Professional appraisal and advisory services in San Diego and Southern California for collectors, attorneys, fiduciaries, insurers, and institutions.
Services are tailored to support:
Insurance coverage, estate and trust planning, charitable donation, resale, and collection management.
In addition to USPAP-compliant appraisals, the firm provides expert guidance on provenance research, authentication, framing, conservation, and sales strategy, ensuring clients have the information and resources they need to make confident, well-informed decisions.
Appraisal Services Include:
- Insurance Scheduling: Establish accurate replacement value for insurance coverage and claims.
- Estate & Trust Appraisals: Determine fair market value for estate planning, equitable distribution, and probate.
- Donation Appraisals: Prepare detailed, IRS-compliant reports for non-cash charitable contributions over $5,000.
- Damage or Loss: Support insurance claims or potential litigation by providing substantiated value assessments.
- Resale Knowledge: Provide accurate market value insights to guide informed sales decisions.
- Virtual appraisal: While this type of appraisal is not meant for formal use, a virtual appraisal offers insight into how similar objects are performing in the marketplace.
Research & Authentication Support:
Provenance Research
Thorough investigation into an artwork’s ownership history, exhibition record, and literature references. Useful for establishing authenticity, understanding marketability, or supporting high-value transactions.
Authentication Guidance
Coordination with conservation professionals or specialists for technical analysis and authentication support. This may include referrals for scientific testing or consultation with artist foundations or catalogue raisonné committees.
Advisory Services:
Framing and Conservation Advisory
Assistance connecting with trusted framers, conservators, and preservation specialists. Recommendations are tailored to the specific needs of the artwork, whether preventive or restorative.
Sales and Auction Strategy
Guidance on selling artwork through appropriate venues, including galleries, auction houses, or private dealers. Support includes reviewing proposals, helping clients evaluate offers, and identifying the most strategic path to sale.
Collection Management:
Inventory and Cataloging
Comprehensive onsite documentation of each artwork, including artist, title, medium, dimensions, condition, provenance, and value. Inventory services are ideal for estate planning, insurance updates, donation, or resale preparation. Condition photographs and notes are included as needed to create a complete and organized record.
Installation and Display Advisory
Guidance on the placement and presentation of artworks in homes, offices, or institutions. Recommendations may include framing upgrades, proper lighting, or environmental adjustments to enhance visibility and protect the work. Referrals to trusted framers and art handlers are available for clients rotating or installing collections.
Preservation Support
Advice on safe display practices, environmental considerations, and storage methods to ensure long-term care and conservation of artwork. These services are especially helpful for clients managing larger collections or transitioning artwork between locations.