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Appraisal Articles

Insights on antiques, jewelry, and the appraisal process

Navigating Charitable Donation Appraisals: USPAP Compliance Meets IRS Requirements

Navigating Charitable Donation Appraisals: USPAP Compliance Meets IRS Requirements

Imagine a cherished family heirloom, a stunning Victorian brooch passed down through generations, now destined for a cause close to your heart. You want to...

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Jessica Rickman
Apr 03, 2026
Gemstone Glamour: Appraising Your Sapphire and Emerald Engagement Ring

Gemstone Glamour: Appraising Your Sapphire and Emerald Engagement Ring

The glint of a sapphire engagement ring, deep as a twilight sky, or the vibrant green of an emerald, whispering tales of ancient lands –...

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Jessica Rickman
Mar 31, 2026
Southern Sparkle: A Gemstone Legacy in Opal Jewelry

Southern Sparkle: A Gemstone Legacy in Opal Jewelry

Imagine a crisp autumn afternoon, the air carrying the scent of fallen leaves and woodsmoke. You're helping a family sort through an attic, a treasure...

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Jessica Rickman
Mar 27, 2026
Valuation vs. Authentication: What's the Real Story Behind an Item's Worth?

Valuation vs. Authentication: What's the Real Story Behind an Item's Worth?

Imagine a dazzling Edwardian diamond brooch, passed down through generations. It’s undeniably beautiful, a family heirloom brimming with sentiment. Yet, when its owner decides to...

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Jessica Rickman
Mar 24, 2026
Tennessee Timekeepers: Appraising Antique Clocks from the Volunteer State

Tennessee Timekeepers: Appraising Antique Clocks from the Volunteer State

The gentle tick-tock of an antique clock can evoke a sense of nostalgia, transporting us back to simpler times. Imagine discovering a forgotten treasure in...

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Jessica Rickman
Mar 20, 2026
Beyond the Luster: Your Definitive Guide to Identifying Akoya, Tahitian, and South Sea Pearls

Beyond the Luster: Your Definitive Guide to Identifying Akoya, Tahitian, and South Sea Pearls

Imagine holding a strand of pearls, the creamy luminescence catching the light, and wondering about their story. Is it a classic, elegant Akoya from Japan,...

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Jessica Rickman
Mar 17, 2026
Ornate Echoes: Art Nouveau's Blooming Return in Today's Jewelry Scene

Ornate Echoes: Art Nouveau's Blooming Return in Today's Jewelry Scene

I recently had the pleasure of appraising a truly captivating piece: a delicate silver pendant, its surface swirling with enamelled irises and flowing lines. The...

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Jessica Rickman
Mar 13, 2026
Vintage Nashville Concert Posters: Unearthing Value and Authenticating Legends

Vintage Nashville Concert Posters: Unearthing Value and Authenticating Legends

Imagine stumbling upon a dusty box in your grandmother's attic, filled with old ticket stubs and faded photographs. Among them, a vibrant, hand-drawn poster catches...

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Jessica Rickman
Mar 10, 2026
The Whispering Wind: Appraising Antique Handheld and Electric Fans

The Whispering Wind: Appraising Antique Handheld and Electric Fans

Imagine uncovering a forgotten treasure in your attic, a delicate object that once stirred the summer air for generations past. Perhaps it’s an ornate ivory...

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Jessica Rickman
Mar 06, 2026