your money

Those TV shows where people get a verbal appraisal of their antique gewgaws — and fall back in shock and joy when told what they’re worth — are great entertainment. But that’s all they are.

If you want to have an antique appraised for insurance or resale purposes, you’re going to need to consult a certified appraiser who has expertise in the kind of item being evaluated. You wouldn’t want someone whose specialty is English furniture appraising your Japanese ceramics. And the service won’t be free.

Read more about the business of appraisals, plus tips on how to get a general idea what your item is worth, in Your Money Sunday.