Many of us like to wear jewelry and show it off—sometimes with barely a thought toward its lifespan. But all jewelry can get damaged if it isn’t maintained and fitted properly. And when you want to protect your investment (or your family heirloom!), a jewelry appraisal is the way to go.
Consider the following tips for determining the best appraisal options so you can get your jewelry the care and protection it deserves.
Benefits and details of an appraisal
An appraisal gives you an accurate value for your jewelry. Sometimes you just want to know how much your bling is worth! The information in an appraisal will also come in handy if you want to protect your item with insurance.
The information you should look for in a jewelry appraisal:
- What material the item is made of;
- Information about any stones (type, carats, age, cut, clarity);
- Total monetary value of the item (i.e. its retail replacement value—this is important!).
Finding a qualified jewelry appraiser
Locating the best jewelry appraiser for you can be time consuming. The following tips should help you find the right one:
– Ask for your appraiser’s contact information. It’s a good sign if they use letterhead or have a business card. If an appraiser doesn’t, it might be time to look elsewhere.
– Feel free to ask for the appraiser’s credentials. You want someone who’s an expert at what they do. The American Gem Society and the Gemological Institute of America keep updated lists of qualified appraisers around the country.
– Make sure to ask your appraiser for everything you need in one visit. Receipts, documentation for insurance, and the appraisal itself can be taken care of in one meeting.
