How to Get Jewelry Appraised?

Jewelry appraisals have different specific purposes. The usual reason for doing such is to put a dollar value on the jewelry item, which is a necessary step if the item is to be covered by insurance. An appraisal might also be required in settling an estate issue or a divorce. In other cases, jewelry appraisals aim to provide evidence in a court of law that the jewelry existed at a certain point in time and in a certain condition. Some buyers might want to confirm an item’s updated market value before committing to a purchase as well.  Lastly, some jewelry owners have their jewelry pieces appraised regularly because of the constant changes in market values, making it very important to establish an excellent relationship with your local jeweler. Whatever the reason may be, it is important for owners to be aware of the whole process and to know how he or she can help in making the appraisal easier.

In preparation for the appraisal process, jewelry owners should clean their jewelry items beforehand, or have your jeweler do so. This can save the appraiser’s time and can even cut down on the total costs as well. Also, while cleaning, check for any indications that repairs may be needed. Have everything repaired first so that the jewelry item would be in good condition for assessment. Although it recommended that owners perform these steps, cleaning and identifying the need for repairs can also be done by the appraiser. Lastly, gather all the necessary documents that might be of great use such as sales receipts, warranties, diamond or gemstone certificates, and previous appraisals. These may contain information that will speed up the appraisal process. For owners of numerous jewelry items, it is also recommended to make an inventory before coming in to the appointment. A suggested arrangement is that diamond rings should go first on the appraisal document, followed by gemstone rings, then by opaque stones, earrings, pendants, brooches, and bracelets. Jewelry owners can then make an appointment with their appraisers after completing these steps.

Owners and clients should also have an idea on how the appraisal process goes. Each jewelry appraiser or gemologist follows a distinct sequence and performs his or her unique style in assessing jewelry items. In addition, some appraisers would actually allow clients to watch the whole procedure. However, the standard steps of jewelry appraisals include: cleaning, identifying needed repairs, testing the metal for content and karatage, assessment of the authenticity of the gemstone, taking photos of the item, and the grading and plotting of the stones.

Jewelry owners should take time looking for the right appraiser as well. They should also realize that it is important to have jewelry items assessed every two years or so. Although appraisal procedures are relatively longer to complete, owners can contribute to saving time and costs by following this guide.