South Florida Divorce Appraisal
When jewelry is part of a divorce settlement, an accurate, independent appraisal protects your interests. Jon Bragman Inc. provides professional divorce jewelry appraisals prepared by G.I.A. Graduate Gemologist Jon Bragman, with clear fair market and replacement value distinctions attorneys and courts rely on.
Confidential and discreet. Conducted at a private location of your choosing.
Serving South Florida families since the 1970s
A credentialed appraiser on every engagement
Never a percentage of appraised value
Documentation formatted for court and counsel
Understanding Florida Divorce & Jewelry Laws
How Florida’s Equitable Distribution Works
Florida Statute Section 61.075 requires courts to divide marital assets, including jewelry, on an equitable basis. That process starts with an accurate, documented value for every piece in dispute.
Marital Property vs. Non-Marital Property
Jewelry purchased during the marriage is generally marital property subject to division. Pieces owned before marriage or received as an individual gift or inheritance are typically treated as non-marital, though the distinction can be contested.
Why Accurate Appraisal Matters
An independent appraisal removes guesswork from settlement negotiations. Without documented value, jewelry is often overlooked, undervalued, or disputed during proceedings.
The Settlement Impact
Jewelry value directly affects how the rest of the marital estate is divided. A credible appraisal supports a fair outcome for both parties and stands up to scrutiny from opposing counsel.
Fair Market Value vs. Replacement Value
Using the wrong value in a divorce settlement can cost one spouse tens of thousands of dollars. Here is the difference, and why it matters.
Fair Market Value
✓ What a willing buyer would pay a willing seller in an open market
✓ The standard Florida courts use for equitable distribution
✓ Reflects current resale and secondary market conditions
✓ Typically lower than insurance replacement value
✓ The figure most often cited in settlement negotiations
Replacement Value
✓ The cost to replace an item with a comparable new piece at retail
✓ The standard used for insurance coverage, not court division
✓ Reflects full retail markup, not resale reality
✓ Can run 2 to 3 times higher than fair market value
✓ Using this figure in a settlement can overstate the marital estate
The Settlement Problem
On a jewelry collection with a fair market value of $50,000, the insurance replacement value can run $100,000 to $125,000. That is a $50,000 to $75,000 swing depending on which figure is used in negotiations, enough to change the outcome of a settlement.
Why Professional Appraisal Is Essential
Personal Property Appraising Is Unregulated
Anyone can call themselves an appraiser. Florida has no licensing requirement for personal property appraisal, which means credentials and methodology are the only way to judge whether a valuation will hold up.
What You Need From a Professional Appraiser
Look for recognized gemological credentials, a documented and repeatable methodology, and independence from the value they assign, so there is no incentive to inflate or deflate a number.
The Cost of Undervaluation
An undervalued appraisal can mean walking away from a settlement with far less than you are entitled to. Once the divorce is final, there is rarely a path to revisit the number.
G.I.A. Credentials Matter
Graduate Gemologist credentials from the Gemological Institute of America signal formal training in identifying, grading, and valuing gemstones and precious metals, the foundation of a defensible appraisal.
The Divorce Appraisal Process
Confidential Consultation
We discuss your situation, the jewelry involved, and the timeline your attorney or the court requires.
Detailed Examination
Every piece is examined in your presence using gemological instruments to verify materials, gemstones, and condition.
Comprehensive Valuation Report
You receive a documented report with fair market and replacement values clearly stated, formatted for attorney and court submission.
Support & Guidance
We remain available to answer questions from you, your attorney, or opposing counsel about the methodology behind the appraisal.
Why Choose Jon Bragman for Divorce Appraisal in South Florida
Jon Bragman Inc. has served South Florida families for 45+ years, with a G.I.A. Graduate Gemologist behind every appraisal. Our process is transparent from the first call to the final report, and our mobile service means your jewelry stays in your control throughout, examined at a location and time you choose. Every engagement includes comprehensive, court-ready documentation, and we approach every divorce appraisal with the discretion and compassion the situation deserves.
Schedule a Consultation✓
G.I.A. Graduate Gemologist
Formal gemological credentials behind every identification and value.
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USPAP-Compliant Reports
Written to professional appraisal standards.
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Insured by Lloyd's of London
Fully insured, so you can hand over the details with confidence.
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45+ Years of Experience
Serving South Florida families, attorneys and collectors.
How Professional Appraisal Protects Your Interests
Settlement Negotiation Support
A documented, defensible appraisal gives your attorney a solid figure to negotiate from instead of a guess.
Court-Ready Documentation
Reports are formatted to meet the evidentiary standards attorneys and courts expect in a divorce proceeding.
Prevents Undervaluation
An independent, credentialed appraisal makes it far harder for jewelry to be quietly left out of the marital estate or assigned an unrealistic value.
Legal Compliance
Working with an independent G.I.A.-credentialed appraiser keeps the process free of conflicts of interest that could be challenged later.
Peace of Mind
Knowing the value of your jewelry is accurate and documented removes one more point of uncertainty during an already difficult process.
Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce Appraisal
How is jewelry valued in a Florida divorce?
A G.I.A.-credentialed appraiser examines each piece and assigns fair market value, the standard Florida courts use for equitable distribution under Florida Statute Section 61.075.
What is the difference between fair market value and replacement value?
Fair market value is what a willing buyer would pay in the open market. Replacement value is the retail cost to buy a comparable new piece, and it is often significantly higher. Courts use fair market value for divorce settlements.
Will my jewelry leave my possession during the appraisal?
No. Our mobile gem lab comes to you, and every examination happens in your presence at a location of your choosing.
How do I get a quote for a divorce appraisal?
Request a quote and Jon will review what you need appraised, then respond with a quote. The first consultation is free.
Can the other party or their attorney challenge my appraisal?
Any appraisal can be questioned, which is why credentials and methodology matter. Our G.I.A. Graduate Gemologist team documents its process clearly so the valuation holds up to scrutiny.
How long does a divorce jewelry appraisal take?
Most appraisals are completed within one to two weeks of your consultation, depending on the size of the collection and how quickly documentation is needed.
Schedule Your Divorce Appraisal Consultation
An accurate, independent appraisal protects your interests during settlement negotiations. Contact Jon Bragman Inc. for a confidential consultation about divorce jewelry appraisal in South Florida.