Jewelry checklist
- Photograph front, back, clasp, inside band, hallmarks, maker marks, metal stamps, damage, and repairs.
- Keep boxes, receipts, appraisals, lab reports, store paperwork, and family notes with the item.
- Separate costume jewelry from precious-metal jewelry, but do not assume costume jewelry is worthless.
- Do not clean gemstones, pearls, enamel, or antique settings without specialist advice.
Artwork checklist
- Photograph the full front, full back, signature, labels, frame, stretcher, edition numbers, inscriptions, and damage.
- Measure image size and frame size separately.
- Record medium if known: oil, watercolor, gouache, pastel, lithograph, etching, photograph, sculpture, or mixed media.
- Keep receipts, exhibition labels, gallery correspondence, certificates, conservation reports, and family provenance.
Why provenance matters
Provenance is the chain of ownership or history attached to an object. It can support authenticity, clarify age, and explain why a piece belongs in a stronger sale category. Even informal family notes can help an appraiser decide what research path to follow.
When to avoid a quick estate-sale price
Pause when jewelry has precious-metal marks, better stones, designer marks, old boxes, or previous appraisals. Pause when artwork is signed, has labels, has exhibition history, is listed in a family inventory, or looks materially better than surrounding household goods.