Independent judgment
Conclusions are guided by evidence and the agreed purpose of the assignment.
A maker’s eye. A researcher’s discipline.
Erica Berner is the founder of METIVERA Advisory, a personal property appraisal practice shaped by a fascination with how exceptional objects are made—and what gives them lasting value.
Her path began in product development and manufacturing, where she took ideas from concept through production, working closely with materials, construction, and quality control. That hands-on experience became an obsession with craftsmanship: the precision of a stitch, the selection of a material, and the decisions that distinguish thoughtful construction.
That curiosity grew into a deeper study of luxury handbags, leather goods, jewelry, and gemstones. She wanted to understand more than the name on an object—its workmanship, history, condition, and place in the market. Personal property appraisal became the natural meeting point of her practical background, investigative curiosity, and commitment to independent, well-supported conclusions.
Erica has completed GIA’s Applied Jewelry Professional program and the 15-hour USPAP personal property course and examination. Her educational roadmap for the next two years includes pursuing GIA’s Graduate Gemologist diploma, horology studies through the British Horological Institute, Italian language study, and Sotheby’s intensive training in handbags. Together, these studies will deepen her understanding of the materials, mechanisms, cultural context, and markets behind the objects she examines.
Through METIVERA, she brings a maker’s eye and a researcher’s discipline to helping clients understand, document, and value the pieces they own.
Professional affiliations & training
Clear communication
You’ll know what we need, where your assignment stands, and what happens next.
Discreet handling
We agree how your objects, photographs, and documents will be handled.
Let’s begin with your questions.
Tell us about your object and the purpose of your assignment.