How do I get my jewelry appraised?

If you own fine jewelry, inherited heirloom pieces, or other valuable items, you may want to get your jewelry appraised in order to understand what it’s worth. That way, if the item is insured, your insurance company can provide the right amount of coverage in case the piece is lost, stolen, or damaged. In this article, we’ll cover what an appraisal is and why you might need one for your valuable items, simple steps to take to get an appraisal, and what to expect.

A jewelry appraisal is a formal evaluation by a qualified professional that estimates the jewelry’s current replacement value based on its materials, craftsmanship, condition, and other identifying details.  You may need an appraisal when you purchase, inherit, insure, or update coverage for fine jewelry. In addition, many owners get an updated appraisal every few years to keep the values current and ensure that they are fully covered if a piece of jewelry is lost, stolen, or damaged. The cost of the appraisal will vary depending on the number of items and the appraiser, but it’s often a small price to pay for the value it protects.

With a little preparation, a jewelry appraisal can be relatively quick and efficient. Just follow the steps below to find an appraiser, gather documentation, make an appointment, and receive an appraisal report.

Find a qualified jewelry appraiser

To make sure your jewelry appraiser has the right credentials, they should be a graduate gemologist (G.G., C.G., or FGA) and affiliated with a recognized accredited organization such as the Appraisers Association of America (AAA), American Gem Society (AGS), American Society of Appraisers (ASA), International Society of Appraisers (ISA), or National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA). Because there is no government regulation of appraisers, it’s important to do your research and work with a vetted professional. 

Gather documentation

Before your appraisal appointment, you’ll need to gather receipts, certificates, gem lab reports, prior appraisals, and any other paperwork that can help identify the piece. These documents can confirm details such as a gemstone’s characteristics, metal type, designer, condition, and prior valuation history, and can help support a more comprehensive valuation. If you have the original branded box or case or any repair records, those are also helpful.

Schedule an appointment

During an in-person appointment, the appraiser will thoroughly examine and document the piece of jewelry. They will look closely at the material, craftsmanship, condition, and any identifying features, looking for signs of wear, damage, or any repairs that should be addressed. The appraiser will take detailed notes and pictures. This information is important in determining the value of the item and verifying its authenticity. 

Receive your appraisal report

At the end of your appraisal appointment, you will either receive an official appraisal report or an estimated timeframe in which you’ll receive it via email or mail. The appraisal should summarize the item’s key details, including materials, gemstone characteristics, condition, measurements, and the estimated replacement value. It may also include photos, identifying marks, and notes that explain how the appraiser determined the valuation. If anything about the report is not clear, ask the appraiser to walk you through the findings so that you understand how the value was determined.

Chubb’s Fine Jewelry and Collections Team can help guide you through the appraisal process, recommend qualified appraisers in your area who specialize in the type of jewelry you’d like appraised, and answer any questions you have about the process or your completed appraisal.