FAQs About Jewelry Appraisal

Although learning about jewelry appraisal takes only a few minutes, learning how to appraise jewelry takes a lifetime of training and practice. If a professional jewelry appraiser makes a mistake, that mistake can cost thousands of dollars. If you want to have a piece (or several pieces) of jewelry appraised, it is best to go to a professional.

Q: How much does jewelry appraisel cost?

A: If a consumer develops a relationship with a jeweler (usually by frequenting their business), sometimes the appraisal is done for free. If not, bringing in a large number of jewels for appraisal for insurance purposes can net a consumer a nice discount. The cost varies from jeweler to jeweler. If a consumer pays less than $25 for an appraisal, then it is probably not good enough.

Q: What type of credentials should an appraiser have?

A: Anyone can label themselves a jewelry appraiser, but ask to see certification by the GIA. Specifically, the certification should come from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) manufacturing arts program.

Q: What type of jewelry is it possible to appraise?

A: The term "jewelry" actually covers a lot of ground. These professional can assess the condition of watches, necklaces, individual gemstones, rings, earrings, bracelets or even charms.

Q: What comes with a certified appraisel?

A: A certified appraisal should contains several unique pieces of information. A cover document should define the owner, describe very clearly the item being appraised and the process used to appraise the item. The appraiser should also include his own information, especially about any certifications he holds. The grading system needs a clear definition within the document. The grading system used varies depends on the item and quality. The appraisal itself should detail the condition of the item. A page or two is a good length for an appraisal document.