We provide appraisals for insurance replacement coverage, estate valuations, and many other purposes, along with gemstone identification services. Since different types of appraisals serve different needs, our team will help you determine the right option for your situation. 

We appraise gold and platinum jewelry, diamond and gemstone jewelry, loose diamonds and gemstones, pearls, antique and vintage pieces, solid gold watches, and select luxury watches from Rolex, Tudor and Omega. We do not currently appraise silverware or silver serving sets.

Absolutely! We’re happy to appraise your jewelry no matter where it was originally purchased.

Walk-ins are always welcome! However, if you have a large collection of jewelry to sort through, we encourage you to schedule an appointment.

Be sure to bring the jewelry you want appraised, along with any accompanying documents for each item, such as previous appraisals, certificates of authenticity, purchase receipts, or gemstone grading reports from organizations like GIA or AGS. These documents help us verify gemstone characteristics, understand the item's history, track changes in value over time, and provide you with the most accurate appraisal value possible.

Don't have any paperwork? Don't worry! We can still appraise your jewelry without it.

Yes. Your jewelry will remain on-site throughout the entire process. All appraisals are completed in-house by our experienced Certified Gemologist.

In very rare instances, a piece may require shipment to another expert for further verification. This will always be disclosed and approved by you first.

Appraisals are typically completed within 5-7 business days, depending on our appraiser’s current workload and the number of pieces being evaluated.

Accuracy is essential, so the appraisal process can’t be rushed. This gives our appraiser time to thoroughly clean and examine your jewelry, research market values, and prepare detailed documentation. 

Yes! Every piece gets a deep cleaning and thorough inspection before the appraisal begins. This gives our appraiser a clear look at your jewelry and ensures the gemstones and metals can be accurately tested and graded.

You’ll receive a printed appraisal containing a complete description of the item, gemstone details, measurements, a color photograph, and the appropriate value for the appraisal’s intended purpose. Our appraisals are prepared in accordance with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).

New appraisals are $150 per item. Qualifying appraisal updates are $50 per item when the necessary information is available. Quantity discounts are available for especially large collections or estates.

We recommend updating your appraisal every 2-3 years, unless your insurance provider requires it more often. Precious metal and diamond & gemstone markets change over time, so an outdated insurance appraisal may not reflect what it would cost to replace your jewelry today. 

There isn't just one value for a piece of jewelry. Its appraised value depends largely on its intended purpose, such as insurance replacement, an estate, resale, or another need. Retail prices can also differ depending on where and when you purchased your jewelry, so the appraised value may not match your original purchase price. 

Not necessarily. Gold, gemstone, natural diamond, and lab-grown diamond markets all change over time, as do jewelry trends. We take all of this and more into consideration to determine the most accurate value at the time of the appraisal. Due to these fluctuations, the value of a piece may increase or decrease over time.

No. Appraisals are independent valuations prepared for a specific purpose, such as insurance or estate planning. It is unethical to provide an appraisal value with the intent to purchase. 

The honest answer is: It depends. Yes, we do buy gold, but this is separate from our appraisal services.

We will almost always purchase the gold from your items, but not necessarily the piece in its entirety. Many items brought to us are not suitable for resale, so our offer will be based on the precious metal content. Every item is unique, so our team will gladly review your piece(s) and talk you through the options available. 

Not sure what you have? We're happy to help you determine the next best step for each piece. For larger collections, typically 10 items or more, a sorting fee of $35 per hour would apply.

Yes! We offer gemstone identification for $35 per item. This service identifies the gemstone but does not include a value or formal appraisal document.

At Wimmer’s, all appraisals are completed in-house by a qualified, experienced Certified Gemologist. Your jewelry is evaluated using professional gemological equipment in our on-site, AGS Accredited Gem Lab. Each piece is thoroughly cleaned, inspected, tested, and researched before you receive a detailed document prepared in accordance with USPAP standards. 

With more than a century of experience serving the Fargo-Moorhead community, you can feel confident leaving your jewelry in our care.