A fine antique can be seen as a thing of artistic beauty that will enhance the décor of a room.  It might represent history that you want to preserve.  It might be a family heirloom that has a great deal of sentimental value.  On the other hand, it might simply be a valuable item that can be sold for money.  In order to sell an antique, you must first establish its worth.  That requires you to get an antique appraisal.  Even in you don’t wish to sell, you will want to get a valuation.  Local antique appraisers can help you with both.  You can also get online antique appraisal and valuation.  In this article we will explore the difference between antique appraisal and valuation.

What is an Antique Appraisal?

An antique appraisal is done by an experienced appraiser.  An appraiser will establish the value of your antique.  They will consider a number of factors when determining value.  These factors include the condition of the item, whether it has been restored, whether it bears a manufacturer’s mark, the provenance, how rare it is, and (perhaps above all) how much demand there is for the item among antique buyers. Once you have an expert opinion on the value of your antiques you will be a good position to get the best price when you are selling.  They will then provide you with a legal document that is used when selling the antique.  It can be used for purposes of taxes and insurance, and it estate planning and wills.

What is an Antique Valuation?

An antique valuation is not quite as thorough as a formal appraisal.  It doesn’t have the same level of research and detail as an appraisal.  It is more of an estimation of the antique’s value.  It may not even be set to paper.  The appraiser might simply give you a verbal estimation.  It can be useful when you want to have a general idea if your antique’s value.  It can also be useful for insurance purposes.  Some insurance companies will accept a valuation when insuring your antique but, the greater the value of the item, the more likely it is that the insurance company will require a formal appraisal.  Overall, a valuation is usually a first step that will tell you if you need an appraisal done.

How Can I Get an Antique Appraisal?

Once you know that you need an appraisal where should you go?  Perhaps the most obvious tool for finding leading antique jewelry buyers in today’s digital age is the internet.  A simple search will enable you to cast a net that will capture results showing a wide range of antique dealers and local antique appraisers near you.  In fact, depending on where you live, you may feel a little overwhelmed by how many search results you receive! Lots of places will offer to appraise your antiques.

Naturally, you want to make sure that you find an ethical and experience appraiser for your online antique appraisal or valuation.  This is particularly important for online appraisals because you will have to mail the antique to them for the appraisal.  The same still goes for an in-person appraisal or valuation.  You want someone who knows their stuff.  Ask family, friends, co-workers and other people you know for referrals.  Read online reviews.  Find antique buyers and sellers who are experts in the type of antiques you are looking to get appraised.  Stop in at antique shops and auction houses.  All of these are good ways to find the appraiser you are looking for.  At antique appraisers auctioneers our staff of professional, knowledgeable, experienced experts are available to help you with your antique appraisal or valuation.  We can ensure that you get a fair and favorable appraisal that will help you sell or insure your antique.  Contact us today!