If you have any jewelry that you would like to get insured, it is important to get some jewelry appraisals. Unless your jewelry is fairly new and you have a receipt and paperwork to show its value, a jewelry appraisal by a professional should serve you in good stead. Be sure to have a separate insurance policy on your more valuable pieces as your homeowners insurance likely won’t cover the full cost.
How To Choose Some To Do Your Jewelry Appraisals
There are a few things to consider when it comes to getting a jewellery appraisal. First of all, if you have specialized jewelry, you will want to find someone who caters to that specific kind of jewelry. Second, ask whether or not the appraiser is a graduate gemologist a fellow from the Gemological Institute of Great Britain. Gem sciences are a small world and those who are graduate gemologists or fellows will know how to grade different gemstones.
You will want someone who has had training and conducted everything from estate jewelry appraisals to costume jewelry appraisals. Anyone can say they are an appraiser and just because a jeweler says that he has been in business for thirty years does not make them qualified to conduct an appraisal on diamond jewelry. You want someone who has had formal training and testing and certification from one of the top organizations like the American Society of Appraisers or the National Association of Gem and Jewelry Appraisers.
You will want the person conducting the jewelry appraisals to follow the proper guidelines and practices set by the Uniform Standard of Professional Appraisal Practice. Ask for references and proof of certification or membership into one of the organizations listed previously. Ask for a quote of their services as well. Legitimate jewelry appraisals are never based percentage of value but rather a flat fee per piece or hour.
You will want to ensure that the appraiser uses a jewelry appraisal form or creates a report of some kind with all the pertinent information about the piece. Whether you are seeking an ancient Egyptian jewelry appraisal or something more low key like an estate jewelry appraisal, a report with full documentation and back-up is essential.
Some General Tips On Jewelry Appraisals
You may be tempted by those claims of a free jewelry appraisal. Don’t fall for them. Why would someone provide an important service at no charge? There is no reason for free jewelry appraisals unless someone is aiming for some nefarious purpose.
You may be tempted by an online jewelry appraisal. In this case, how do you expect someone to properly inspect a piece of jewelry without touching it? Free online jewelry appraisals are touted often enough and perhaps there are some that are truly trying to offer you a service. However, a free online jewelry appraisal is not likely to be accepted by an insurance adjuster.
Jewelry appraisals that you do yourself won’t hold water for insurance companies either. So don’t invest in any jewelry appraisal software, no matter how good or tempting it appears. Insurance companies want proven professionals with legitimate photos, reports and market value of the jewelry item or items in question.
