What is a Jewelry Appraisal?

A jewelry appraisal (a sample document is sbown below) is a document that describes the relative quality of an item along with its estimated value. The estimated value is dependent on the type of appraisal. To learn more about different types of jewelry appraisals, please refer to the section below.

What types of information are included in a Jewelry Appraisal?

Descriptions often include the item's quantifiable and pertinent features such as the type of metal(s), type of gemstone(s), metal marking, hallmark (if any), and any recognized laboratory certificate (if any) accompanying the gemstone(s). In the absence of a laboratory certificate, the jewelry appraisal would also include subjective information related to the dimensions and the quality of gemstone(s) as well as the overall manufacturing quality of the piece being appraised. An image of the piece is often included in the appraisal certificate along with the signature of the appraiser, the date that the document was created, and the individual to who the appraisal belongs. The entire process takes place in-house at D&D Jewelry in Walnut Creek - CA, where our GIA-certified expert performs accurate, professional, and timely jewelry appraisal services.

How many different types of jewelry appraisals are there?

Jewelry appraisals typically fall into one of three main categories as follows:

1) Retail replacement value jewelry appraisal (most popular):

This type of appraisal merely reflects the retail price of purchasing an equivalent new item. This is the most common type of appraisal that we often encounter.

2) Fair market value jewelry appraisal:

In the fair market value type of appraisals, the item's value reflects its present condition. When neither party is pushed by time constraints or a pressing need to buy or sell, fair market value appraisals represent the actual selling price between a prospective buyer and a seller.

Estate appraisals and charity donations typically require fair market value appraisals.  Fair market values may be lower than retail replacement values since replacement values represent the price of replacing the item with a new equivalent item.

3) Immediate liquidation value jewelry appraisal:

This type of appraisal is typically assigned a low value due to the circumstances that necessitate its use. Depending on the jurisdiction in which the situation occurs, this kind of appraisal is typically used for certain types of estate liquidations and divorce settlements.

Probate and loan collateral appraisals are two less prevalent types of jewelry appraisals.

Do you need to update/renew your Jewelry Appraisal?

Accurate appraisals are important because if your jewelry is ever lost, stolen, or damaged, your insurance company will refer to the appraisal document to settle the claim. An outdated appraisal will likely result in you being underinsured and, consequently, receiving a lower settlement.

While the appraised item(s) may be sentimental and priceless to you, it's important to keep in mind that due to market fluctuations, the value of the precious metals and gemstones that comprise your fine jewelry is constantly changing. Due to such volatility, it is important to update your jewelry appraisal and your insurance policy to ensure adequate coverage at all times.

If modifications have been made to the previously appraised jewelry, the appraisal must be renewed and your insurance policy must also be updated in order to properly reflect the actual piece.

We recommend updating your appraisals every three to five years. Whether it's an engagement ring you wear every day or a piece you've just inherited from your grandparent's estate, we're ready to provide an appraisal for your security and peace of mind.