Jewelry Appraisals for Trusts & Probate

If you are starting probate and are not sure what to do about the jewelry, we can help you understand what you have. Mayflower’s USPAP-compliant appraisals are prepared by a GIA Graduate Gemologist and documented in a clear, written report.

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What a Probate Appraisal Covers

A probate appraisal usually states Fair Market Value (FMV): the price a willing buyer and a willing seller would agree on when neither is under pressure. FMV is different from the Retail Replacement Value used for insurance, and it is not an offer to buy.

Each written report includes:

  • A description of every piece, with metals and stones identified
  • Condition, and any treatments disclosed
  • The type of value, the date of the appraisal and its purpose
  • The appraiser’s signed USPAP certification

Who Prepares Your Appraisal

Randy Lightfoot: GIA GG; CGA (AGS); CM (NAJA); RGA (USGI); 2026 USPAP Compliant. USPAP, the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice, is published by The Appraisal Foundation.
A GIA Graduate Gemologist has completed the Gemological Institute of America’s program in diamond grading, colored stone identification and gemological science.
Our appraiser does not buy jewelry. That keeps every valuation independent of whether a piece is ever sold.

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How the Appointment Works

    • Request an appointment. Call us or use the form. If you are not sure where to start, tell us what you have and we will explain what to bring.
    • We examine each piece. Metals, stones and condition are identified and documented.
    • You receive a written report.

We provide jewelry valuations only. We do not give legal or tax advice.

Planning ahead instead of starting probate? See trusts and estates appraisals, written for people setting up an estate in advance and their legal teams.

Connect With an Appraiser Today
jewelry appraiser inspecting jewelry for appraisal

Connect with an appraiser today!

Set up a time to talk about your needs and how Mayflower Estate Buyers can support you with trusted, professional insurance appraisals in Towson, MD. You can also email us at hello@mayflowerestatebuyers.com and or call us at (410) 236-7088.

Common Questions

Start by keeping the pieces together and safe, then call us. We can tell you what each piece is and what it is worth, and explain what to bring to an appointment. We do not give legal advice, so questions about the probate process itself are best taken to your attorney.

An estate appraisal states Fair Market Value. An insurance appraisal states Retail Replacement Value, the cost to replace a piece with a comparable one at current retail prices. The two numbers can be very different, so each is used for its own purpose.

No. An appraisal is a written opinion of value. It is separate from our buying service, and our appraiser does not buy jewelry.

The pieces to be appraised, plus any earlier appraisals, receipts, certificates or laboratory reports. A GIA grading report describes a stone’s quality but does not state a value, so it is not an appraisal.

A GIA Graduate Gemologist (GG) has completed the Gemological Institute of America’s program covering diamond grading, colored stone identification and gemological science.

Yes. Our separate buying team can evaluate pieces in person and make a same-day offer. An appraisal is not required to sell, and it does not set any offer. See how selling estate jewelry works.

We handle every appraisal with care and confidentiality.

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