Where to take trinkets for appraisal

You're often better off taking a potentially valuable item to a specialist who is better qualified to judge its worth and might have better resources to get the most value. The following have been in their areas of specialty for 20 years or more in most cases. All can give appraisals, but some might not be licensed. Some will be able to give free general information and value without a formal appraisal but only on a limited number of items. Appraisers charge between $75 and $150 per hour. Some do home visits, but many start with a photo that is mailed, brought in or e-mailed.

Jim Marrinan (Appraisal Specialists Midwest, St. Louis Park, 952-926-0225).

Jim Billings (612-788-7890, www.jamesbillings.com).

Tom Miels (651-633-3070, St. Paul).

Blaine Bolden (612-870-9520).

Cabela's in Rogers (763-493-8600) or north of Owatonna (1-507-451-4545).

Mike West or Bob Moeller (R.F. Moeller Jewelers, 651-698-6321, St. Paul).

Althea Willette (612-325-3808).

Steve Osman (Mpls., 612-227-5226).

Bill Lowrie (612-874-9680, www.billlowrie.com).

Bill Norberg (Golden Valley Stamps and Coin, 763-544-4788, www.gvstamps.com).

Paul Hartquist Jewelers (St. Paul, 651-228-9930).