How We Appraise

An appraisal begins with a physical examination and description of the property, be it a single mineral specimen or a collection of minerals.  The examination consists of digitally photographing the specimens; describing the mineral species present; noting the overall condition, specific defects, and unusual or rare characteristics that may affect the value; and measuring the dimensions of each specimen.  This information is included in the appraisal report, and is critical to determining a supportable and defensible fair-market value.

Information gathered during the physical examination is used to identify comparable specimens sold throughout the world.  We research fair-market values using the internet, noting prices of specimens at mineral shows, and using our extensive experience and background in pricing mineral specimens in the marketplace.  The relative quality and scarcity of each specimen will determine the level of effort used to develop fair-market values.  For common and/or relatively inexpensive specimens, we will use our personal knowledge of the marketplace gained over the past 28 years.  For important specimens, several sources of information will be used to document the value, and the research information will be included in the appraisal reports.

Our experience and expertise, along with a strict adherence to appraisal principles and practices, and compliance with any applicable regulations, enables us to provide a certified appraisal report suitable for any of your needs.  We provide certified appraisals tailored to the unique requirements for charitable donations, insurance casualty claims or coverage, settling an estate, divorce settlements, asset distributions, resale, or any other reason a documentation of value is required.

All appraisals are accompanied by a report which serves to document and detail the findings.  Depending on the purpose of the appraisal, the report may contain several or all of the following six sections (IRS appraisals must contain all of these sections):

•   A summary describing the appraisal process and giving the valuation
•   Qualifications of appraiser
•   A copy of the appraisal agreement
•   Terms and conditions
•   A description and valuation of the donated items
•   Photographs of the donated items

To view a sample of an IRS appraisal as a PDF file (384Kb), please click here.