Benefits of Getting Your Jewelry Appraised: Appraisals 101
Fine jewelry is worth more than just the sum of its metal and gemstones - it’s memory, meaning, and often a significant investment. Whether you’ve chosen a one-of-a-kind piece to mark a milestone, commissioned a custom design, or inherited a cherished heirloom, the jewelry you love carries both emotional and financial value.
And just like any valuable possession, it deserves to be protected. That’s where appraisals come in.
I know that the word “appraisal” can sound intimidating, like something reserved for only the most extravagant diamonds or museum-worthy pieces. But in reality, appraisals are one of the most practical - and empowering - steps you can take as a jewelry owner. They can give you clarity about what you own, confidence in your jewelry’s value, and peace of mind knowing you’re prepared for the unexpected.
In this post, I want to demystify the process and explain why I believe appraisals are a vital part of jewelry ownership. Think of this as your Appraisals 101.
What Is a Jewelry Appraisal?
At its simplest, an appraisal is a professional assessment of your jewelry’s current market value. It includes detailed documentation - describing the materials, gemstones, weight, quality, and craftsmanship - as well as an estimated value based on today’s market conditions.
There are different types of appraisals, but the most common is an insurance appraisal, which gives you the replacement value of your piece. This is the amount it would cost to recreate or replace your jewelry if it were ever lost, stolen, or damaged.
I like to think of it as a safety net. You hope you’ll never need to use it, but if life throws you a curveball, you’ll be glad you took the time to have your jewelry appraised.
Why Appraisals Matter
There are a few key reasons why I encourage my clients to consider appraisals, especially when they’re investing in fine or one-of-a-kind pieces:
1. Protection and Peace of Mind
Life happens. Jewelry gets lost, stolen, or damaged more often than most people realize. An up-to-date appraisal is usually required by insurers to cover your piece under a homeowner’s or specialty jewelry policy. Without one, you may not be able to recover the full value of your jewelry - or anything at all.
An appraisal ensures that, should the worst happen, your piece can be replaced or recreated without financial loss. It’s a small step that can save you a great deal of heartbreak and expense down the road.
2. Accurate Value Assessment
Jewelry doesn’t always hold the same value over time: market conditions change, and so does the demand for certain materials and gemstones. An appraisal reflects current market value, which means you’ll have a clear, accurate understanding of what your piece is worth today. That’s important for insurance, of course, but it’s also useful for estate planning, resale, or simply knowing the true worth of what you own.
3. A Smarter Investment
Fine jewelry is often a meaningful investment - in beauty, artistry, and in many cases, value. An appraisal helps document that investment and ensures it’s properly protected. It also adds credibility and documentation if you ever choose to sell, trade, or pass the piece down to future generations.
How I Handle Appraisals for My Clients
Before we dive in, I want to clarify something important: I only offer appraisal services for jewelry that I’ve created. Just like my repair and resizing services, appraisals are exclusively available for pieces I’ve designed or crafted. If you have jewelry made elsewhere, I’m happy to recommend a trusted professional, but I don’t provide appraisals for outside pieces.
For years, I referred appraisal work to a trusted gemologist, which is still an excellent option for certain types of pieces. But more recently, I’ve started offering appraisals directly through a partnership with Jewelers Mutual, a highly respected jewelry insurance company.
Here’s how it works: for many of my one-of-a-kind designs over $5,000 - and for most custom pieces - I now provide an appraisal as part of the purchase. Using Jewelers Mutual’s tool, I enter detailed information about the piece, and they generate a professional valuation based on current market data. The appraisal is then emailed directly to you, complete with a link to request an insurance quote if you choose.
Many clients tell me how much they appreciate having this step handled for them. It’s one less thing to worry about, and it turns their purchase into a fully finished experience - a little “bow on top”.
And if you already have an insurance provider you trust, that’s no problem. You can take the appraisal to them instead. The documentation is yours to use however you wish.
When Should You Get an Appraisal?
If your jewelry was purchased several years ago, or if it’s a cherished heirloom that’s never been evaluated, it’s a good idea to get an appraisal now - even if you’re not planning to insure it right away. I also recommend updating your appraisal every three to five years to keep up with changing market conditions.
And if you’re commissioning a custom piece or purchasing a one-of-a-kind design from me, chances are I’ll include the appraisal for you, especially if it’s a higher-value piece. It’s a simple but meaningful step that ensures your investment is properly documented and protected.
Jewelry tells a story - but an appraisal helps preserve that story for the long run. It transforms your piece from something you simply own into something that’s safeguarded, valued, and ready to be part of your life for decades (and generations) to come.
If you’re considering a new custom design or investing in a significant piece, know that I’m here to guide you through the process - including helping you understand its value. And if you already own treasured pieces that haven’t been appraised, maybe this is your sign to finally check that off your list.
Because jewelry isn’t just meant to be admired. It’s meant to be cherished, protected, and passed on. And an appraisal is one of the best ways to make sure it can be.