Settling an estate or trust often involves jewelry, gemstones, and watches that have been inherited through a will or by inheritance. At San Diego Gemological Laboratory, we provide clear, independent jewelry appraisals designed to support executors, trustees, attorneys, banks, and families who inherit valuable personal property and need accurate documentation.
Each appraisal assignment is customized to the specific purpose—whether required for IRS filing, court proceedings, equitable distribution among heirs, or professional consultation regarding inherited jewelry.
When jewelry is inherited as part of an estate subject to federal estate tax or court oversight, a detailed written appraisal report is required to establish fair market value.
These reports are prepared to withstand IRS and legal scrutiny and include:
Because estate appraisals involving inheritance require additional market research and documentation, they demand more time and are billed accordingly. Hourly billing or a fixed-price quote for the full assignment is available.
Many estates and trusts are not subject to federal estate tax, yet heirs still need accurate values to fairly divide inherited jewelry and other valuables.
In these situations, we prepare appraisal reports that:
These appraisals are commonly used by families, attorneys, and mediators to help prevent disputes and ensure a smooth distribution of inherited assets.
In some cases, a formal appraisal report is unnecessary. When clients simply need professional guidance to:
We offer consultation-only services. Since no written report or photography is required, billable time—and cost—can often be significantly reduced. A one-hour minimum applies.
