Frequently Asked Questions
What is “Show Me Your Jewelry Box”?
Show Me Your Jewelry Box is a virtual jewelry review for people who have inherited, collected, thrifted, or simply accumulated jewelry and want to know more about what they have. For $20, send me overview photos of your collection and I’ll carefully review them, highlight pieces that catch my attention, share any initial observations I can make, and point out pieces that may benefit from further research.
How do you evaluate my jewelry?
My evaluations are based on hands-on experience with thousands of pieces of vintage, antique, estate, costume, and fine jewelry, along with years of researching jewelry through reference books, historical resources, market research, estate sales, antique stores, and comparable pieces.
I look at details such as construction, design, age indicators, clasps and findings, signatures and hallmarks, materials, condition, maker, and current collector interest. When appropriate, I also research comparable examples and recent secondary-market sales.
I do not use AI as my primary method of identifying or researching estate jewelry. My assessments are based on my own experience, research, and judgment. I may use modern tools to assist with administrative or supplemental research tasks, but identification and conclusions are not generated by AI.
What kinds of jewelry can I submit?
My specialty is vintage, antique, and estate jewelry, including both costume and fine jewelry. Signed, unsigned, inherited, thrifted, and mystery pieces are all welcome.
How much jewelry can I include?
Your $20 review is intended for one jewelry box or small collection that can be clearly shown in a few overview photos. If you have a particularly large collection, please contact me first and I’ll let you know the best way to submit it.
How should I photograph my jewelry?
Spread your jewelry out on a flat surface in good, natural lighting with as little overlap as possible. Your first photos should show the collection as a whole—you do not need to individually photograph every piece.
If possible, also include a photo showing the backs of the pieces, as clasps, construction details, signatures, and hallmarks can provide important clues. If you have specific questions about a particular piece, feel free to include a few close-up photos of it as well.
If I spot something that deserves a closer look, I’ll note exactly what details to look for that may help identify, date, or better understand the potential value of the piece.
What happens after I submit my photos?
I’ll carefully review your collection and provide one completed report, including an annotated photo highlighting the pieces that caught my attention and my initial observations about what I see. I’ll also note any questions, markings, features, or details you can look for yourself that may help identify, date, or better understand a piece.
Your $20 review includes this single assessment rather than ongoing follow-up research. If you’d like me to take a deeper look at a particular piece afterward, you can request a quote for in-depth jewelry research.
What makes a piece interesting enough to highlight?
I look for clues such as age, construction, design, maker’s marks, unusual materials, recognizable styles, quality, and characteristics associated with collectible jewelry. Sometimes a piece simply has something unusual about it that makes me want to investigate further.
A highlighted piece isn’t necessarily a valuable piece. It means I see something that I think deserves a closer look.
What if nothing in my jewelry box stands out?
That’s completely possible! The $20 fee is for my time and assessment of your collection, not a guarantee that it contains valuable or collectible jewelry. Knowing that nothing appears to warrant extensive research can be useful information too.
What if I want more research on a piece?
If something warrants a deeper dive, you can request in-depth jewelry research. Because some pieces take considerably more research than others, this service is custom priced. I’ll review your request and provide a quote before any additional paid research begins. There is never an obligation to continue.
Can you tell me what my jewelry is worth?
When there is enough information available, I may be able to provide an estimated current resale range based on comparable pieces, recent secondary-market sales, maker, condition, materials, collector interest, and other relevant factors.
Market values can change, and an estimate is not a guarantee of what an item will sell for.
Is this an appraisal?
No. Elm Jewelry Archive provides jewelry identification, research, and informal resale-value estimates. I do not provide certified appraisals for insurance, probate, tax, divorce, or other legal purposes.
If you need a formal appraisal, I recommend working with an appropriately qualified professional appraiser.
Can you identify gemstones or precious metals from photographs?
Sometimes photographs provide useful clues, but precious metals and gemstones generally cannot be conclusively authenticated from photos alone. I will be clear about what can reasonably be determined from the available information and may recommend professional testing when appropriate.
Can you guarantee that an identification is correct?
No. Jewelry identification often involves putting together clues from construction, markings, design, materials, historical examples, and available documentation. Some pieces can be identified with high confidence, while others may only allow an approximate date, possible attribution, or educated opinion.
I will always try to distinguish between what the evidence supports and what remains uncertain.
Do you buy jewelry that you review?
No. Elm Jewelry Archive’s research service is independent from purchasing. I do not make offers to purchase jewelry that I am evaluating for you, so there is no financial incentive for me to undervalue something I review.
Can I submit modern jewelry?
You can, but my specialty is vintage, antique, and estate jewelry. Contemporary and mass-produced pieces may have limited information available and may not benefit from additional research.
What happens to the photographs I submit?
Your photographs are used to complete your jewelry review and any research you request. Your photographs and personal information will not be sold or shared with unrelated third parties.
Will you post my jewelry on social media?
Not without your permission. I may occasionally feature interesting jewelry discoveries for educational or social-media content, but I will ask for permission before using customer-submitted photographs. Choosing not to give permission will not affect your review in any way.
