Do I need an appraisal? In most circumstances, yes. If your piece of jewelry, diamond or other gemstone is lost or stolen, a detailed appraisal ensures that your insurance policy will be adequate to provide replacements of comparable quality. A professional appraisal of your jewelry collection will give you the assurance you need for your estate planning purposes. Read more about how attorneys, trust and estate professionals, jewelers, financial institutions, and many other individuals and institutions need professional, reliable appraisals of jewelry and precious stones.
My insurance is requesting that I appraise my jewelry. Are your appraisals accepted by insurance companies?
Yes. Insurance companies require that appraisals be performed by Graduate Gemologists ("G.G."). All our appraisals are performed by Graduate Gemologists. The Graduate Gemologist Program is administered by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).
How does an appraisal work? On the day of our appointment, our appraiser will meet with you at the location of your choice. The appraiser will analyze, photograph and take detailed notes on the jewelry. A report will be generated at our offices and mailed to you within a week of the appointment.
What is included in the appraisal report? All appraisals include detailed descriptions of the mounting and gemstones (diamonds and colored gems) photographs of the jewelry items and the appraised value.
How quickly will my appraisal be ready? It mainly depends on how many pieces are appraised. We can usually provide a fairly accurate estimate at the time you set up your appointment. The more accurate and detailed the information you provide in advance, the more accurate our estimate. Ready to get an estimate? Use our contact form and we will get back to you within one business day.
How much does an appraisal cost? We charge very reasonable hourly fees (including for travel time). Total costs mainly depend on how many pieces are appraised. We can usually provide a fairly accurate estimate at the time you set up your appointment. The more accurate and detailed the information you provide in advance, the more accurate our estimate. Fees are NOT based on the value of an item or on the carat size of a gemstone. Ready to get an estimate? use our contact form and we will get back to you within one business day.
What if I just need to know if a jewelry piece or precious stone is real or just how much it's worth, and I don't need a formal appraisal report? That's what our Need To Know Appraisals are for. Perhaps you bought earrings or a necklace on the internet (eBay®, Blue Nile®, etc.), or received a diamond ring as a gift. For a small flat fee, we answer questions like: Is the diamond real? Did I receive the jewelry I paid for? Should I insure my new engagement ring?
Do I have to take my jewelry to you, or can you appraise it at my home or office? Jewelry and gemstones are often some of our most sentimental possession, and you may feel more comfortable having it appraised at home. Or you are an attorney or estate professional and need an appraisal formally performed in your office. Thanks to our full traveling lab we can perform the highest-standard professional appraisals at the location of your choice. Make an appointment and we will perform your appraisal at your home or office.
