At Cabrella, we know the importance of having a professional jewelry appraisal for insurance purposes, resale, and estate planning. 

Whether it’s an heirloom piece passed down through generations or a recent investment, knowing its accurate worth allows you to make informed decisions and avoid surprises down the line.

If you’re wondering how to get started, we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about jewelry appraisals — from when to get one, how to prepare for the process, and how it can help you protect your luxury accessories.

What Is a Jewelry Appraisal?

A jewelry appraisal is a professional assessment that determines the value of a piece of jewelry. Conducted by a certified appraiser, this evaluation involves a thorough examination of your jewelry, noting its materials, craftsmanship, and any gemstones involved. 

The appraiser uses specialized tools to measure stone quality, metal type, and other features. The outcome is a detailed report that lists the item’s worth and describes significant characteristics that could affect its value, such as historical relevance or unique design features. 

This document is crucial, especially if you’re looking to insure your jewelry, sell it, or simply understand its current worth. It provides a factual basis for its valuation, making it crucial for jewelry owners.

Why Should You Get Your Jewelry Appraised?

Now that you understand jewelry appraisals, why should you get one? No matter if you own a single piece or an entire collection, there are several reasons to invest in an appraisal:

Protect Your Pieces With Insurance

One of the biggest reasons to get your jewelry appraised is for insurance. If your piece is lost, stolen, or damaged, an appraisal makes it possible to file a claim and recover its value. 

Without an accurate appraisal, you might be underinsured or unable to prove the jewelry's worth. An up-to-date appraisal provides peace of mind that your investment is protected.

Understand Its Value for Resale

Thinking about selling your jewelry? An appraisal tells you what your piece is worth in today’s market, so you don’t sell it for less than it’s worth or set an unrealistic price that deters buyers. A professional valuation makes the resale process more straightforward and ensures you make an informed decision.

Divide Assets Fairly

Appraisals are essential for estate planning, divorce settlements, or any situation where jewelry is part of shared assets. A professional valuation provides an unbiased, factual way to determine each piece’s value, making it easier to divide assets fairly and avoid disputes.

Keep Your Records Current

Jewelry values can change over time due to market fluctuations, material costs, and trends. Regular appraisals — typically every three to five years — help keep your records current. That’s especially important for insurance policies, as outdated valuations could leave you underinsured if the value of your jewelry has increased.

How To Choose the Right Appraiser

So you've decided to get your jewelry appraised — now what? Next, it’s time to find a skilled and trustworthy appraiser who can accurately evaluate your items. 

Look for professionals with certifications from respected industry bodies like the American Society of Appraisers or the Gemological Institute of America. These credentials ensure they have undergone rigorous training and adhere to high standards. 

Experience matters, too — especially if your jewelry includes unique or antique pieces. A good appraiser should be transparent about their process and fees and have no vested interest in buying or selling jewelry, which could affect their impartiality. 

Researching online reviews, requesting referrals from trusted sources, or consulting with reputable jewelry stores can help you find the perfect expert.

What Happens During an Appraisal?

If you're curious about what exactly occurs during a jewelry appraisal, here's what you can expect:

Initial Inspection

The appraiser starts by closely examining your jewelry to assess its overall condition and note any unique features or historical significance. This initial look provides a broad understanding of the piece's potential value and any factors that might influence it.

Detailed Analysis

Using specialized tools, the appraiser measures and tests the piece to gather specific data. 

For gemstones, this might involve determining carat weight, clarity, color, and cut using scales, microscopes, and other gemological instruments. For metals, tests might be performed to confirm composition and purity, such as acid tests or electronic gold testers.

Documentation

Throughout the process, the appraiser will take detailed notes and photographs. These serve as a record of what was inspected and help create a comprehensive report. This documentation is especially important for insurance claims or resale, as it verifies the piece’s condition at the time of appraisal.

Market Research

After documenting the jewelry's details, the appraiser researches its value. This involves comparing your piece against similar items in the current market, examining sale prices, and considering factors such as rarity and demand. The appraiser might consult databases, auction results, and retailer listings to ensure an accurate valuation.

Report Creation

Next, all the information gathered is compiled into an appraisal report. This document describes the methods used to evaluate your jewelry, a description of each item, and its estimated value. It serves as both a financial document and a record of your pieces’ attributes.

Consultation

Once the appraisal is complete, the appraiser will sit down with you to review their findings. This is your chance to ask questions and understand how your jewelry was evaluated. You’ll also likely receive advice on care and storage and tips on if — or when — a re-appraisal is necessary.

What if You Don’t Agree With Your Appraisal?

Sometimes, you might feel that the value assigned to your jewelry doesn’t match your expectations. It’s natural to question the results, especially if you believe your piece holds higher value due to sentimental attachment, rarity, or quality. 

What can you do if you disagree with an appraisal? Here’s how to move through the situation:

Understand the Appraisal Process

Start by reviewing the appraisal report in detail. Look at how the appraiser reached their conclusions — did they explain the methods they used? 

The value of your jewelry depends on factors like market demand, material quality, craftsmanship, and current trends. If any part of the report seems unclear, contact the appraiser and ask for clarification. A good appraiser should be open to discussing their findings and addressing your concerns.

Consider a Second Opinion

If you’re still not satisfied, it may be worth seeking a second opinion. Appraisals can vary depending on the appraiser's expertise or familiarity with specific types of jewelry. 

Find another certified professional, ideally one with experience appraising similar pieces, and see if their assessment aligns more closely with your expectations.

Factor in Market Conditions

Jewelry values can fluctuate based on market trends and the current price of precious metals and gemstones. If the market has significantly shifted since you purchased the piece, this could explain any unexpected differences in value. 

Keep in mind that an appraisal reflects the current market, not the price you originally paid or its sentimental value.

What To Do With Your Appraisal Document

Now that you’ve got your appraisal document, it’s time to put it to good use. This isn’t just a piece of paper to file away — it’s a tool that helps you protect, manage, and maximize the value of your jewelry.

Start by making sure it’s stored safely. Keep a physical copy in a secure location, like a fireproof safe, and create digital backups for easy access. This way, you’ll always have it on hand when needed.

If you’re updating or purchasing insurance, the appraisal provides the exact value required to make sure your coverage is accurate. If you’re shipping your jewelry — whether for a sale or a repair — the appraisal also helps secure the right level of insurance. 

With Cabrella’s jewelry shipping insurance, you can integrate that value directly into the shipping process, ensuring your piece is fully protected from start to finish.

The Bottom Line

Getting your jewelry appraised is the first step in protecting it. If you’re ensuring your coverage is accurate, preparing for a potential sale, or simply safeguarding a family heirloom, an appraisal provides the tools you need to make a more informed decision.

Cabrella recognizes the importance of handling high-value items with care and precision. From securing shipping to providing tailored insurance options, we’re here to simplify the process and provide peace of mind every step of the way. Contact Cabrella today to get started.

Sources:

Guide to Jewelry Appraisals | Jewelers of America

What Is Estate Planning? Definition, Meaning, and Key Components | Investopedia

What Is Market Demand? (With Types and Calculation Methods) | Indeed

Jewelry Market Size, Value, Growth | Trends Analysis | Fortune Business Insights