A jewelry appraisal is the process of estimating the value of jewelry by an expert in gemology or jewelry. This approach describes the jewelry, its stones, weight, markings, and other measurable facts according to international quality standards.
Jewelry appraisals are accurate because they are made by experienced and certified appraisers who objectively determine the monetary value of the jewelry. They consider the metal and its weight, any precious stone, its color, clarity, markings, the creators’ mark, and the symbolic value of the jewelry. But the report can only be considered reliable in case of total impartiality during the process.
After a jewelry appraisal, you get a written report often accompanied by photographs. This is proof of the value of your jewelry. It is also called a jewelry appraisal.
You must keep this document carefully because it helps you assert your rights with your insurance in the event of theft or loss, at the time of sale, or during an estate division.
This article will tell you how accurate jewelry estimates are.
Read on!
1. An expert jeweler makes the appraisal
An expert in jewelry masters various elements like jewelry manufacturing and marketing on brand new and second-hand markets.
The appraiser begins with a description of your jewelry, evaluates its stones and settings, and then makes a quality assessment using international standards.
The appraiser notes all the measurable facts in the appraisal
The jewelry appraiser describes each element with precision: dimensions, color, shape, and weight of the gem, the metal used, and respective weights. All these contribute to the jewelry’s estimated value.
The evaluation report also includes explanations of the terms and abbreviations used. It mentions the qualifications of the expert, as well as any affiliation with one or more professional associations.
You can inquire about the appraiser’s experience
You can verify your appraiser’s experience through references and reviews. Though there’s no state or federal licensing requirement to be an appraiser, most professional appraisers are certified by the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers and other such respected bodies.
Nonetheless, any jeweler with extensive knowledge and experience can appraise your jewelry.
The appraiser will use the grading report to determine the value of a diamond and weight to determine the value of the metal. The final estimated value is also based on the current market value and features like the rarity of your stone.
2. The jewelry appraisal includes all essential details
Jewelry appraisals rely on the market price of the metal and gem and the visible, measurable attributes of the gem and metal to accurately estimate the value of a jewelry. But it is also common for an appraiser to describe subjective features like the manufacturing quality and depreciation of your jewelry.
When your jewelry is not just gold or silver but is set with various other precious stones, its objective market value is distinguished in several elements:
- The type and weight of the precious metal in grams
- The type, number, and characteristics of its gems
- The signature or the maker’s mark, e.g., Grandes Maisons, Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, Boucheron, etc.
Your expert must raise as many questions to calculate the actual value of your jewelry.
How old is the jewelry? Who signed it, and what’s its state of depreciation?
The appraisal values the metal used
Since high-end jewelry is mainly made of precious metals, an appraisal always establishes its exact nature.
The appraiser first seeks to know whether the jewelry is gold, silver, or platinum and accurately measures the weight of these metals.
Since gold and silver are absolutely non-magnetic, if your jewelry is attracted to a magnet, it has no value. But since these metals have different degrees of purity, you still have to go through an expert.
The appraisal values any precious stones
To be precise, the evaluation must also identify the nature of any precious stones embedded in your jewelry.
If your jewelry consists of one or more diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, etc., they must also be authenticated to determine their quality.
The jewelry creator also contributes to the value
A piece of jewelry signed by Fabergé in the 19th century is a truly exceptional piece worth much more than ordinary adornments.
In 2007, Christie House sold the Rothschild egg designed by Fabergé for 12.5 million euros.
The 1930s and 1940s were marked by famous jewelers such as Van Cleef and Boucheron. Besides, famous houses like Cartier or Chaumet remain benchmarks in jewelry.
3. An antique jewelry appraisal factors the history of the jewelry
Even if two pieces of jewelry are made of the same materials and created by the same manufacturer, their price estimates will differ depending on when they were created and any celebrities who have worn them over the years.
The dating of the jewelry
The jewelry of 1920 to 1930 has a higher value than a set of the same caliber from the retro years (1950-60).
The era of an old piece of jewelry greatly influences its estimation since some periods are more prestigious than others.
Specialists in art and collectibles often do antique jewelry appraisals since they are more competent.
The symbolic significance of the jewelry
The Elisabeth Taylor diamond was sold at over $8.8 million in 2011, yet her husband bought it at $307,000 in 1968. This jewelry was part of Taylor’s image, and it was priced accordingly.
If you want to sell old jewelry associated with famous personalities, their value can reach incredible proportions and be worth much more than their usual price following the courses.
Why get a jewelry appraisal?
Getting your jewelry appraised is the surest way to determine its value accurately. The value in the appraisal will help you when selling the jewelry, in estate liquidation, divorce settlement or when taking insurance for the jewelry.
The evaluation of contemporary jewelry is carried out by a jeweler or a specialist in gemology. For antique pieces, you can hire an auctioneer or a collector.
1. Know the correct value to sell your jewelry
A fair market value appraisal will inform you of the selling price of your jewelry in its current state when neither the buyer nor seller is compelled to make the exchange.
If it is an old set, a reliable appraiser will explain to you the specificity of your jewel, its age, its transformations, its use, and more.
It’s best to choose a professional who has the triple competence:
- Jewelry expert: a jeweler with extensive knowledge and vast experience.
- Expert in precious stones: a gemologist who obtained his diploma in a specialized school
- Expert in art and collectibles (for antique jewelry).
2. Determine your jewelry’s value for estate division
The advice of a certified appraiser is helpful to determine your jewelry’s liquidation value if you want to value it for estate liquidation.
The liquidation value will be low because you’re in urgent need of liquidation.
But when you’re only appraising your estate without the urgent need to sell the jewelry, the appraiser will inform you of its fair market value.
3. Get the right insurance for your jewelry
With an appraisal, you determine the right amount to insure your jewelry. You can then determine the value to pay for its insurance so that in case of loss, you will replace your jewelry. It’s also your proof of ownership.
If you rely on the homeowner’s policy and lose the jewelry, you might only receive a little compensation that will not be enough to cover the cost of replacing your jewelry.
After you lose the jewelry, your insurance provider will depend on the appraisal to determine your compensation.
And in case your jewelry is recovered by the police, you will still use the appraisal to prove that the object belongs to you.
Where to get a trustworthy jewelry appraisal?
Do you want to sell a piece of jewelry, appraise it for personal jewelry insurance, or simply find out its value?
Jewelers Connect keeps you in touch with certified appraisers who will give you a reliable valuation. Our trusted appraisers will analyze your jewelry and estimate its value based on the gemstone, metal type, and market research.
For reliable estimates, they consider the quality and rarity of the materials of your jewelry like gold, platinum, or precious stones.
They also consider the manufacturer’s prestige, the condition of the jewelry, and current market trends to establish its money value.
You will receive a jewelry appraisal with a detailed description of your jewelry, its estimated money value, and high-quality photos of the jewelry.
Conclusion
Ultimately, jewelry appraisals are accurate because they rely on the metal quality, the presence or absence of precious stones, market research, the manufacturer’s prestige, and the jewelry’s history.
These estimates follow an objective process and are carried out by experienced appraisers. For example, in the case of antique jewelry, specialists in art and collectibles are better placed to make the appraisal.
But when the appraiser of your jewelry is not sufficiently trained or does not have the necessary experience, their report can be inaccurate.
That’s why you should always consult specialized jewelry platforms like Jewelers Connect to make sure you find the right professional.
Click here for a reliable appraisal of your jewelry on Jewelers Connect.