Discover The Best Antique Appraisers Near You: Your Local Guide To Valuing Your Treasures

Whether you inherited a watercolor, discovered a carved sideboard at a flea market, or are cataloging a collection, getting the right appraiser near you can mean the difference between guesswork and reliable value. This guide gives you the exact steps to find a qualified local antique or art appraiser, explains appraisal types and costs, and shows you how to prepare your items for an accurate, defensible valuation.

Why a professional appraisal matters

A professional appraisal is an independent, research‑based opinion of value prepared by a trained appraiser. It’s useful for:

• Insurance coverage and claims
• Estate planning and probate
• Charitable donations and tax filings
• Divorce, equitable distribution, and litigation
• Selling decisions and market timing
• Loans and collateral assessments

Know your assignment and value definition. Appraisals aren’t one‑size‑fits‑all; the type of value depends on the intended use.

• Insurance (Retail Replacement Value): The cost to replace the item with a comparable one at retail, including factors like dealer markup and availability. Typically higher than fair market value.
• Fair Market Value (FMV): The price between a willing buyer and seller, neither under compulsion, with reasonable knowledge of relevant facts, in the most common market for the item. Used for estate and donation appraisals.
• Marketable Cash/Orderly Liquidation Value: Lower, reflecting a faster sale or constrained conditions (useful for downsizing, bankruptcy, or forced liquidation scenarios).

Professional standards matter. In the United States, ethical appraisers follow USPAP (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice). Many hold credentials from organizations such as the ASA (American Society of Appraisers), ISA (International Society of Appraisers), or AAA (Appraisers Association of America). In other regions, look for equivalents (e.g., RICS). For IRS‑related assignments (non‑cash charitable contributions over $5,000), you’ll typically need a “qualified appraisal” prepared by a “qualified appraiser” who meets specific education and experience criteria.

A real appraisal produces a written report with a defined scope, methodology, and value conclusion—not just a verbal “it’s worth about X.” That report is what insurers, courts, and tax authorities rely on.

How to find and vet local antique appraisers

Start close to home with targeted referrals and then vet methodically.

Where to look locally:

• Major appraisal associations’ member directories (to confirm credentials)
• Local museums, historical societies, and preservation groups (ask curatorial staff for specialty referrals)
• Trust and estate attorneys, wealth advisors, and insurance brokers (they regularly work with appraisers)
• Auction houses and reputable dealers (request a list of independent appraisers; ethical firms will not steer you to buyers only)
• Banks’ trust departments and CPA firms (for estate, divorce, and donation work)
• Regional gem labs and coin shops (for specialized jewelry and numismatics referrals)

Questions to ask before you book:

• Credentials and standards: Do you follow USPAP? What credentials do you hold (ASA, ISA, AAA, or equivalent)? Are you current with continuing education?
• Specialty fit: What categories do you specialize in (e.g., 19th‑century American furniture, Old Master paintings, mid‑century design, Asian art, jewelry, coins, silver, textiles)? How often do you appraise items like mine?
• Report type and intended use: Can you provide a written appraisal for [insurance/estate/donation/sale]? What value definition will you use and why?
• Fees and structure: Do you charge hourly or a flat fee? (Best practice is hourly or flat; avoid percentage‑of‑value fees for appraisal work to reduce conflicts of interest.) Is there a minimum charge? Are there travel or on‑site fees for house calls?
• Turnaround: What is your typical timeline? Do you offer rush service?
• Sample report and references: Can you provide a redacted sample report? May I speak with a recent client (if privacy allows)?
• Conflict of interest: Do you buy items you appraise? (Many ethical appraisers will not buy to remain independent; if they do, it should be a separate, clearly disclosed role after the appraisal is complete.)
• Record keeping and privacy: How long do you retain workfiles? What’s your confidentiality policy? (USPAP requires at least five years or two years after any litigation ends, whichever is longer.)

Local vs. remote appraisals:

• On-site inspections are common for large collections, oversized furniture, rugs, or fragile art. Expect travel fees.
• Office/lab inspections work well for jewelry, coins, and small objects.
• Virtual/desktop appraisals can be suitable for preliminary opinions or when physical inspection isn’t feasible, but many legal or insurance uses still require an in‑person examination of condition, materials, and markings.

Prepare your item and your expectations

Good preparation improves accuracy and can save billable hours.

Documentation to gather:

• Provenance: Bills of sale, auction invoices, old appraisals, letters, collection histories, exhibition catalogs, or catalog raisonné references
• Photos: Clear images of the front, back, sides, hallmarks, signatures, labels, serial numbers, dovetailing, joinery, and any repairs
• Measurements and weights: Use a tape measure or caliper; for silver and jewelry, note weight in grams
• Condition notes: Chips, cracks, repairs, reupholstery, repainting, replaced parts, or relining
• Related research: Family histories, newspaper clippings, or expert correspondence

Handling tips before appraisal:

• Don’t polish silver; patina can be desirable and over‑polishing removes detail and weight.
• Don’t clean paintings; solvents and moisture can damage varnish and paint layers.
• Don’t glue, refinish, or “touch up” furniture; original surfaces often preserve value.
• Store jewelry separately in soft pouches to avoid scratches; keep certificates (e.g., diamond grading).
• Roll, don’t fold, textiles and rugs; avoid damp storage.

What happens during an appraisal:

• Scope conversation: You and the appraiser agree on intended use, effective date, market level, and value definition.
• Inspection: Identification of maker/period/materials, measurements, condition assessment, and photography. For jewelry, gemological testing (e.g., diamond grading, metal assay). For rugs, fiber analysis. For art, signature verification, support and pigment examination, and literature checks.
• Research: Comparable sales (auction and retail), market conditions, rarity, and demand analysis. For certain artists, catalog raisonné confirmation may be necessary.
• Valuation and report: The appraiser reconciles comparables and methodology to reach a value conclusion, then issues a written report.

What the report should include:

• Client, intended users, intended use, and effective date of value
• Type and definition of value (e.g., FMV, Retail Replacement)
• Property description and condition
• Market analysis, comparable data, and reasoning
• Photographs and measurements
• Assumptions and limiting conditions
• Appraiser’s qualifications and USPAP certification statement
• Signature and date

Costs and timelines:

• Hourly rates often range from $100 to $400+ depending on location and specialty; complex fine art assignments can be higher.
• Minimum fees are common; house calls may include travel time.
• Jewelry and coins can be quicker; large estates can take days or weeks.
• Rush fees may apply. Complex provenance or authenticity research can extend timelines.

Red flags, specialties, and when to get a second opinion

Be alert to warning signs:

• “Free appraisal” that’s actually a purchase offer. A buy price is not an independent appraisal and is usually closer to wholesale or liquidation value.
• Percentage‑based appraisal fees. This can bias conclusions; most reputable appraisers charge hourly or flat fees.
• Pressure to sell immediately, to sell only to the appraiser, or to consign exclusively with one party without alternatives.
• No written report for assignments that require one (insurance, legal, tax).
• Vague credentials, expired membership, or no mention of USPAP compliance.
• Guarantees of value or investment returns; markets move.

When to call a specialist:

• Fine art: Look for appraisers with deep knowledge of the artist, period, and medium. High‑value works may require conservation input or scientific analysis.
• Jewelry and watches: Seek appraisers with formal gemological training and access to gem labs (e.g., grading for diamonds, identification for colored stones). Watch specialists understand calibers, reference numbers, and originality.
• Silver and metalwork: Hallmarks, assay marks, and construction details are critical. Weight and maker scarcity drive value.
• Rugs and textiles: Origin, weave, dye analysis, and condition matter; repairs and moth damage have outsized impact.
• Furniture and decorative arts: Tool marks, joinery, veneers, hardware, and finish tell the story; reproductions can be convincing without trained eyes.
• Coins, medals, and paper money: Authentication, grading standards, and population data are essential; certification holders with numismatic expertise are best.

Second opinions make sense when:

• The value seems out of sync with your research or a prior appraisal
• The appraiser’s specialty doesn’t clearly match your item
• You need a review appraisal (common in litigation or high‑value donations)

Security and privacy for house calls:

• Schedule during daylight and have a second person present.
• Don’t publicize valuable holdings or addresses.
• Ask the appraiser to show ID and business credentials.
• Secure storage before and after the visit; verify insurance coverage for transit if items leave your premises.

Quick checklist

• Define purpose: insurance, estate, donation, sale, or other
• Match value type: retail replacement, FMV, or liquidation
• Shortlist 2–3 USPAP‑compliant appraisers with relevant specialties
• Confirm fees (hourly/flat), timeline, and whether on‑site is needed
• Gather provenance, invoices, certificates, and prior appraisals
• Photograph all angles, marks, serials; record measurements
• Don’t clean, polish, or repair before inspection
• Ask for a sample report and references
• Review the final report for value definition, comps, and methodology
• Calendar reappraisal every 3–5 years for insurance or market shifts

FAQ

Q: Do I need an appraisal to sell my antique? A: Not always. If you plan to sell through an auction house or dealer, they may provide a presale estimate. However, a formal appraisal can help you understand fair market value and choose the best selling channel. For high‑value items or estate distributions, a written appraisal adds clarity and documentation.

Q: How often should I update an insurance appraisal? A: Every 3–5 years, or sooner after major market changes, a significant purchase, or a loss. Jewelry and contemporary art markets can move quickly; updated appraisals ensure coverage matches current replacement costs.

Q: Can an appraiser authenticate my artwork? A: Appraisers assess value and often flag authenticity concerns, but authentication is a separate process that may involve artists’ estates, catalog raisonné committees, or scientific testing. A good appraiser will advise when specialized authentication is necessary.

Q: Why are values different across appraisals for the same item? A: Different intended uses and markets drive different value conclusions. Insurance uses retail replacement; estates often use fair market value; liquidation reflects faster sale conditions. Additionally, timing, condition changes, and new comparables can shift value.

Q: What makes an appraisal “IRS qualified”? A: For non‑cash charitable contributions over a certain threshold, the IRS requires a qualified appraisal completed by a qualified appraiser with recognized education and experience, following accepted standards. The report must include specific elements and be dated appropriately relative to the donation. When in doubt, ask your tax advisor and your appraiser to confirm compliance.

With the right expert, clear goals, and smart preparation, you can secure a reliable valuation that protects your interests—whether you’re insuring, donating, settling an estate, or deciding when and how to sell. Start locally, vet for credentials and fit, and let a well‑documented appraisal turn your curiosity into confidence.