What We Do

Services

Confidential & independent advisory for fine art, antiques, jewelry, and collections.

Department of Appraisals provides independent appraisal reports, collection management, and trust & estate services. We work with collectors, attorneys, accountants, museums, educational institutions, and insurance companies to deliver clear, unbiased valuations you can rely on.

Areas of Specialization

  • Antiques
  • Fine Art
  • Historical Memorabilia
  • Rare Books
  • Silver
  • General Residential Contents
  • Luxury Goods & Watches
  • Furnishings
  • Jewelry

Certified USPAP Valuation & Appraisals

Every appraisal is prepared in accordance with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) — the recognized standard of the profession. Our reports are independent, thoroughly researched, and accepted by the IRS, insurance companies, and leading institutions.

Documentation follows the J. Paul Getty Trust Object ID Guidelines, the international standard recognized by UNESCO, INTERPOL, the FBI, Scotland Yard, ICOM, and other cultural and law-enforcement organizations.

We prepare confidential appraisal reports for:

  • Insurance — Pre-loss and post-loss valuations that help protect the full value of your assets.
  • Charitable Donation — IRS-compliant analyses that stand up to scrutiny.
  • Estate & Gift Tax — Methodologies accepted by the IRS for accurate reporting.
  • Equitable Distribution — Clear valuations for marital, partnership, or prenuptial matters.
  • Review of existing appraisal reports
  • Estate liquidations and multi-generational transfers
  • Bankruptcy and collateral loan support
  • Purchase, resale, and collection planning decisions
What is an appraisal?
A written opinion of defined value, independently and impartially prepared by a qualified appraiser, for a specifically described property as of a given date, and supported by relevant market analysis.

Collection Services & Management

Beyond valuation, we help you care for and organize your collection so it remains protected and accessible for future generations. Services include digital inventory creation, provenance research, insurance review, and risk-management guidance.

  • Written and photographic inventory databases
  • Provenance research and documentation
  • Whole-house and estate-settlement inventories
  • Insurance and storage assessments

Condition Reports

Proper documentation of condition is essential to preserving value. Following the Code of Ethics and Guidelines of the American Institute for Conservation (AIC), we prepare clear condition reports and can recommend trusted conservation professionals when needed.

  • Detailed condition assessments
  • Collection reviews for insurance or storage
  • Conservation framing guidance
  • Professional referrals

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