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Florida’s Best Antique Appraisers
Antiques are beautiful, timeless pieces that families pass down for generations. They can also carry significant monetary value, though many owners never discover what their pieces are truly worth. Whether you have inherited a collection, are preparing for an estate sale, or simply want to know the value of a cherished piece, a qualified antique appraiser provides the answers you need.
When searching for “antique appraisers near me,” it is essential to find certified professionals with deep expertise across multiple collecting categories. Lion & Unicorn, based in Hollywood, Florida, has provided professional antique appraisals for over 30 years. Our team specializes in European ceramics, crystal, fine art, jewelry, coins, furniture, and decorative arts, with particular expertise in Royal Doulton, Lladro, Waterford, Lalique, and Baccarat.
What Do Antique Appraisers Evaluate?
A professional antique appraisal examines several factors to determine an item’s fair market value:
- Age and period: Confirming whether a piece is genuinely antique (typically 100+ years old) or vintage. Manufacturing marks, construction methods, and materials help establish the era of production.
- Maker and origin: Identifying the manufacturer, artist, or studio. Marks, stamps, and signatures can dramatically affect value. For example, a signed Tiffany lamp is worth multiples of an unsigned example.
- Condition: Chips, cracks, repairs, and restoration all affect value. Our appraisers use professional lighting and magnification to detect hidden damage or previous repairs.
- Provenance: Documented ownership history, exhibition records, or celebrity association can significantly increase an item’s value.
- Rarity and demand: Market demand fluctuates. Our active auction house processes 1,900 to 3,150 lots weekly, giving us real-time insight into what collectors are currently paying.
- Comparable sales: We reference recent auction results, dealer prices, and market databases to establish accurate values.
Antique Categories We Appraise
Lion & Unicorn’s appraisers have specialized knowledge across all major collecting categories:
- European ceramics and porcelain: Royal Doulton figurines, Lladro sculptures, Meissen, Capodimonte, Royal Copenhagen, Herend, and Wedgwood.
- Crystal and art glass: Waterford, Lalique, Baccarat, Swarovski, Murano, and Steuben.
- Fine art: Paintings, prints, lithographs, sculptures, and bronzes from all periods and schools.
- Jewelry: Estate jewelry, diamonds, gold, silver, luxury watches, and costume jewelry from notable designers.
- Coins and precious metals: Gold and silver coins, currency, bullion, and numismatic collections.
- Furniture: Period antiques, mid-century modern, Art Deco, Victorian, and designer furniture.
- Collectibles: Sports memorabilia, vintage toys, historical documents, militaria, and wine.
Not sure what your antiques are worth? Our certified appraisers can evaluate your collection in person across Florida or remotely via photographs. Request your appraisal.
When Should You Get an Antique Appraisal?
- Before selling: Knowing the true value prevents you from accepting lowball offers. A professional appraisal ensures you price items correctly for auction, consignment, or private sale.
- Insurance purposes: Adequate insurance coverage requires documented values. If your antiques are damaged, lost, or stolen, an appraisal provides the evidence needed for your claim.
- Estate settlement: Estate appraisals are legally required for probate and tax filings. An accurate inventory protects executors and ensures fair distribution among heirs.
- Donation tax deductions: The IRS requires a qualified appraisal for charitable donations of non-cash items valued above $5,000.
- Divorce proceedings: Fair property division requires independent valuations that both parties can accept.
- Curiosity: Many people simply want to know what their family heirlooms are worth. An appraisal can reveal surprising value in pieces you may have overlooked.
Why Choose Lion & Unicorn for Antique Appraisals?
- 30+ years in the auction business: Our appraisers draw from decades of firsthand experience buying, selling, and cataloging antiques. This real-world market exposure produces more accurate valuations than appraisers who rely solely on reference guides.
- Certified professionals: Our team holds ISA (International Society of Appraisers) credentials and follows USPAP (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice) standards accepted by the IRS, courts, and insurance companies.
- Deep specialty knowledge: We are recognized experts in European ceramics, crystal, and decorative arts. Our specialists can identify and differentiate maker marks, production periods, and rare variations that affect value.
- Real-time market data: Processing 1,900 to 3,150 lots weekly across 5-7 auctions gives us current price intelligence that purely reference-based appraisers lack.
- Full-service convenience: After the appraisal, we can seamlessly assist with estate sale management, auction consignment, or private sale if you decide to sell.
- Florida locations with nationwide reach: In-person appraisals throughout South Florida (Hollywood, Palm Beach, Miami, Orlando, Naples). Remote appraisals available for all 50 states.
Frequently Asked Questions About Antique Appraisals
How much does an antique appraisal cost?
Appraisal costs vary based on the number and complexity of items. Single-item appraisals are the most affordable, while complete collection or estate appraisals cost more. Lion & Unicorn provides a cost estimate during your initial consultation. Learn more about appraisal pricing.
What is the difference between an appraisal and an estimate?
A verbal estimate provides a general idea of value and is not legally binding. A formal appraisal is a written document prepared by a certified appraiser that includes detailed descriptions, research methodology, comparable sales data, and the appraiser’s credentials. Only formal appraisals are accepted by the IRS, courts, and insurance companies.
Can you appraise antiques from photographs?
Yes. For clients outside our Florida service area, we offer remote appraisals based on detailed photographs, measurements, and descriptions. While in-person examination is preferred for high-value items, photo-based appraisals are accurate for most categories and are accepted for many purposes.
How do I prepare for an antique appraisal?
Gather any documentation you have: receipts, previous appraisals, provenance records, certificates of authenticity, and family history about the pieces. Do not clean or repair items before the appraisal, as original condition is important for accurate valuation.
Do you buy antiques directly?
We offer auction consignment, estate sale services, and in some cases, outright purchase of collections. Most clients achieve higher returns through our auction platform, which reaches a global audience of collectors.
Tell us about your ANTIQUE collection using the form below
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Contact Client Services at
sales@lionandunicorn.com and we will put you in touch with the right person.
You can call us Monday – Friday any time during our office hours of
10AM – 5PM EST at 954.866.8044
Seeing your object first-hand gives our specialists the best possible opportunity to examine it in detail.
Our offices are located in South Florida, 20 minutes from Miami and minutes from Ft. Lauderdale. You can telephone or email to make an appointment.
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