Estates & inheritance · Diamantaires OG
Jewelry and Diamond Appraisal: The Notaries' Space
In an estate case, jewelry presents a singular problem for the notary: these are often the only assets for which no value exists. A bank account is verified, real estate is appraised, a portfolio is valued — but an inherited ring, an antique parure, or a diamond on paper require the eye of a market professional.
Since 1985, our firm has appraised and traded stones and jewelry at 43 rue Beaubourg, a stone's throw from the Marais. We regularly receive clients from Parisian and provincial law firms who need to value jewelry for inheritance tax returns, asset division, or gifts.
What We Bring to Your Case
- A substantiated market value, piece by piece, established by state-certified gemologists — the data missing from your declaration.
- A free appraisal for your client, with no obligation to sell: you can refer them without incurring costs or commitments.
- A written estimate provided the same day of examination, detailing each piece.
- A liquidation solution if the heirs choose to sell: firm offer, immediate payment, and an invoice — a useful document for the case file.
Why Jewelry Deserves Special Attention
You know better than anyone: the 5% household goods flat rate provided for in Article 764 I 3° of the French General Tax Code does not cover jewelry, gemstones, and works of art, which fall under Article II of the same article and must be valued separately. Added to this is the floor derived from theft or fire insurance contracts less than ten years old, often discovered late by heirs.
In practice, three situations recur:
- heirs have no idea what the pieces are worth, and come up with figures based on family memories;
- they confuse insurance value and market value — the former can be double the latter;
- they disagree on the distribution, lacking a neutral figure shared by all.
A written appraisal resolves all three cases at once, and saves you from arbitrating a family discussion over values that no one truly knows.
How It Works for Your Client
They come to 43 rue Beaubourg with the jewelry, without an appointment, Monday through Friday from 10 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 6:30 pm. The examination is done in their presence: identification of metals and hallmarks, weighing, stone analysis using a loupe and refractometer, verification of existing certificates (GIA, IGI, HRD). They leave with a written estimate. Nothing is asked of them, nothing is charged.
Several heirs can come together — we even recommend it: each attends the same examination, hears the same explanations, and receives the same document. This is, by far, the best way to ease delicate asset divisions.
Our Independence
We are buyers: that is our business, and we state it clearly. This does not diminish the value of the appraisal, but you should be aware of it to refer your clients with full knowledge. Concretely, our written estimate remains valid even if the heirs decide to keep the jewelry or sell it elsewhere — including at auction, a route we ourselves recommend when a piece warrants it.
Page updated on July 25, 2026.
Direct Line — Notarial Practices
A case to evaluate? Call us
Describe the case to us in two minutes: nature of the pieces, number of heirs, deadline for the return. We will immediately tell you the next steps and receive your client without an appointment.
- ◆ Free appraisal for your clients, no obligation
- ◆ Written estimate provided the same day of examination
- ◆ Absolute confidentiality regarding pieces and individuals
Call us, it's the easiest way
01 48 87 23 37Mon – Fri · 10am–1pm · 2pm–6:30pm
43 rue Beaubourg, 75003 ParisRambuteau metro station · no appointment needed
We Come to You
When items cannot be moved from their place of storage — bank safe deposit box opening, inventory at the deceased's home, a lot too large or too sensitive to transport — we come to your office, the bank, or the premises. The appraisal is conducted under the same conditions as in our office: examination in your presence and that of your clients, and delivery of the conclusions.
Call us to arrange the visit: we agree together on the date, the expected duration, and the items concerned.
A Detailed Written Report for Important Cases
For a standard lot, the written estimate is delivered on the day of examination. For important cases — substantial sets, signed pieces, collections, high-value successions — we produce a detailed appraisal report: exhaustive description item by item, gemmological characteristics, photographs, and a reasoned value for each piece.
This is the document you attach to the file, allowing you to justify the values reported in the declaration. Let us know the deadline to meet: we will organize accordingly.
Our Qualifications, Precisely Stated
Our gemmologists are State-qualified in gemmology and have practiced the trade of diamantaire since 1985, as suppliers to Place Vendôme creators. Our expertise covers stone identification and the market value of jewelry.
We are neither auctioneers nor court-appointed experts: we do not draw up an official appraisal report and are not appointed by the courts. If your case requires either, we will tell you and can guide you — we regularly work alongside Parisian law firms and auction houses.
Our Commitments to Law Firms
What You Can Count On
Confidentiality
No information about the items, amounts, or individuals is disclosed to third parties. Succession files are handled with the discretion they require.
Free of Charge for the Client
The appraisal costs nothing to your clients and places them under no obligation. You can refer them without incurring additional fees in the case.
Honesty About Limitations
If an item belongs in a public sale or a specialty that is not ours, we say so and redirect it. We do not seek to buy everything.
Availability
Have a question about a case before sending your client? Call us: a gemmologist answers directly, without screening.
Questions from Law Firms
What Notaries Ask Us
Is your estimate usable for a succession declaration?+
It constitutes a written and reasoned valuation opinion, issued by State-qualified gemmologists, which you may freely use in your file. We do not draw up an inventory within the meaning of Article 789 of the Civil Code: that act falls under a public officer or enforcement commissioner, for whom our estimate may serve as a technical basis.
How long does it take to get an estimate?+
For a standard lot, the examination takes less than an hour in the client's presence, and the written estimate is delivered the same day. For a major case requiring a detailed report — substantial set, signed pieces, photographs — we set the deadline according to your declaration deadline, announced from the first contact.
Do you charge the law firm or the client?+
Neither: the appraisal is free and non-binding. Our business is trading; we earn compensation on items we purchase when the heirs choose to sell.
What happens if the heirs want to sell immediately?+
We make a firm offer, with immediate payment and a detailed invoice. This document evidences the disposal of the asset and may be attached to the file. If the heirs prefer a public sale, we say so when the item justifies it.
Do you handle bank safe deposit boxes?+
Yes. When items cannot leave the bank, we travel to appraise them at the time of inventory, within the framework you set. The same applies for an inventory at home or at the law firm.
Do you handle cases outside Paris?+
We regularly receive clients from the provinces and abroad, and we travel for cases that warrant it. A preliminary approach based on photographs remains possible by email or WhatsApp, but a physical examination is required for a firm valuation.
A Question Before Referring a Client?
Let’s Discuss the Case Directly
We answer law firms as well as individuals: by phone, immediately. If the situation is unusual — a very large lot, signed pieces, scattered heirs — let us know, and we will adapt.
- ◆ 43 rue Beaubourg, 75003 Paris — M° Rambuteau
- ◆ Monday to Friday, 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 6:30pm
- ◆ [email protected]
Call us, it's the easiest way
01 48 87 23 37Mon – Fri · 10am–1pm · 2pm–6:30pm
43 rue Beaubourg, 75003 ParisRambuteau metro station · no appointment needed
Free, no-obligation estimate
Combien valent vos bijoux ?
In-person appraisal by a state-certified gemologist — firm offer, immediate payment, in complete confidentiality.