Cagey

My sweet mother just passed away and I have lots of Viking, Lenox, LaLique, and Swarovski crystal that she collected. I 'd like to find a reputable appraiser to look at these items. Don't have an appraisal firm in my area. Only antique stores. Was wondering about a jeweler. I checked on e-bay but don't see anything close to what she had. Any suggestions.

Anniedeb

So sorry for you loss. No real suggestions, but checking the antique stores might give you an idea about what the items are selling for. Unfortunately we found when dealing with my mothers estate, that unless the pieces are extremely unique, they didn't hold value...worth only what someone is willing to pay for it.

Bubbie

I'm sorry for your loss.
Talk to your insurance man (woman), they know appraisers for all of your needs.
Good luck, remember to breath and just take one day at a time.

Laurajbr

My condolences. One thing I do recommend is taking ALL jewelry to be appraised. Two items that my mother had told me were costume had very high value. It was true they were not jemstones, but they were quality items. I always loved them, but now I laugh when I put them on and share a smile in the mirror with my mother.There are no riches in heaven, but when I get there, my mother and I will have the greatest of riches, a good story.

NJ Quilter

Very sorry for your loss. Either your insurance person - probably best advisor - or the antique stores can point you in the right direction. The jeweler is probably only going to be interested in/knowledgeable about the jewelery.

Sandygirl

Check Antiques Roadshow website? Tons of info online but time consuming. Since you have some names of the mfgr. You have, start with thier sites. Look for antique forums. Yahoo groups. google appraisers.

As said, sometimes things are only worth what someone is willing to pay. I remember a "Fenton" like glass candy dish my late Aunt had. I wanted to keep it but did not. A gal came to the rummage sale ....swoooped it up for $5 and left. Darn! When I see this same candy dish at antique shops, i am reassured that It most likely was NOT Fenton and they (similar) are ticketed or under. $20. I still wish that I had kept it for sentimental reason. My Aunt did not buy "name" brands. She lived modestly. I miss her most.

You can probably send photos to an appraiser of the items in question to at least confirm IF there are items worth paying for an appraisal. Yes, you likely have to pay per item as you do with jewelry.

Sandy

Edie

My mother died 1-1/2 years ago and we kept all the glass, pottery, porcelain, china cups and saucers. Actually, my two sisters and I divided up the cups and saucers and I had plate rails put over the front room and living room windows - total (8 windows) and they are all displayed for everyone to see. I drink my glass of wine out of Mom's glasses and I treasure the most gorgeous cut glass bowl (would never sell that). And I have a son and daughter in law and two granddaughters and a grandson and two great grandchildren. I'll save them for them. Keep it in the family. So many people got rid of stuff without realizing what they had and it is gone forever.

Sad story, my grandmother told me to take a pair of Mercury glass vases. I told her to keep them for my cousin -- years pass - he gets involved in drugs, he sells the Mercury glass vases for the drugs - he died. I could have taken them. Only because I wanted them to stay in the family.

These are my own thoughts. I lost my husband and my mother within four months of each other and everything is so very precious to me. Even my husband's watch that doesn't run anymore. And a Hershey's Kiss silver necklace of my mother's.

Please don't be too anxious. Sit on them for a while and if it becomes absolutely necessary, go ahead, but once they leave your hands, they are gone forever. At least I know they are safe and sound here.

You have my sincerest condolences. I know how you are feeling. Edie

sahansen44

so sorry for your loss. Also auctioneers have some knowledge regarding appraising items.

AZ Jane

Sorry for your loss. I have been "told", not to "do" anything for at least a year. Allow the heart to settle. Good Luck, I would start with your insurance company, they should know someone who knows someone.

rjwilder

My mother passed away four years ago tomorrow. I was going to give away her things, and sell the things no one wanted. I lost a lot of sleep over what to do. So I decided to give my granddaughters first pick of whatever they wanted. Then I kept the rest, I still have it and I actually use the china every now and then and I wear her jewelry. These things always put a smile on my face and I seem to be happier when I'm using or wearing her things. I think it's because I feel she is with me still. So don't rush in and give away or sell her things. Take the time to grieve and then look at her things, put them away. A few months down the road, take them out and look again. That may help you decide what to keep.