Frequently Asked Questions – Antique Appraisals, Estate Sales, and Selling Antique

Estate sale: usually the full contents of a home, often after a death, a move or downsizing.

Tag sale: a smaller sale of selected items, such as furniture, collectibles or everyday household goods.

Our crew can run either one from start to finish. The right choice depends on how much is in the home, how much of it has real value, and how quickly the house needs to be empty. We will recommend one after a free walkthrough.

The sale itself usually lasts a day or two. Pricing, setup and promotion happen in the days or weeks before, depending on the size of the home. 

A small apartment needs far less preparation than a four-bedroom house with a full basement and garage.

If you have a firm deadline, such as a closing date, tell us at the start so we can plan backward from it.

Yes. Pricing, promotion, staffing, checkout and the cleanup afterward are all on us, so you can focus on your family.

Before we begin, you set aside anything the family is keeping. We also pull out personal papers, photos and private documents so they never end up on a sale table.

You have options:

Send the better pieces to auction.

Donate items to a local charity.

Accept an offer from us for what is left.

We talk through these options before the sale, so there are no surprises afterward and the home can be cleared on schedule.

We give honest answers and explain our reasoning. Whether it is a single piece of vintage jewelry or a full estate sale, the same team stays with you from the first call to the last box.

We have done this work for more than 30 years, and because we buy, appraise, run sales and conduct auctions, we can recommend the route that suits your items rather than the one that suits us.

We are glad to help. Reach out for advice, a free appraisal or a quick conversation about your options. 

Photos are a great way to start: send a few pictures and a short description, and we will tell you what we think and what the next step should be.

Phone (631) 433-0820

Get more than one opinion, and make sure at least one comes from a buyer who knows older jewelry. We offer free evaluations of gold, silver, diamond and costume pieces, at your home or by appointment at our Islip, NY office.

A buyer who only looks at metal weight may miss value in a signed designer piece, an Art Deco setting or an old-cut diamond. Ask every buyer how the offer was calculated and whether they considered the design and maker as well as the gold. Our guide to how to appraise vintage jewelry explains what to look for.

A wide mix, including:

Jewelry: gold, silver, older rings and watches

Coins and paper currency

Furniture from Victorian through mid-century

Collectibles: toys, stamps, militaria and sports items

Decor: mirrors, chandeliers and art glass

Not sure about something? Ask, and we will take a look at no cost. We also buy sterling silver, paintings, bronzes, pottery, toy trains and the full contents of homes. See everything we buy on our Sell Your Items page.

We suggest booking ahead for large collections or detailed evaluations, and we also make house calls. Booking ahead means we can set aside enough time to look at everything properly, and it avoids a wasted trip if you are bringing heavy or fragile items.

If you are on Long Island or in New York City, you have come to the right place. Phone us to book a free appraisal.

Wherever you look, check that the appraiser explains the method behind each number, tells you what kind of value they are giving you, and is clear about any fees. Learn more about our antique appraisal services.

We will:

Look at the age, state and any documented history of the piece.

Consider its materials, workmanship and current demand.

Explain the value we arrive at and answer your questions.

For jewelry, that may include checking hallmarks and testing metal. For furniture, we look at joinery, wood, hardware and any labels. For art, we check the signature, medium and any gallery labels on the back. You are welcome to watch and ask questions throughout.

No. Evaluations are free, and you are never obligated to sell.

Our figures come from recent sale results, long-term price history and hands-on inspection, and we walk you through the factors behind each number. You are always welcome to get a second opinion. A fair offer holds up when it is compared with others.

A few simple steps protect the value of what you have:

Do not clean, polish or repair anything first, since that can lower value.

Do not throw anything away until someone experienced has looked.

Gather any paperwork, boxes or receipts you have.

Make a short list of what the family is keeping.

Ready? Book a free appraisal on our contact page, or phone (631) 433-0820.