Q: I had this bracelet appraised for insurance purposes six years ago.  The estimated insurance value was $5,000. The bracelet is gold colored metal, but not actually gold, and has an intricate filigree design. It’s set with three colored stones. There are no makers’ marks. The appraiser said the bracelet is probably Victorian. 

A: A current appraisal is sometimes required for insurance purposes. Tastes change and prices for jewelry go up or down depending on the desirability of the design. Wide bracelets are “in” this year but filigree is not seen on expensive jewelry. A lot of filigree is machine made and sells as costume jewelry. A maker’s mark, indicating the jewelry is by an important maker, adds value. The value for your bracelet seems high since it is not real gold, doesn’t have precious jewels, and isn’t marked. A costume jewelry filigree bracelet sells for under $100 today.