What is an appraisal?

An appraisal is an opinion of value based upon research of comparable objects within the most relevant market. As part of the appraisal process, an item is physically examined, measured, photographed, and researched. An appraisal is fee-based and is a formal, written document. J. Carman, inc. appraisals are based upon the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) as set forth by the Appraisal Standards Board of the Appraisal Foundation, and with the Principles of Appraisal Practices and Code of Ethics of the American Society of Appraisers in Washington, DC.

Why might I need an appraisal?

Appraisal documents may be necessary when insuring your belongings against loss, theft, or damage, or during legal proceedings following the event of a divorce, annulment, or death. In addition, federal law requires appraisals “by expert appraisers” on certain charitable contributions. Finally, the most common reason to request an appraisal is to protect your assets and interests when contemplating the sale of your belongings.

How do I know what type of appraisal to ask for?

The definition of value sought in an appraisal is a professional judgement call that should be made only by your appraiser. There are as many different value types as there are reasons for having an item appraised, and an appraiser is trained to differentiate between values such as Fair Market, Liquidation, Replacement, Marketable Cash. and variations thereof. At J. Carman, inc. valuation services are tailored to meet the individual requirements of your unique situation.

Will the appraisal you provide be accepted by a court of law or with my insurance company?

Absolutely! Every appraisal report produced by J. Carman, inc. is a notarized legal document which adheres to the ethical and professional guidelines set forth by the American Society of Appraisers. The credentials of the appraiser signing off on your appraisal will be listed, and the appraiser will be available to testify in court if required. This means that if you are having your estate appraised following the death of a loved one, the appraisal document produced will meet the legal requirements for a probate court.

What types of items does J. Carman, inc. appraise?

J. Carman, inc. specializes in the appraisal of fine and decorative American and Euroepan Arts. Currently, our staff and consultants have the connoisseurial training and experience to appraise objects in the following categories:

PAINTINGS, WORKS ON PAPER, SCULPTURE, FURNITURE, CERAMICS, SILVER, TEXTILES, GLASS, PHOTOGRAPHS, ICONS, COINS, CURRENCY, STAMPS, DOCUMENTS, JEWELRY, GEMS, BOOKS, CIVIL WAR/MILITARIA AND PRE-1900 FIREARMS

Are there any items that you do not appraise?

J. Carman, inc. will not undertake the appraisal of any item that is outside the scope of our staff or consultant’s expertise. For this reason we generally do not appraise objects of art that are not American or European in origin, nor will we appraise oriental rugs, taxidermy, ivory, musical instruments, or sports memorabilia.

How much does an appraisal cost?

Appraisals of many items are a flat fee, while more research intensive items (such as original works of art or other one-of-a-kind objects) are based on a flat fee plus research time. The charge for an appraisal is NEVER a percentage of the appraised value! For more information about pricing for your particular job, please contact us for a quote. Fees vary based on your location, the number of items you will be having appraised, and the amount of specialized research that your items require. The base appraisal charge for a single item that does not require specialized research is $75.00.

Are J. Carman, inc.'s appraisers accredited and tested?

Yes. Both Jennifer Carman, President of J. Carman, inc., and our jewelry appraiser, Alexandra P. Long of iGemologists Laboratory, are Candidate Members of the American Society of Appraisers, a national organization that oversees and ensures standards of quality and ethics in appraisal practice. This level of membership is achieved only after the successful completion of courses and examinations in ethics and federally recognized appraisal practice guidelines. Our international network of consultants are respected experts in their fields, and include licensed appraisers, museum and auction house professionals, and fine and decorative art brokers. Jennifer Carman holds a Master’s Degree in Art History from the University of Glasgow in Scotland, and is a Graduate Connoisseur of Christie’s Auction House in London. Alexandra P. Long is a Graduate Gemologist of the Gemological Institute of America. J. Carman, inc. adheres to the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) as set forth by the Appraisal Standards Board of the Appraisal Foundation, and with the Code of Ethics of the American Society of Appraisers in Washington, DC.

Are all appraisers accredited and tested?

No. Examples of non-accredited appraisers include antique dealers, auctioneers, estate sale businesses, or jewelers who have limited experience with object values in their field of experience, but usually do not have formal training in both connoisseurship and valuation methodology. You should always ask a potential appraiser where they studied or worked to gain experience and expertise with the type of object you wish them to appraise. Additionally, you should ask which professional appraisal organization(s) they belong to, and then look into the organization to see what is required to become a member. Reputable organizations will require proof of connoisseurial training as well as accreditation courses and testing in appraisal methodology.

To schedule an appraisal call 501.744.8049

For a JEWELRY appraisal call 501.837.6378 or visit www.igemologists.com. (NOTE: Clicking on this link will cause you to exit the J. Carman, inc. website and will take you to the iGemologists website where you can learn more about jewelry appraisals.)

ONLINE APPRAISALS ARE HERE! CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION