Thread: Quilt appraisals

A quilt appraiser came to our guild meeting and talked about appraisals of antique, vintage and contemporary quilts. She said that for new quilts the appraisal is a calculation of how much it would cost if you had to hire someone to reproduce the exact same quilt (which can't be done, but it's an appraisal for insurance purposes, if the quilt should be lost in the mail or in a fire, something like that). Anyway, she mentioned that people have a quilt appraised, so if they're giving it for a wedding present, they can include the appraisal so that the couple knows just how much this quilt is worth. I am presently finishing a wedding quilt which I will give to a nephew and his new bride in April. I'm now thinking of including the appraisal with the quilt. I'm sure the price that will be quoted will be by far the highest of the cost of any wedding gift they get. And many times nonquilters have absolutely no idea how much goes into a quilt. Have any of you done such a thing? What do you think of this idea? The appraisal would cost $50.

Originally Posted by KalamaQuilts

would you include a store receipt with Any other gift, to anyone, for anything?

My thought, exactly!

Have the quilt appraised. I carry a rider on my home owners insurance to cover just one of my quilts. I was shocked at the value of my quilt. I showed it in 3 AQS shows and have to insure it to ship it. Without an appraisal, the post office will not give you much at all. Also your homeowners insurance will cover about $30 to buy a blanket at Walmart so get it appraised and ask them to insure it. I would include a copy of the appraisal with the gift.

Originally Posted by ghostrider

I've had quilts appraised as well, and it was definitely worth the price (more than your $50). I would have the wedding quilt appraised, yes, and would give them the original appraisal paperwork and a photo right along with the quilt. The point is not to 'brag' about what it's worth, the point is to recoup the true value in case of loss. That's what the appraiser meant when she said it let the owner's know just how much the quilt is worth.

It's their decision whether to insure it or not, but at least you'd be giving them that option and bringing it to their attention. Otherwise, they probably would never even think about having it insured. It's nothing like giving them a receipt for the gift, btw.

I love the idea of an appraisal but would suggest, along with a pix, I'd put the paperwork in an envelope & give it to them after the wedding. That way there wouldn't be a competition with other gifts regarding "mine is better than yours". I see it as a very thoughtful part of their gift. They would be very thankful in the future should they experience a disaster of some kind. Just my opinion as I read others great opinions.

Pat