Appraising Artifacts (2024)

FAQs

How do you get an artifact appraised? ›

The IAGA, headed by Joseph Mattingly, is the premiere evaluation service for establishing the authenticity, value and provenance of Indian artifact-based assets. We are a professional service provider specializing in Indian artifact Authentication, Grading, Appraisals and Liquidation with over 30 years of experience.

Hire an appraiser

(For insurance purposes, you'll want to know the "retail replacement value" — the highest amount that would be required to replace an item with a similar piece.) If, in the future, you decide to sell a portion or all of your collection, the appraisal can help establish a market value, too.

Artist, authenticity, conditions, exhibition, history, provenance, subject matter, size, and rarity are just some of the things you look for before appraisal.

You are looking at one of the world's most famous, and most expensive, gems - the Hope Diamond. This stone is renowned for its large size, flawless clarity, rare deep blue colour, and prestigious provenance. Weighing in at 45.52 carats, the Hope Diamond alone costs $350,000,000.

Leave the artifact where you found it. Please don't pick it up, move it, throw it, put it in your pocket or your bag, or bury it. Note where you are. Snap a picture of the artifact where you found it.

Pricing your Native American artifacts

The more rare an artifact is, the more valuable it is likely to be. Additionally, the condition of the artifact will also impact its value. Artifacts that are in excellent condition are typically more valuable than those that show signs of wear and tear.

We have been actively purchasing all varieties of Native American Artifacts from every part of the United States for over 20 years. E-mail us at sellyourcollection@yahoo.com or give us a call at (502) 744-3090 today to discuss selling your artifacts.

Try sites such as What's It Worth to You, Value My Stuff, and Worth Point. If you're searching for the tax-deductible value of items that have been donated, you can use valuation sites, tax preparation companies (such as Turbo Tax) or the Salvation Army.

How do I get an item valued? ›

Talk to Experts

As well as experts you might encounter online, free appraisals and valuations are part of the industry. Visit your local antiques store to talk to a dealer and try to find out if there are any specialists in the type of item you're selling in the local area.

ValueMyStuff offer expert art, antique and collectable valuations and appraisals, spanning more than 60 categories, including contemporary art, jewellery, classic cars, watches, furniture, books, pop memorabilia and much more too.

There are four elements of value, all of which are essential. These are utility, scarcity, demand (together with financial ability to purchase), and transferability.

Because of the depth of Limna's data, our application of AI is unique. That means we can estimate prices of new artworks for all artists and not just those who have appeared at auction - so you know what the work you love should cost, and why. Gain confidence to own original and unique art today, with Limna.

For authentication services, contact an artifact consultant or authenticator. Most will supply you with a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) after an item is authenticated. We recommend using authenticators from the same region the artifact was found.

Describe your object, and where you found it, and then ask if you can send an image attachment to them. It's possible that the person you reach will be able to identify your artifact or recommend a better person to contact on the basis of your description or image.

The evaluation criteria are ultimately simple. A paper sets up certain expectations of its artifacts based on its content. The AEC will read the paper and then judge how well the artifact matches these criteria.

Do museums buy artifacts? The short answer is “sometimes”. If what you are offering is of interest to the museum and you can prove that it wasn't stolen from an archeological site or reported stolen from a private or public collection then it might be something they would buy.