How to find an appraiser?

[Spryte]

I have recently acquired quite a few family heirlooms.  They are not my style, but my mother has helpfully suggested that I do as she did, and put them into the attic for the next 40 years, till it's time to pass them to my DD, who will then put them in her attic for 40 years.   :rolleyes:

 

No, really.  Some are quite beautiful.  The ones that are not, I have re-homed.  We are down to just what we'd like to keep.

 

I need to have an appraisal done, for insurance purposes, though.  How does one go about finding someone to appraise things?  Mostly china and silver, though there's more.  Most of it is from the 1800s, some is earlier, so it's very old.  No furniture (I drew the line at furniture!).  The letters/papers are already donated to a museum, and the clothing (there was the coolest 1800s wedding dress) has been sent to another museum.

 

Would I ask our homeowners for a referral?  Or do I try to find a local antiques something-or-other?  I am clueless.  I don't particularly want to spend a fortune on this either, as this isn't stuff I plan to really use.

 

Help? What do I google to find someone, and how will I know they are reputable?

[TechWife]

Ask your insurance agent or an attorney for a recommendation. You can take any jewelry to a reputable jeweler for an appraisal.

Edited July 26, 2016 by TechWife

[Spryte]

Ask your insurance agent or an attorney for a recommendation. You can take any jewelry to a reputable jeweler for an appraisal.

 

Thanks!

 

No jewelry, just other stuff.  :)

[Alessandra]

Be careful of one thing. If you get an appraisal for insurance purposes, you want it on the high end. But if you need an appraisal for inheritance tax purposes, you want it on the low end. Usually, appraisers will ask you what the appraisal is for. But you cannot use the same appraiser for both types of valuations, as they would then be contradicting themselves.

Edited July 26, 2016 by Alessandra

[Spryte]

Thanks! Great point!