Whether it’s for insurance purposes or because you’re considering selling a piece of jewelry, a proper jewelry appraisal can help protect your interests by documenting the full value of the piece appraised. But what happens during a jewelry appraisal? Read on to find out more:

Before you bring in your jewelry for an appraisal, there are a few things you may want to do first, including: 


♦  Cleaning it to help save the appraiser’s time. 
Having any necessary repairs done. Because the appraiser is required to point out any needed repairs on the appraisal, if you have the repairs done after the appraisal, you’ll need to hold onto documentation that the repairs were completed. By doing repairs ahead of time, you’ll have one less thing to document for your insurance company. 


♦  Make an appointment up to a few weeks from when the documentation is needed. This gives you extra time if your appraiser is booked. 


♦  Put together any documentation you have including an inventory of the pieces you are bringing in, any sales receipts and warranties, gemstone certifications, old insurance summaries and appraisals and any other documentation you can come up with.

The appraisal includes grading the gems in the piece. This involves checking color, clarity, carat weight, cutting proportions, finish, cut grade and enhancements that may have been done to the gemstone. It will also include notations on the mounting they are set in, including weighing, measuring and description, identifying marks, a metallurgical analysis, any accent stones and custom work. 

The final appraisal report includes this information in addition to multiple photos of the piece, an explanation of the grading system, explanation of value used and a signed copy of the appraiser’s certificate of practice. 

 Don’t leave your cherished jewelry at risk – call to schedule your appraisal today!