Anna M. Miller, G.G., RMV, was a jewelry historian, author, lecturer, and instructor. The developer of The MasterValuer Program¿, a jewelry appraisal course that has been taught worldwide, she consulted with individuals and companies on buying, selling, appraising and interpreting the jewelry arts. Miller was the author of five books on gems and jewelry, including Gems & Jewelry Appraising: Techniques of Professional Practice, the first comprehensive work about gem and jewelry appraising; and Illustrated Guide to Jewelry Appraising: Antique, Period & Modern (both GemStone Press).

PREFACE IX
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS XI
CHAPTER 1
THE PROFESSIONAL APPRAISER 1
Primary Function of the Appraiser 2
Primary Objective of the Appraiser 2
Value Definitions and Their Application
to Jewelry Appraisals 3
Purpose and Function of an Appraisal 4
CHAPTER 2
APPRAISAL CONCEPTS AND PRINCIPLES 9
Valuation Approaches 9
Finding Information 24
Using Price Guides 25
Judging Quality 26
Recording Condition 27
CHAPTER 3
MAKING CORRECT IDENTIFICATION 29
Using Symbols, Motifs, and Ornamental
Styles as Identification Guides in Estate
and Period Jewelry 30
Motifs and Designs Used in Various Cultures 31
Decorative Motifs 34
Using Color as a Clue to Jewelry Dating 39
Cut of Stones 42
Supplemental Identification Information
for Antique Jewelry 42
CHAPTER 4
ESTIMATING VALUES 55
Finger Rings 55
Earrings 62
Necklaces 67
Pendants 73
Chains 76
Bracelets 78
Brooches 81
Beads 95
Pearls 99
Charms, Seals, and Trinkets 108
Cuff Links, Studs, and Stickpins 113
Reverse Crystal Intaglios 117
Pocket Watches and Wristwatches 120
CHAPTER 5
THE APPRAISAL DOCUMENT 129
Information to Be Included in a
Jewelry Appraisal 129
Appraisal Document Critique 130
Using Limiting and Contingent Conditions 132
Fair Market Value Document 133
Sample Jewelry Appraisal 134
CHAPTER 6
VALUING THE UNFAMILIAR 149
Reproduction Jewelry 149
Asian Antique Jewelry 150
Berber Jewelry 161
APPENDICES 163
Diameters and Corresponding Weights
of Round, Well-Proportioned,
Brilliant-Cut Diamonds 163
Proper Nomenclature of the Specific Parts
of a Brilliant-Cut Diamond 164
New Diamond Cuts 164
Formulas for Unusual Diamond Cuts 170
Millimeter to Carat Conversions 170
Table of Comparative Ring-Size Equivalents 171
Guide to Gemstone Handling 172
vii
CONTENTS
Colored Stone Grading Report 176
Cubic Zirconia Stone Conversion Chart 178
Birthstones through the Ages 179
Auction Galleries That Hold Jewelry Sales 180
Pearl Facts 181
Working Agreement (Sample) 182
Affidavit Page for Estates (Sample) 183
GLOSSARY 185
Appraisal Terms 185
Auction Catalog Terms 186
Enamel Terms 187
Pearl Terms 188
BIBLIOGRAPHY 191
INDEX 195