i have a couple quilts that have been appraised for insurance purposes---if you do not have an appraisal- and (heaven forbid) the house burns down- replacement would only get you a blanket from Penneys---not what you claimed to be the value of a quilt---an appraisal is needed for that-
if you make utility quilts- that will be used, abused, and worn out= no reason to worry about it- if you make an heirloom you think will still be around 100 years from now- well that one you would want to spring for that appraisal.
on my labels i put the quilt name, my name- any pattern/designer information (if i used someone's commercial pattern/design)
city, state, date-
if it has special meaning and for a specific person i will include that information-
fiber content- and care instructions.
one of the ones i've had appraised was a gift- and i did give the appraisal paper work with the quilt- so she does know it's value-and has proof for her insurance company.
i want them used so i don't stress people out with $$ signs-
one of the others i had appraised i did for market value- because i was selling the quilt- and wanted to be able to charge alot- it cost alot to make it and i didn't want to take a huge loss.
when you have a quilt appraised you (usually) recieve and insurance value---not market value on the quilt-
i'm sure location matters and fees vary- in my neck of the woods it costs about $30 to have an appraisal
if you visit the AMERICAN QUILTERS SOCIETY they have a list of certified appraisers- from all over the country
many times at quilt shows they will have appraisers (on hand) that you can make an appointment with and have quilts appraised at the show (they do not need to be part of the show)