many say this on their websites and stores.  

You can join jewelry related groups like Jewelry Ring or Jewel Collect, but they have rules on this as well.  People have to take the time and energy to research as well, and will not appraise without having a license and charging a fee.  

 

You can learn a great deal about jewelry by just listening and being active in the groups, looking at peoples albums and joining in the discussions on different companies and designers, but it all takes time.  

 

The items in your photobucket albums seem pretty straightforward.  Is the silver pitcher signed on the bottom?  Is it plate or Sterling.  Look for marks, then google what you find.  Books can be also googled, as can the prints you have of the flowers, and Boudoir.  On jewelry, look for marks on clip backs and backs of brooches or end clasps of necklaces.  Some things are not marked, some were mass produced by companies and then sold to jobbers who took them around to companies to sell, or many sent designs to manufacturers and had their jewelry made for stores, or for them.  Copying was rampant and there are similar designs by more than one company.  Some are just marked with Pat. Pend., and can be identified by construction, use of stones, finish, pin stems, themes, it goes on and on.

Hope this helps.

Dinah

http://www.rubylane.com/shop/bonnymonabri

http://www.rubyplaza.com/shop/capriciouscrowns998

Permalink Reply by CheriShops - Admin on October 27, 2011 at 11:34am

Hi Crystal :)

we have two areas that may be of help....a private group just for sellers called Researchers To the Rescue

as well a  section on  the main forum discussion section (open for all to read including search bots) called The Vintage Detectives

 

Permalink Reply by Crystal Gibson on October 27, 2011 at 11:59am

Thanks so much for your reply! I have been searching certain items for months! The candelabras with the gems stones, and some of the ceramics I just cannot find. Not all of the items in the album are unidentified. But the Silver Coffee-Tea Urn I can't seems to find the maker. I've been sitting on this stuff because I hate to let it go when I'm not even sure on what to price it at! However, I am creating a store on Ruby Plaza for the things I do know about. Thanks again!

Capricious Crowns & Jewels said:

You probably won't find a group that appraises, unless they are licensed appraisers, and you will be charged a fee.  Most of us are dealers, and while we all struggle with this, you will have to do some research and work to see what you have.  Dealers simply don't have the time, and since they have spent years researching and finding out what they have and trying to sell their things, they are not going to have the time to help, many say this on their websites and stores.  

You can join jewelry related groups like Jewelry Ring or Jewel Collect, but they have rules on this as well.  People have to take the time and energy to research as well, and will not appraise without having a license and charging a fee.  

 

You can learn a great deal about jewelry by just listening and being active in the groups, looking at peoples albums and joining in the discussions on different companies and designers, but it all takes time.  

 

The items in your photobucket albums seem pretty straightforward.  Is the silver pitcher signed on the bottom?  Is it plate or Sterling.  Look for marks, then google what you find.  Books can be also googled, as can the prints you have of the flowers, and Boudoir.  On jewelry, look for marks on clip backs and backs of brooches or end clasps of necklaces.  Some things are not marked, some were mass produced by companies and then sold to jobbers who took them around to companies to sell, or many sent designs to manufacturers and had their jewelry made for stores, or for them.  Copying was rampant and there are similar designs by more than one company.  Some are just marked with Pat. Pend., and can be identified by construction, use of stones, finish, pin stems, themes, it goes on and on.  

Hope this helps.

Dinah

http://www.rubylane.com/shop/bonnymonabri

http://www.rubyplaza.com/shop/capriciouscrowns998

Permalink Reply by JenniferLynn's Finds on October 27, 2011 at 12:07pm

I have the same problem, but Dinah is right.  You just have to take your time, read, talk to people, etc.  There's one auction house not far from me that does (or used to) allow you to bring in up to three items for free on Tuesdays.  I have not had a chance to take advantage of that yet.

 

I also have a lot of stuff I can't identify. I have it put away until I have some spare time. Since nothing has turned up online for these items, my next step will be to go to my local library and try some books. I understand that book prices are not what  you should charge; however, the books will give me a better idea of how to go about valuing/identifying them.

For now, they're just hanging out in one of my closets.  Like you, I don't want to let them go/give up on them, because they are too pretty (and I'm sure some are too valuable) to just give away.

Good luck!

Jen M.

http://jenniferlynnsfinds.artfire.com

Permalink Reply by Crystal Gibson on October 27, 2011 at 12:26pm

Thanks! I have tons of books from the library as of right now. Did I mention I have ADD? Seems like so little time to figure it all out. But, I did go in on photobucket and title the pics and some have ? marks so if anyone does recognize these things, that would be great.

JenniferLynn's Finds said:

I have the same problem, but Dinah is right.  You just have to take your time, read, talk to people, etc.  There's one auction house not far from me that does (or used to) allow you to bring in up to three items for free on Tuesdays.  I have not had a chance to take advantage of that yet.

 

I also have a lot of stuff I can't identify. I have it put away until I have some spare time. Since nothing has turned up online for these items, my next step will be to go to my local library and try some books. I understand that book prices are not what  you should charge; however, the books will give me a better idea of how to go about valuing/identifying them.

For now, they're just hanging out in one of my closets.  Like you, I don't want to let them go/give up on them, because they are too pretty (and I'm sure some are too valuable) to just give away.

Good luck!

Jen M.

http://jenniferlynnsfinds.artfire.com

Permalink Reply by Crystal Gibson on October 28, 2011 at 2:07pm

Thanks! I did join these groups. At first I wasn't sure if there was a fee.

CheriShops - Admin said:

Hi Crystal :)

we have two areas that may be of help....a private group just for sellers called Researchers To the Rescue

as well a  section on  the main forum discussion section (open for all to read including search bots) called The Vintage Detectives

 

Permalink Reply by A Bridge To The Past on November 4, 2011 at 9:45am

Hi Crystal

It will take research which does takes time.  One site that I find helpful is PriceMiner to obtain info and prices realized (primarily from Ebay).  There is a monthly fee but for me it's well worth it.