Know the value of your art.
Byrhonda Lyons is a USPAP-compliant fine art appraiser serving the San Francisco Bay Area. She provides clear, well-researched opinions of value for insurance, estate planning, tax, and charitable donation purposes.
What's my art worth?
Snap a clear photo of the piece then copy the prompt below and text it over with your answers filled in. Byrhonda will follow up to scope a Restricted Appraisal, which is only personal reference for the client. It cannot be used for any other purpose.
- Medium — oil, watercolor, print, sculpture, other:
- Size:
- Any signature, date, or maker's mark visible:
- How you acquired it:
- Client's name, email and phone number.
A restricted appraisal is scoped for personal reference. It is only for the client. It cannot be used for insurance, estate, or tax filings. Ask about a standard appraisal for those.
Every appraisal is created for an intended purpose.
Each appraisal is written according to the intended purpose. The standards, documentation, and valuation differ according to the intended use of the appraisal report.
Insurance
Insurance appraisals establish current retail replacement values for obtaining or maintaining an insurance policy. Retail replacement value is the highest amount in terms of US dollars that would be required to replace a property with another of similar age, quality, origin, appearance, provenance, and condition within a reasonable length of time in an appropriate and relevant market.
Charitable Donation
Charitable donations of artwork valued at more than $5,000 require a qualified appraisal by a qualified appraiser under IRS regulations. This appraisal report establishes an unbiased fair market value guideline that is the basis for non-cash charitable donations. Donation appraisals include the signed IRS form 8283. We can also assist you in finding the appropriate 501 c3 charity for your donations.
Damage
A damage appraisal report establishes an unbiased retail replacement value guideline after an object has been damaged.
Estate and Gift Tax
Art collections held at death are subject to federal estate tax based on their fair market value as of the date of death or the alternate valuation date. Lifetime gifts of artwork similarly require qualified appraisals to establish value for gift tax purposes. In both cases, the IRS requires that valuations be conducted by qualified appraisers.
Guidance beyond an appraisal.
Collection management
Help organizing, cataloguing, and documenting a growing collection over time.
Insurance policy review
A check on whether existing coverage still reflects current market values.
Estate planning guidance
Advising executors and heirs on managing and maintaining their collection.
Second opinion & review
A professional read on an existing appraisal, offer, or valuation you've received.
Byrhonda Lyons
Byrhonda Lyons is a fine art appraiser and founder of Lyons Fine Art Appraisals, based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She has completed the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) course and the Comprehensive Appraisal Studies Program (CASP) through the Appraisers Association of America.
An avid collector herself, Byrhonda holds a particular interest in African American art.
She has spent five years working with Hearne Fine Art, contributing to appraisal research, exhibition planning, and media outreach. Byrhonda holds a master's degree in Journalism from UC Berkeley, and draws on a background in investigative reporting to bring careful research, sharp attention to detail, and clear writing to every appraisal report.
Held to the highest standard of appraisal practice.
Byrhonda Lyons is USPAP compliant and an associate member of the Appraisers Association of America.
Common questions, answered plainly.
What is an appraisal?
An appraisal is an opinion of value.
How much does a fine art appraisal cost?
Fees depend on the appraisal's purpose and scope. Lyons Fine Art Appraisals offers a $200 flat-fee for a restricted appraisal for one item. For a formal appraisal, please submit details about your need, and LFA will provide a scope of work and quote.
What is a Restricted Appraisal?
A Restricted Appraisal is only intended for the client's refernce. It cannot be used by third parties.
Is Lyons Fine Art Appraisals USPAP-compliant?
Yes. Byrhonda Lyons has completed the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) course and the Comprehensive Appraisal Studies Program (CASP) through the Appraisers Association of America.
What areas does Lyons Fine Art Appraisals serve?
Byrhonda Lyons is a generalist.
Call or text 510-804-9939
Tell me about the piece.
Share a few details and photos if you have them — I'll follow up to discuss scope and a personalized estimate.
Serving clients throughout San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, San Jose, Marin, and the wider Bay Area.