South Florida Divorce Appraisals
Divorce Appraisal in South Florida | Professional Jewelry Valuations
Divorce involves complex decisions about asset division, and jewelry often represents one of the most emotionally and financially significant items. Accurate valuations are essential to ensure both parties receive fair treatment during settlement.
Jon Bragman Inc. provides professional divorce appraisal services in South Florida with G.I.A. Graduate Gemologists who understand the emotional sensitivity of this process.
We bring expertise, transparency, and compassion to every appraisal, helping you navigate this challenging time with confidence while ensuring your jewelry is properly and fairly valued by experienced jewelry appraisers divorce in Florida trust.
Understanding Florida Divorce & Jewelry Laws
How Florida's
Equitable Distribution Works
Florida law (Statute § 61.075) requires courts to divide marital property fairly. "Fair" doesn't mean 50/50—it means equitable based on each spouse's circumstances and contributions.
Marital Property vs. Non-Marital Property
Marital property-:
jewelry gifts exchanged between spouses during marriage
Non-marital property -: engagement rings (pre-marriage), inherited pieces, gifts from family/friends
Jewelry classification directly affects who keeps what in the settlement
Why Accurate
Appraisal Matters
Without professional evaluation from a qualified appraiser for jewelry, value disputes can delay settlements and create conflict. A professional divorce appraisal in South Florida provides objective documentation that both parties can trust.
The Settlement
Impact
One incorrectly valued piece can shift thousands of dollars in asset distribution. Courts rely on accurate divorce settlement appraisals to make fair decisions protecting both spouses' interests.
Fair Market Value vs. Replacement Value
The Critical Difference
Many divorcing couples make a costly mistake: using insurance appraisals for divorce settlement appraisals. These two appraisal types serve different purposes and produce very different values.
Fair Market Value (Required for Divorce)
- What jewelry sells for in the open market
- Between a willing buyer and a willing seller
- Neither party is under pressure
- Reflects actual current market conditions
- Typically, 30-80% of the replacement value
VS
Replacement Value (For Insurance Only)
- What it costs to replace jewelry with a new comparable item
- Retail pricing
- Often 50-200% higher than fair market value
- Used for insurance claims, not legal settlements
- Why courts reject insurance appraisals for divorce appraisal purposes
Why The Difference Matters
When fair market value is lower than replacement value, using the inflated insurance valuation directly overstates jewelry assets. This results in unfair asset distribution during divorce settlement appraisals.
Example Scenario:
If your jewelry collection has:
- Fair market value: $50,000
- Insurance replacement value: $100,000-$125,000
- Difference: $50,000-$75,000
Using the insurance value ($100,000-$125,000) instead of the fair market value ($50,000) could result in settlement inequity affecting thousands of dollars in asset distribution.
The Settlement Problem
Using inflated replacement values dramatically overstates asset values in divorce proceedings. One spouse could potentially receive significantly more than their fair share based on inflated valuations from an unqualified appraiser for jewelry.
Why Professional Appraisal Is Essential
Personal Property Appraising Is Unregulated
Unlike real estate, anyone can claim to be an appraiser for jewelry without credentials or training. This creates substantial risk when making settlement decisions and underscores the importance of working with experienced jewelry appraisers divorce in Florida rely on.
What You Need Professional Appraisers For:
Market knowledge—understanding current trends and comparable sales
Gemological expertise—identifying treatments, synthetics, enhancements affecting value
Condition assessment—evaluating craftsmanship, wear, and damage
Objective valuation—applying industry-standard methodology
Court-defensible documentation—meeting standards for divorce settlement appraisals
The Cost of Undervaluation
A biased or unqualified appraiser for jewelry might undervalue your jewelry collection, costing you thousands in settlement proceeds. Professional divorce appraisal services protect your financial interests.
G.I.A. Credentials Matter
G.I.A. Graduate Gemologists represent the highest gemological credential. This training ensures accurate, professional divorce appraisal services that courts recognize and accept, making them trusted jewelry appraisers divorce in Florida professionals recommend.
The Divorce Appraisal Process
Contact Jon Bragman to discuss your jewelry collection and divorce appraisal needs. We answer your questions, explain what to expect, and schedule a private meeting at your preferred location—your home, office, or another safe location where you feel comfortable. This consultation is an opportunity to discuss your situation and concerns without obligation.
Each piece of jewelry is thoroughly examined using our portable gem lab and professional tools. Our G.I.A. Graduate Gemologists, recognized as leading jewelry appraisers divorce in Florida, carefully assess every piece, taking time to evaluate:
- Metal type, purity, and weight
- Gemstone quality and condition
- Overall condition and craftsmanship quality
- Any treatments, enhancements, or repairs
- Unique features that affect market value
- Current demand and market conditions for similar pieces
Following examination, you receive a detailed written divorce settlement appraisals report that provides clear documentation for settlement purposes. Your report includes:
- Detailed descriptions of each piece
- Professional photographs of each item
- Assessed values based on current market conditions
- Complete documentation formatted for legal and financial use
- All information you need for settlement discussions
Beyond providing the divorce appraisal, we offer guidance on:
- Understanding the valuations and methodology
- How different pieces are valued and why
- Options for managing your jewelry going forward
- How to use the appraisals effectively in settlement discussions
- Questions you may have about specific pieces or valuations
Why Choose Jon Bragman for Divorce Appraisal in South Florida
45 Years of South Florida Experience
Jon Bragman has served South Florida clients for 45 years, building deep expertise in local jewelry market conditions and decades of experience working with divorcing couples. Our long history as trusted jewelry appraisers divorce in Florida clients rely on demonstrates proven reliability and consistent professional service.
G.I.A. Graduate Gemologist Team
All our appraisers hold G.I.A. Graduate Gemologist credentials, ensuring professional expertise in gem identification, evaluation, and accurate divorce settlement appraisals across every jewelry type and style.
Transparent and Professional Service
We believe in complete transparency throughout the divorce appraisal process. Our time-based fees are clearly explained upfront, and you know exactly what you're paying for. We maintain professional integrity and objectivity as a trusted appraiser for jewelry in every appraisal.
Mobile Service with Complete Control
You never have to leave your jewelry with us. Our portable gem lab comes to you, and you observe the entire evaluation process at your preferred location—maintaining complete control of your valuables throughout the divorce appraisal.
Comprehensive Documentation
Every divorce appraisal includes detailed written reports with professional photographs and descriptions. You receive complete divorce settlement appraisals documentation that you can confidently share with your attorney or use in settlement discussions.
Compassionate Approach
We understand that a divorce involving jewelry division carries emotional weight alongside financial concerns. Our team treats every piece with care and respect, acknowledging the significance of what you're managing during this transition as experienced jewelry appraisers divorce in Florida couples trust.
How Professional Appraisal Protects Your Interests
Settlement Negotiation Support
Documented fair market values from a qualified appraiser for jewelry provide objective evidence supporting your position with your spouse's attorneys.
Court-Ready Documentation
Professional divorce settlement appraisals stand as credible evidence in court if disputes reach litigation.
Prevents Undervaluation
Ensures you receive fair compensation for jewelry assets instead of accepting undervalued settlements through professional divorce appraisal services.
Legal Compliance
Meets all Florida statutory requirements for equitable distribution proceedings. Prevents future legal challenges with properly executed divorce settlement appraisals.
Peace of Mind
A professional credentialed divorce appraisal allows you to move forward confidently knowing your settlement is fair and legally sound.
Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce Appraisal
What types of jewelry can you appraise?
We appraise all types of jewelry—engagement rings, heirlooms, designer pieces, luxury watches, gold, silver, platinum, gemstones, diamonds, and complete collections, regardless of style or era. Our jewelry appraisers divorce in Florida cases rely on have expertise across all categories.
How long does a divorce appraisal take?
Most divorce appraisals are completed in one appointment, typically 1-3 hours, depending on the size and complexity of your collection. We discuss timing and schedule during your initial consultation.
Will my jewelry leave my possession during the appraisal?
No. Our mobile gem lab comes to you. All examinations occur in your presence at your chosen location—your home, office, or another safe place. You maintain complete control throughout the entire divorce appraisal process.
What documentation will I receive?
You receive comprehensive written divorce settlement appraisals reports including detailed descriptions of each piece, professional photographs, assessed values, and complete documentation suitable for legal and financial use.
How do you determine jewelry values?
Our G.I.A. Graduate Gemologists, working as experienced jewelry appraisers for divorce in Florida, are professionals who examine each piece using professional tools and assess the materials, gemstone quality, condition, craftsmanship, and current market conditions to determine accurate valuations.
How much does a divorce appraisal cost?
Jon Bragman charges time-based fees calculated on the time required, number of items, and scope of the divorce appraisal. We provide a complimentary consultation and upfront fee estimate before any work begins, with no obligation.
Do you offer any fee discounts?
Yes. Pieces with existing lab reports receive reduced fees due to streamlined examination during the divorce appraisal process.
Can you help me understand the valuations?
Yes. As your trusted appraiser for jewelry, we offer guidance on understanding the valuations, why specific values were assigned, and how to use the divorce settlement appraisals documentation in your settlement discussions. We’re committed to supporting you throughout the process.
How do I schedule an appraisal?
Contact Jon Bragman to schedule a complimentary consultation. We’ll discuss your jewelry collection, answer your questions about the divorce appraisal process, and arrange a convenient time for the appraisal at your preferred location.
What makes a professional appraisal important for divorce?
Professional divorce settlement appraisals provide objective, documented values that both parties can rely on. This prevents disputes about jewelry value and supports fair settlement discussions based on accurate, professional information from a credentialed appraiser for jewelry.
Can I use these appraisals with my attorney?
Yes. Our comprehensive divorce settlement appraisals documentation is designed to support legal and settlement processes. You can confidently share appraisals with your attorney or mediator or use them in settlement negotiations.
What if I need multiple pieces appraised?
We handle collections of any size. Whether you have a few pieces or an extensive collection, we provide thorough, professional divorce appraisal documentation for every item.
Begin Your Divorce Appraisal in South Florida Today
Don’t navigate asset division without professional guidance from experienced jewelry appraisers divorce in Florida trust. Contact Jon Bragman Inc. for a confidential consultation about divorce appraisal services in South Florida. Our G.I.A. Graduate Gemologists ensure fair market value divorce settlement appraisals that protect your interests and support equitable settlements.
It’s all about the Family Jewels—protecting yours.