When you inherit heirloom gemstones, you will often have no idea about their origins or their value, which may make you want to find out more about them. Without the skills and knowledge, it is not something that you can find out about online, and you will need to consult a professional company to help you value them and educate you on their origins. There are a few ways that you can do this, and below, you will find out how you can learn more about your gemstone heirlooms and their value.
Send Your Gems To A Laboratory To Be Tested
One of the best ways to find out what you have inherited is by sending your heirlooms to a gemological laboratory to be tested. They will be able to test your gems and grade them so you will have a better understanding of the quality, giving you a better idea of their value. It is a paid-for service, so you will need to find a reputable laboratory close to you and ensure that when you send your items, they are sent recorded delivery, and they are insured. Once the testing is complete, you can either collect your heirlooms from them if you live close by, or they will send them back to you recorded delivery.
Take Your Gems To A Reputable Jeweller
You can also take your heirloom gemstones and jewellery to a reputable jeweller who can also appraise them and tell you more about them. They will be able to identify the gems and give you an indication of their value, which may be helpful for insurance purposes. A significant benefit to taking your gemstones to a jeweller is that they will also be able to clean them for you, and that can transform the way they look and bring back their sparkle.
Different Types Of Valuations
It is important to note that there are different valuations types, and they can be used for various reasons. You may get a probate valuation for tax purposes when you inherit your gemstones, but this value may be different than a valuation for insurance or if you want to sell them. The values can be considerably different as an insurance company will look at the cost of replacing the item. In contrast, a valuation to sell them will look at how much they are worth in the current market conditions. Do not get your evaluations confused, or you may find your inherited gemstones and jewellery are not worth as much as you thought.