Northern Appraisal Services specializes in appraisals of modern and antique jewelry, watches, pearls, diamonds and gemstones. We provide insurance appraisals, estate appraisals, diamond grading, gem identification, and diamond certification for the central Ohio area including Worthington, Dublin, Lewis Center, Columbus, Pickerington, Westerville, Hilliard, Gahanna, Clintonville, Powell, Grove City, Pataskala, Reynoldsburg and Upper Arlington.

We offer different kinds of appraisals, which are customized to fit everyone's needs, following the standards of the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).

Insurance appraisals. Northern Appraisal prepares written appraisals that meet all insurance companies’ underwriting requirements. Unbiased appraisals are based on replacement cost of the item in the appropriate market for which it would likely to be replaced by the insurance company.

When you lose a piece of jewelry, you not only lose something of value but something sentimental. Nothing can replace the sentiment but the piece can be replaced. To insure a piece, you will need some kind of documentation of proof of ownership with an assessed value for appropriate replacement. Jewelers can sometimes prepare vague documentation as a record of the purchase or a receipt of the sale. However, vague descriptions do not protect the consumer. In the case of a loss, insurance companies usually opt to replace your jewelry through a replacement company and pay wholesale prices to recreate your precious jewelry. With vague descriptions and a marked up appraisal, the consumer is the one who pays: with high premiums and lower quality replacement merchandise. Northern Appraisal Services prepares insurance appraisals with extreme detail to help replace the piece with a replacement that is as close to the original as possible. See a sample of our insurance appraisals. (Please note: The Limiting Conditions and Assumptions pages are not included in this sample).

Our insurance appraisals include the following:
    - A detailed description of the item
     - A picture
     - The total weight of the piece
     - Metal weights
     - Stone weights
     - A notation of any trademarks
     - Cut, color, and clarity grading of the center stone(s) plus a separate carat weight
     - A separate weight and grading of side stones
     - Stone measurements of the center stone
     - Notations of laser inscriptions
     - Identifying qualities such as florescence and condition of the item

Estate appraisals. Northern Appraisal prepares written estate appraisals for clientele to help settle an estate of the deceased. These appraisals can also be used as a tool to construct a will. Appropriate values are assessed to the jewelry.

Rest assured that we have the appropriate credentials and understand the specific government layout requirements of an estate appraisal. We do not buy jewelry; therefore, our values are unbiased and we will give you a fair assessment on the items. There are many appraisers out there who are buyers in disguise. Also, we understand USPAP guidelines and have experience writing estate appraisals. We properly identify and determine values for probate and/or the IRS.

Rose gold and diamond pendant

Estimated Value. Northern Appraisal gives generalized verbal appraisals for items. An approximate value is given for the current market price with consideration of the current condition and age of the piece. This inexpensive service is ideal for individuals requesting fair market value or estimated retail value and do not need a written appraisal.

Have you watched "Antiques Roadshow"? Northern Appraisal Services estimated value service is similar and perfect for someone who:
- Inherited a piece of jewelry or gemstone and doesn't know the value.
- Has some vintage jewelry and wants to learn more about it.
- Wants to know if a piece of jewelry is worth repairing and/or insuring.
- Needs some more information about a piece of jewelry to determine if they want to keep it, sell it or donate it.

Before you talk to anyone, understand the difference between fair market value and retail value. Jewelers cannot assess fair market values without bias.

Authenticity evaluations and gem identification. Ideal for those buying second-hand items, Northern Appraisal can verify the authenticity of a purchase verbally. This gives someone comfort when buying from unknown sources.

"I just want to know if it's real."

Is this you? Northern Appraisal can authenticate your item in a few minutes while you watch and ask questions. As an independent jewelry appraiser, opposed to a jeweler, Northern Appraisal has absolutely no interest in the piece and can give you an unbiased assessment of what you have. This service is perfect for those who:

- Are making purchases from an unknown source;
- Are making purchases from non-traditional jewelry-selling parties;
- Are looking for peace of mind;
- Have something inherited and don't know if it's real, imitation, synthetic, or a look-alike.

We can authenticate: Diamonds, gemstones, watches, translucent and opaque materials such as ivory, jade, bone, etc.; and antique jewelry. Call us if you have a question about a particular item we may have not mentioned.

Quality Assessments. A service provided for those who wish to sell jewelry or want a general description for their item but not for insurance purposes. A written general description of the item is given including the "4 C's" if applicable. Condition and age is documented but we do not include a value. See a sample of our Quality Assessment. (Please note: Limiting Conditions and Assumptions are not included in this sample.)

Sometimes you may need documentation. Northern Appraisal Services offers a unique service for those who:
- Need documentation to help justify the value of a trade in or to negotiate the sale price of the item.
- Want to sell an item and want something in writing from an appraiser saying it is authentic.
- Want to sell an item and want to give a detailed description written by a professional to the buyer.
- Want the description, grading and condition of the piece in writing so it can be posted on an online auction or in the newspaper.
- Want a description of an item in writing for safekeeping for family members to have when you pass on.