Appraisals for jewelry made of precious metals and gemstones
Would you like to have your precious jewelry appraised?
Jewelry has fascinated mankind for thousands of years and plays an important role in many cultures. Since ancient times, jewelry has been worn as a sign of wealth and power. Over the centuries, styles and materials have evolved from simple shell and stone necklaces to magnificent gold and gemstone jewels.
Whether glamorous and opulent or discreet and clear: jewelry is an expression of personality and style. Jewelry design has changed considerably since the beginning of the 20th century, with different styles reflecting the spirit of the times – from art deco, retro, mid-century modern, hippie and boho to minimalism, vintage and modern.
What jewelry does the GLA evaluate?
We value precious metal jewelry with and without gemstones – from Biedermeier, Art Deco, vintage to modern. You are welcome to have your jewelry valued at the Gemmologisches Labor Austria.
How is the value of a piece of jewelry determined?
The quality of a piece of jewelry is determined as follows:
- Precious metal & metal alloys (type and fineness)
- Gemstone setting (type, size, quality)
- Processing (manual work / casting)
- Fashion trends (modern or antiquated)
- Brand (designer and creation)
What influences the value of jewelry?
Processed jewelry is subject to greater fluctuations in value than loose gemstones, which are considered timeless.
The following properties can reduce the value of a piece of jewelry:
- Quality of precious metals, gemstones and processing
- Damage and signs of wear
- old-fashioned jewelry
If the piece of jewelry is set with gemstones, these are evaluated – as is usual with diamonds and colored gemstones – using the 4 Cs: Carat (weight), Color, Clarity and Cut. The gemstones are checked for clear cracks and inclusions, surface features and any treatments that could reduce the value of a piece of jewelry.
Fashion trends influence the value of jewelry and are also taken into account in the valuation: Pieces of jewelry in the Art Deco style are currently considered to be stable in value, as they have been in high demand for years. Brooches from the 1950s, on the other hand, have gone out of fashion and currently have a lower retail value.
GLA – Your partner for jewelry appraisals in Vienna
The Gemmological Laboratory Austria (GLA) looks back on a long tradition of providing objective and independent expert opinions for jewelry and gemstones. The GLA, founded in 1979, has developed its own grading system for the valuation of diamonds and colored gemstones.
Since 2006, the laboratory has been managed by the generally sworn and court-certified expert MSt.in Adeline Lageder, who is internationally recognized and highly regarded in specialist circles for her many years of expertise.
This is how your jewelry appraisal is carried out:
In a free initial consultation, we clarify what you need an appraisal for – such as for insurance purposes, the sale of jewelry or the division of an inheritance. Sometimes an expert look through a magnifying glass reveals whether it is genuine jewelry or an imitation. If it is foreseeable that a detailed appraisal will not be profitable, we will inform you in advance.
The appraisal contains an exact description of your piece of jewelry (including the type of precious metal, hallmark and estimate of the production period). If gemstones have been used in jewelry, they are determined in our state-of-the-art laboratory according to scientific criteria – in terms of weight and size, color, purity, cut (type, shape, quality) as well as any artificial treatments and damage.
Entrust us with your precious jewelry and have it appraised! We will provide you with a recognized diagnostic and/or appraisal report that you can present to courts, banks, insurance companies, jewelry dealers and auction houses.
We will be happy to provide you with a free initial consultation.
Make an appointment for your jewelry appraisal now!