However, it is possible to do a quick home appraisal or a mental overview in your mind when looking at a piece for sale at a bazaar or local antique market.

While appraisal of diamonds or any other jewelry isn’t easy, you can give any piece of jewelry the once-over to get an idea of its authenticity and possible value. To learn some great tips that will help you appraise your jewelry simply and easily, keep reading.

1Ct Princess Diamond Engagement Ring Vintage Setting 14 US $1,450.00 Auction Ends: Thursday Jul-29-2010 9:27:04 PDT   | Watch this Item

1.2Ct Princess Diamond Vintage Engagement Ring Setting US $2,299.00 Auction Ends: Thursday Jul-29-2010 9:32:07 PDT   | Watch this Item

VINTAGE RETRO 14K GOLD DIAMOND SAPPHIRE WATERFALL RING US $599.00 Auction Ends: Thursday Jul-29-2010 9:33:43 PDT   | Watch this Item

1.25Ct Princess Diamond Vintage Engagement Ring Setting US $2,299.00 Auction Ends: Thursday Jul-29-2010 9:34:08 PDT   | Watch this Item

Vintage Style Paraiba Tourmaline & Diamond Ring, 14 KT US $540.00 Auction Ends: Thursday Jul-29-2010 9:50:43 PDT   | Watch this Item

Ask to See the Original Purchase Receipt

If you’ve purchased the item yourself, you should have the receipt stored in a safe place, like your family files or a safety deposit box. Knowing the original purchase value can be a great gauge for inferring a piece’s modern-day value.

Check Online for Similar Pieces

If you know you’re dealing with a 6.5 millimeter diamond that’s approximately one carat set in a simple gold band, you can get a rough idea of the pricing. Of course, this can vary wildly depending on the stone’s cut, color and clarity, but it’s a start.

Track the History of the Jewelry                  

If you’re dealing with a necklace discovered in a trunk in the attic, try to find out which family member acquired it and from where. Knowing and understanding the history of the piece can help you or a professional appraiser get a clearer picture of the item’s value as an antique. Also, if you’re purchasing the item, say at a yard sale, don’t hesitate to ask the seller about the piece’s history.

Get a Good Idea of the Stones and Materials

Try to identify the materials used in your particular piece of jewelry. Is it gold, silver or tin? Are those diamonds or glass? Are you looking at pearls or imitations? Knowing the gemstones and metals used in a piece’s construction can help you get a better grip on its value.

Learn to Identify a Fake

For example, a flawless emerald is sure to be a fake along with a flawless and perfectly round pearl. A diamond with no internal flaw is probably an imitation as well. If you’re not sure, always have an item tested by an independent and qualified gemologist and appraiser.

Consider its Weight

Typically, the heavier a piece, the more it is worth, but this doesn’t always hold true. Fine and light pieces that use exceptional stones can sometimes be worth substantially more than their heavier, yet lower-quality counterparts.

Sterling Silver & 14K Gold HEARTS BEAD fits PANDORA BIAGI CHAMILIA Charm Bracelet GIFT BOXED

Pandora Charm Bracelets are originally of Danish design and they are crafted in precious metals such as gold and silver with a huge variety of individual charms that can be mixed and matched to create really unique designs.

Each bracelet is divided into three sections by small threads, which allows you to add charms on to the bracelet in any combination you desire. The beads are free to move and rotate which only adds to their eye-catching effect.

Thus the bracelets can be modified to reflect your style, your clothing colour or even your mood on any individual day.

I have only recently bought one of these bracelets at a local jeweler and I must admit that at first the price did make me think twice.

However, since bringing it home, keen as I was to add to my collection, I have looked them up online, both on eBay and on Amazon and I have been amazed at the savings that can be made. There are some beautiful individual charms available at hugely reduced costs on eBay and even better a much wider range than you would find at any local store.

I think I may have just found a few birthday and Christmas presents that people can buy me for oh…the next 30 years or so!

Shining Charm Pandora Beads Bracelet US $0.01 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Thursday Jul-29-2010 9:26:05 PDT   | Watch this Item

925 silver petty charms Pandora Bracelet/Bangle A017 US $3.99 (1 Bid) Auction Ends: Thursday Jul-29-2010 9:26:14 PDT   | Watch this Item

Polymer Clay Charm Bead Fit Pandora Bracelet 10PCS US $8.99 Auction Ends: Thursday Jul-29-2010 9:26:20 PDT   | Watch this Item

Authentic silver Pandora Bead Charms Bracelet 20cm US $0.68 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Thursday Jul-29-2010 9:26:59 PDT   | Watch this Item

Rare and nice Pandora troll charm bracelet US $0.01 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Thursday Jul-29-2010 9:27:13 PDT   | Watch this Item

They can be picked up at fantastic prices on eBay and make great gifts. I am going to be giving myself a gift of one of the heart charm ones immediately…..sweet!

Then when I have maybe saved up a little more…I may expore the other possibilities. Well a girl can’t just wear one bracelet now can she

Links of London Style Sweetie Bracelet With Charm US $14.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Thursday Jul-29-2010 16:21:06 PDT   | Watch this Item

Link of London Sweetie Necklace & Bracelet Set US $199.00 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Friday Jul-30-2010 8:41:36 PDT   | Watch this Item

LINKS OF LONDON SWEETIE BRACELET 3 CHARMS NEW with BOX US $24.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Friday Jul-30-2010 15:22:11 PDT   | Watch this Item

LINKS OF LONDON SWEETIE BRACELET 5 CHARMS NEW with BOX US $24.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Saturday Jul-31-2010 9:40:32 PDT   | Watch this Item

LINKS OF LONDON SWEETIE BRACELET 3 CHARMS NEW with BOX US $24.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Saturday Jul-31-2010 9:41:59 PDT   | Watch this Item

Again, with a ‘no reserve auction’, someone is going to be very happy

20ps shuihong 12mm 6010 SWAROVSKI Droplet Crystal beads US $0.99 (1 Bid) Auction Ends: Thursday Jul-29-2010 9:25:36 PDT   | Watch this Item

jewelry 400pcs Swarovski crystal 5301 4mm bicone Beads US $0.01 (1 Bid) Auction Ends: Thursday Jul-29-2010 9:25:39 PDT   | Watch this Item

Clear AB Swarovski crystal rondelles beads 8mm 72pcs US $0.01 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Thursday Jul-29-2010 9:25:41 PDT   | Watch this Item

20pc Deep white Rugby Swarovski Crystal Bead #403 US $1.25 (2 Bids) Auction Ends: Thursday Jul-29-2010 9:25:46 PDT   | Watch this Item

400pcs Swarovski crystal 5301 4mm Beads Sky Blue US $0.01 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Thursday Jul-29-2010 9:25:55 PDT   | Watch this Item

Once excellent source for Swarosvki beads is surprisingly Amazon. I hadn’t really considered looking for beads on there, until by chance I came across a whole range, whilst actually searching for something else.

I think most people have a vision of Amazon as just a place to pick up books, music etc, but if you really look around there is a whole host of stuff at pretty great prices.

You can also pick up small lots if you are just starting out and need a small selection to start making earrings, bracelets etc. Or if you are more into the swing of it you can buy in bigger bulks and thus have a great selection at a lower cost – as you are buying in bulk.

Have a look at the selection that thay have at both Amazon in the USA and Amazon in the UK – I think you may be surprised at the quality and range. Of course if you want any jewelry ideas they also have some great books on designing jewelry pieces – but I’ll leave those to review another day.