About our company
Jewelry Appraisers in Philadelphia
PJA is owned and operated by Joshua Hyman, a GIA Graduate Gemologist (1992) & 4th generation Philadelphian Jeweler. Joshua’s great grandfather, Ruben Littman, was known as a “curb merchant” during the depression, buying and selling precious metals door to door in South Philadelphia. He grandparents, Marshall & Pearl Littman owned a jewelry manufacturing business from 1950 to 1986 then they passed it onto Joshua’s parents, Martin & Francine Hyman. Joshua’s brother, uncle, cousin and great aunt all worked in the jewelry business. Since graduation as a Gemologist he has been appraising jewelry for people all over the world. Valuing people’s treasures is his passion. He has completed over 6,000 appraisals in over 25 years.
PJA is a professional jewelry appraising office and laboratory located in Jeweler’s Row in Center City, Philadelphia. We have standard and advanced testing equipment on our premises. Whether you want to insure, sell or just learn everything about your treasures we have the tools and experience to complete the task.
Joshua Hyman, Owner
Inside
Philadelphia Jewelry Appraisers
Identification Report
Any Item
$50
A report that identifies the metals & gemstones only. This report does not include measurements, weights, qualities or values.
Retail Replacement
Single Item
Starting at $125
Complete and thorough written description, digital photograph included, accurate retail replacement value for proper insurance coverage.
Retail Replacement
Multiple Items
Starting at $125 + $100 ea.
$125 first item, $100 each additional (up to 10 total). Call for estimate charges for large amounts of appraisals. Same information as above.
Services
You value your treasures. We provide the value reports.
With a scheduled appointment you can expect to be here between 20-30 minutes for a single item report. We do everything in front of you. We answer any questions you have about the process. Our reports include consultation during your visit about value, insurance, selling and inheritance issues.
Diamonds
Graded by a GIA Graduate Gemologist using the GIA system.
Synthetic Diamonds
Lab Grown, Above Earth, Man Made, all identified and graded using advanced gemological equipment.
Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire
Identified, graded for quality, Treatments and country of origin opinion. Evaluated for market value.
Watches
Identified as real or fake, evaluated for market value.
Color stone ID
ID and value for all inexpensive color stones.
Jewelry
We appraise all periods of jewelry, Antiques, Vintage, Edwardian, Art Deco, Retro, Georgian, age doesn’t matter.
For Attorneys
Reports for estate planning, asset distribution, bankruptcy proceedings, expert testimony.
In estate planning or distribution, you will want to account for one individual receiving jewelry, while another might receive china, art or real estate, and the appraisal should facilitate a fair division. In such a case the estate will often use the fair market value (cost of purchasing similar items) for distribution. In other cases, some people may be receiving jewelry while others are receiving cash or cash equivalents. In those cases, it might be preferable to distribute property according to its marketable cash value-actual cash in hand after selling costs. When planning your estate, these issues should be addressed with your estate planner before engaging the appraiser.
Jewelry is very closely tied in to emotions, and both parties are likely to have an inflated idea of the actual current value of marital jewelry. Most appraisals obtained by consumers are insurance appraisals, which represent the maximum retail value of an item. How this translates over to fair market value is not a simple adjustment and can vary greatly depending on the value factors present. It might be beneficial for both parties to hire the appraiser jointly to generate the appraisal report to assure that the same standard of measure is being used for both.
When an item of jewelry is part of a bankruptcy estate, an appraisal may be required. The value to be used for reporting is most commonly the fair market value. This is defined as the price that a willing buyer and willing seller would agree upon.
An example of fair market value might be the price that an item sells for at a local auction. Rarely is this price a full retail price. Depending on the condition of the item and the desirability of the item, the fair market value might be as low as “scrap” value or rarely, as high as retail value.
When an item of jewelry is being donated to any charitable organization, an appraisal may be required. The value to be used for tax reporting is most commonly the fair market value. This is defined as the price that a willing buyer and willing seller would agree upon.
An example of fair market value might be the price that an item sells for at a local auction. Rarely is this price a full retail price. Depending on the condition of the item and the desirability of the item, the fair market value might be as low as “scrap” value or rarely, as high as retail value.
Location & Hours
A 5-7 minute walk from University of Pennsylvania or Jefferson Hospitals. Located on the famous “Jeweler’s Row”. Metered Street Parking or indoor/outdoor parking lots close by.