Because they are used, the items would generally be less costly than their new counterparts. A rule of thumb would be at least 20% less, depending upon condition and rarity. However, it could be that they are antiques and consequently worth more than a similar new piece of jewelry. Provenance plays a major role in added value should the item be of historical importance, i.e., a brooch worn by Martha Washington and shows it being worn in a portrait of her.

As would be the case with buying new jewelry, be sure the merchant is knowledgeable and trustworthy. Check with the Better Business Bureau or Consumer Protection Agency in your area to see if they have a track record of complaints. American Gem Society Jewelers would be an excellent choice. They are an elite group of gemologically trained professional jewelers who subscribe to a strict code of ethics and standards. They are located in cities throughout the United States and Canada.

Cos Altobelli is a third generation jeweler and president of Altobelli Jewelers in Burbank, previously located in North Hollywood for 60 years. His specialty is appraising for all functions and acting as an expert witness.

He holds a graduate degree from the Gemological Institute of America and the title of Certified Gemologist Appraiser, from the American Gem Society, is the author of three appraisal books, and has appeared on “Prime Time Live” several times.

Mr. Altobelli can be reached at (818) 763-5151.

It is very difficult preparing a list of the missing items for a police report, trying to remember what you had and what they contained, but more difficult proving to the insurance adjuster that you actually possessed them and are worth what you remember them to be. The appraisals should have photos as well. If not, take your camera and take photos of all of your jewelry — and why stop there? Take them of all of your personal property. You may thank your lucky stars some day that you did, not just for burglaries, but for fire and water damage. And remember to update your appraisals every three years.

Cos Altobelli is a third generation jeweler and president of Altobelli Jewelers in Burbank, previously located in North Hollywood for 60 years. His specialty is appraising for all functions and acting as an expert witness.

He holds a graduate degree from the Gemological Institute of America and the title of Certified Gemologist Appraiser, from the American Gem Society, is the author of three appraisal books, and has appeared on “Prime Time Live” several times.

Mr. Altobelli can be reached at (818) 763-5151.

While many gemstones are found throughout the world, Tanzanite is mined in only one corner of the earth … Tanzania, Africa, its namesake. It is a variety of the species called Zoisite.

Most gemstones, including diamond, need enhancement through cutting or treatment to be enjoyed in jewelry. Tanzanite is heated to permanently draw out its exotic bluish-purple color.

Though wearable every day, remove Tanzanite jewelry before engaging in sports, housework, and gardening, and avoid ultrasonic cleaning.

Cos Altobelli is a third generation jeweler and president of Altobelli Jewelers in Burbank, previously located in North Hollywood for 60 years. His specialty is appraising for all functions and acting as an expert witness.

He holds a graduate degree from the Gemological Institute of America and the title of Certified Gemologist Appraiser, from the American Gem Society, is the author of three appraisal books, and has appeared on “Prime Time Live” several times.

Mr. Altobelli can be reached at (818) 763-5151.

Here are a few issues to consider:

COLOR- White gold is yellow gold alloyed (mixed) with nickel and zinc, which impart its white appearance. By contrast, platinum is pure white naturally. White gold can look slightly more yellow, however, in most cases, rhodium (platinum family) is plated over white gold, giving it a platinum appearance.

DURABILITY- Platinum is the most enduring of all precious metals. Even after years of daily wear, it shows little or no sign of age – whereas white gold will wear more quickly. For this reason, platinum is sometimes used for prongs even when the remainder of the piece is made of white gold. However, 14-karat white gold is a high-quality option – and if it does wear thin after years of wear, a professional jeweler can reinforce it with additional white gold.

PURITY- Most platinum used in jewelry is 90 to 95 percent pure. The remaining 5 to 10 percent is also a precious metal – usually iridium or ruthenium (for strengthening) – making platinum jewelry 100 percent precious metal. Fourteen karat white gold is approximately 60 percent pure. Although the alloys used in it are not precious metals, it is an excellent metal for all types of jewelry.

VALUE- The value of precious metals varies, but generally you can expect platinum jewelry to cost significantly more than a comparable piece in white gold.

STYLE- Today both white gold and platinum are popular and fashionable in all types of jewelry. Platinum was the setting of choice for wedding rings during the early 1900s, and its popularity is soaring again.

Cos Altobelli is a third generation jeweler and president of Altobelli Jewelers in Burbank, previously located in North Hollywood for 60 years. His specialty is appraising for all functions and acting as an expert witness.

He holds a graduate degree from the Gemological Institute of America and the title of Certified Gemologist Appraiser, from the American Gem Society, is the author of three appraisal books, and has appeared on “Prime Time Live” several times.

Mr. Altobelli can be reached at (818) 763-5151.

So he called in the royal jewelers and told them to search the land for the most precious stone in existence. This, the Pharaoh had mounted on a ring of gold and took it to his loved one. As he slipped the ring on her finger, he told her, “Until I can place a wedding band on your finger and claim you for my bride, wear this ring as a reminder of my devotion. Just as the gem is priceless, so is my love for you.”

And down through the ages, the engagement ring has served as a pledge of true love and as a symbol to the rest of the world that two people have chosen to spend their lives together.

From the writings of Amenophis 11: Circa 3300 B.C.

Cos Altobelli is a third generation jeweler and president of Altobelli Jewelers in Burbank, previously located in North Hollywood for 60 years. His specialty is appraising for all functions and acting as an expert witness.

He holds a graduate degree from the Gemological Institute of America and the title of Certified Gemologist Appraiser, from the American Gem Society, is the author of three appraisal books, and has appeared on “Prime Time Live” several times.

Mr. Altobelli can be reached at (818) 763-5151.

On a small desolate island in the Red Sea– named Zabargad, which means “olivine” in Arabic – peridot has been mined since ancient times. Nothing grows, no fresh water, and it is scorching hot all year except for winter. In some locations, fissures are lined with gem crystals and beaches have a greenish hue due to tiny crystals.

Also found inBurma,Norway,Brazil,China,Kenya,Sri Lanka,Australia, andMexico. TheU.S.has small stones mined inArizona.

Among the oldest known gemstones, the “topaz” on the breastplate of Aaron, High Priest of the Hebrews in the Old Testament, was believed to actually be peridot. Ancient Egyptians, around 1580 B.C. to 1350 B.C., created beads from peridot. For Greek and Romans, peridot was in popular use as intaglios, rings, inlays, and pendants.

A prized gem late in theOttoman Empire(1300-1918). Turkish Sultans collected the world’s largest collection. The gold throne inIstanbul’s Topkapi museum is decorated with 955 peridot cabochons, and also used on turbans and boxes. The largest stone is believed to be a 310 carat gem that is in the Smithsonian. A fine 192 carat stone is part of the Russian crown jewels in the Kremlin.

 Cos Altobelli is a third generation jeweler and president of Altobelli Jewelers in Burbank, previously located in North Hollywood for 60 years. His specialty is appraising for all functions and acting as an expert witness.

He holds a graduate degree from the Gemological Institute of America and the title of Certified Gemologist Appraiser, from the American Gem Society, is the author of three appraisal books, and has appeared on “Prime Time Live” several times.

Mr. Altobelli can be reached at (818) 763-5151.

Many of these establishments base their selling philosophy on the premise that most people that buy these diamonds will not have them appraised thereafter. Some may do so to find out, to their dismay, the diamonds are not worth twice the price. Consequently, they will do nothing about it but never return for additional purchases. The remaining few that have them appraised, experiencing the same results, will take them back. The vendor will gladly give them a refund if they wish. That small percentage will have little effect on the overall scheme of things.

In many of these scenarios, the purchaser will have received a value commensurate with the purchase price. But, hardly the bargain it was purported to be. More times than not, the merchandise is also of inferior quality and misrepresented there as well.

Cos Altobelli is a third generation jeweler and president of Altobelli Jewelers in Burbank, previously located in North Hollywood for 60 years. His specialty is appraising for all functions and acting as an expert witness.

He holds a graduate degree from the Gemological Institute of America and the title of Certified Gemologist Appraiser from the American Gem Society, is the author of three appraisal books, and has appeared on “Prime Time Live” several times.

Mr. Altobelli can be reached at (818) 763-5151.

Many of these establishments base their selling philosophy on the premise that most people that buy these diamonds will not have them appraised thereafter. Some may do so to find out, to their dismay, the diamonds are not worth twice the price. Consequently, they will do nothing about it but never return for additional purchases. The remaining few that have them appraised, experiencing the same results, will take them back. The vendor will gladly give them a refund if they wish. That small percentage will have little effect on the overall scheme of things.

In many of these scenarios, the purchaser will have received a value commensurate with the purchase price. But, hardly the bargain it was purported to be. More times than not, the merchandise is also of inferior quality and misrepresented there as well.

Cos Altobelli is a third generation jeweler and president of Altobelli Jewelers in Burbank, previously located in North Hollywood for 60 years. His specialty is appraising for all functions and acting as an expert witness.

He holds a graduate degree from the Gemological Institute of America and the title of Certified Gemologist Appraiser from the American Gem Society, is the author of three appraisal books, and has appeared on “Prime Time Live” several times.

Mr. Altobelli can be reached at (818) 763-5151.

Many of these establishments base their selling philosophy on the premise that most people that buy these diamonds will not have them appraised thereafter. Some may do so to find out, to their dismay, the diamonds are not worth twice the price. Consequently, they will do nothing about it but never return for additional purchases. The remaining few that have them appraised, experiencing the same results, will take them back. The vendor will gladly give them a refund if they wish. That small percentage will have little effect on the overall scheme of things.

In many of these scenarios, the purchaser will have received a value commensurate with the purchase price. But, hardly the bargain it was purported to be. More times than not, the merchandise is also of inferior quality and misrepresented there as well.

Cos Altobelli is a third generation jeweler and president of Altobelli Jewelers in Burbank, previously located in North Hollywood for 60 years. His specialty is appraising for all functions and acting as an expert witness.

He holds a graduate degree from the Gemological Institute of America and the title of Certified Gemologist Appraiser from the American Gem Society, is the author of three appraisal books, and has appeared on “Prime Time Live” several times.

Mr. Altobelli can be reached at (818) 763-5151.

Many of these establishments base their selling philosophy on the premise that most people that buy these diamonds will not have them appraised thereafter. Some may do so to find out, to their dismay, the diamonds are not worth twice the price. Consequently, they will do nothing about it but never return for additional purchases. The remaining few that have them appraised, experiencing the same results, will take them back. The vendor will gladly give them a refund if they wish. That small percentage will have little effect on the overall scheme of things.

In many of these scenarios, the purchaser will have received a value commensurate with the purchase price. But, hardly the bargain it was purported to be. More times than not, the merchandise is also of inferior quality and misrepresented there as well.

Cos Altobelli is a third generation jeweler and president of Altobelli Jewelers in Burbank, previously located in North Hollywood for 60 years. His specialty is appraising for all functions and acting as an expert witness.

He holds a graduate degree from the Gemological Institute of America and the title of Certified Gemologist Appraiser from the American Gem Society, is the author of three appraisal books, and has appeared on “Prime Time Live” several times.

Mr. Altobelli can be reached at (818) 763-5151.