The quick answer
Start with the category that best matches the object you can photograph clearly. Category context improves the first-pass identification because each object type has different marks, materials, condition risks, and market evidence.
Choose the right path
Jewelry needs metal and stone evidence. Coins need date, mint mark, and grade clues. Art needs signature, medium, size, surface, and provenance. Furniture needs form, joinery, hardware, and wood clues.
When free screening is enough
A free first pass is enough when you need direction, missing-photo feedback, or a decision about whether paid appraisal is worth considering. It is not enough for insurance, estate, donation, legal, or high-value sale decisions.
When to get a professional appraisal
Use a professional appraisal when the item may be valuable, has confusing marks, needs comparable sales, or must be documented for sale, insurance, estate, or donation use.
Photo checklist
Send whole-object photos, close-ups of marks or labels, condition details, measurements, weight where useful, and any certificate, receipt, box, frame label, or family note.
Market examples by category
These examples show how different categories need different evidence. They are market examples, not final appraisals for a reader's item.
| Photo | Category | Example | What changes the review |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Jewelry | Green diamond ring market example | Metal, stone identity, setting, maker, and condition drive the next question. |
 | Coins | Seated Liberty dime and Barber quarter market example | Date, mint mark, grade, and damage matter more than a photo-only guess. |
 | Art | Granville Redmond painting market example | Artist, medium, size, surface, provenance, and authenticity shape the route. |
 | Furniture | Apothecary cabinet market example | Form, joinery, wood, hardware, and condition guide identification. |
Not sure which category your item fits?
Start with a free screener. We identify the object and point you toward the right appraisal path.
Start an appraisalUse the free screener