Business Details
47 Years
experience
Expert Jewelry Appraisal Services in Portland
Since 1979, Jewelry Appraisers of Portland has provided independent, unbiased gemological testing and jewelry appraisal services. Our team of Graduate Gemologists (GIA) specializes in insurance replacement, estate tax, charitable donation, and fair market value appraisals, adhering to the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). We prioritize transparency by completing all work in front of clients while they wait, ensuring security and immediate results.With over 40 years of combined experience, we emphasize education, explaining each step of the appraisal process to empower clients with knowledge. Our services include gem identification, technical descriptions, photography, and detailed documentation, all conducted in a secure, private environment. We serve Portland-area clients with free parking and flexible appointment scheduling, maintaining a commitment to ethical standards and customer trust.
Services
Jewelry Appraisals
Gem Identification
Insurance Appraisals
Pre-Purchase Consultations
Estate Appraisals
Fair Market Value Analysis
Liquidation Appraisals
Charitable Donation Evaluations
Technical Descriptions
Photographic Documentation
Details
- Year established: 1979
Highlights and features
- We offer appraisals completed while you wait, ensuring transparency and immediacy.
- Our staff includes Graduate Gemologists (GIA) with over 40 years of combined experience.
- We adhere to the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).
- Free, convenient parking is available around our secure Lake Oswego office.
- We provide detailed documentation, including digital copies for insurance purposes.
Associations and certifications
- Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
What people say
Highly knowledgeable
Thorough and professional
Transparent process
Convenient while-you-wait service
Educational experience
Services
Jewelry Appraisals
We provide comprehensive jewelry appraisals for insurance, estate tax, and liquidation purposes. Our GIA-certified gemologists use advanced testing methods to determine authenticity, quality, and value. Clients receive detailed reports with photographs and market analysis while they wait.
Pre-Purchase Consultations
Our experts analyze jewelry purchases for authenticity and value, offering unbiased advice. We verify gemstone origins, metal purity, and craftsmanship to ensure informed decisions. Services include post-purchase verification for online or private transactions.
Estate Appraisals
We assess jewelry collections for estate planning or tax purposes, identifying valuable pieces and market potential. Our appraisals help families liquidate assets or preserve heirlooms, with detailed documentation for legal and financial processes.
Fair Market Value Analysis
Our appraisals determine current market values for equitable asset division or charitable donations. We analyze trends and comparable sales to provide accurate, defensible valuations for legal or philanthropic purposes.
Technical Descriptions
We create detailed technical profiles of jewelry, including gem identification, carat weight, and metal composition. Reports include microscopic analysis and digital records for insurance, resale, or personal reference.
People
John W. Higley
Gemologist / Appraiser
With over 40 years of experience, John W. Higley is a Graduate Gemologist (GIA) specializing in independent jewelry appraisals. He prioritizes client education and transparency, conducting evaluations while clients observe.
Questions
What types of appraisals do you offer?
We provide appraisals for insurance replacement, estate tax, charitable donations, liquidation, and fair market value, adhering to USPAP standards.
How long does an appraisal take?
Most appraisals take 15-30 minutes per item, with reports generated immediately while you wait.
Can you help me sell my jewelry?
We offer guidance on selling avenues but do not buy or sell jewelry directly, ensuring unbiased advice.
Do you accept walk-ins?
Appointments are required for all services to ensure privacy and dedicated time with our gemologists.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept Apple Pay, Android Pay, NFC payments, credit cards, and local checks for your convenience.
Are your appraisals insured or legally recognized?
Our reports meet insurance and legal requirements, following USPAP guidelines for personal property appraisals.
Reviews (4)
Serena Fontaine
Feb 09, 2022
Report
I was referred to the appraiser by an insurance company. However, the experience was utterly unprofessional. The guy who answered the phone said there are only a few places make class ring Which I told him there's only one place to make class ring for my school. I had a class ring 20 years ago which I paid $500 on campers but right now on the companies website it's already way over $1000. Even though he acknowledged class rings are different, He stated he would appraise it based on ONLY the metal of the ring.
That's gonna be nowhere near the replacement value Which he acknowledged that it should be based on. When I pointed out the discrepancy in his claims, he became very rude and told me to go somewhere else. I had no intention to continue the conversation with him even before his bad attitude because he contradicts himself and he's completely unknowledgeable about the replacement cost. This is no way to treat a customer!
That's gonna be nowhere near the replacement value Which he acknowledged that it should be based on. When I pointed out the discrepancy in his claims, he became very rude and told me to go somewhere else. I had no intention to continue the conversation with him even before his bad attitude because he contradicts himself and he's completely unknowledgeable about the replacement cost. This is no way to treat a customer!
Brittany Carter
Nov 25, 2020
Report
John at Jewelry Appraisers of Portland is fantastic. I loved the sit and watch approach to the appraisal instead of having to send it off somewhere or the appraiser hides away in a back room. I enjoyed how he walked me through the entire process and even let me take a look at my ring under the microscope so that I know what to look for to know that its mine. He offered great advice about cleaning and wear-and-tear for which to be on the lookout. I highly recommend, this place is reasonably priced, and the appraisal was done very professional manner.
Jae Ddoan
Apr 27, 2020
Report
I just had a custom pendant appraised by John today. He is through and through a professional. He is forthright and honest. A true craftsman of his trade. He is my go to man for any future appraisal.
Dixie Rose
Dec 07, 2019
Report
An all around great experience. I went in feeling anxious from a lack of knowledge about my ring and walked out feeling at ease and ready to sell my piece with confidence. Thanks John!
