How to Get a Jewelry Appraisal

Theft, loss and disaster are just a few reasons your jewelry could need to be replaced. And over the course of your lifetime, it's possible that at least one of these will happen to you. That's why so many people opt for a separate policy that insures jewelry. But in order to have that policy, you must first have a jewelry appraisal.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Hire a professional jewelry appraiser. If you don't have a trusted jeweler, you should look for an independent appraiser. They do not buy or sell the jewelry being appraised, so their opinions are unbiased.
2. Ask your appraiser for credentials. Reputable jewelry appraisers should be accredited with at least one organization.
3. Bring your jewelry in to the appraiser. A jewelry appraisal isn't something that can be done electronically. The appraiser must thoroughly examine the jewelry to give you the most accurate appraisal.
4. Expect to leave your jewelry with the appraiser. A thorough appraisal means a microscopic examination, chemical testing and more. Because so much is required, you should expect to leave your jewelry there for a while. But before you leave, ask when your jewelry will be ready to pick up.
5. Obtain an official appraisal when you pick up your jewelry. The appraisal should contain all the necessary information for your insurance agency. It should also have the appraiser's name, credentials and contact information.
6. Keep your appraisal in a safe place. Your insurance company will have a copy on file, but you should also keep a copy for your records. Some people store jewelry appraisals in a safety deposit box to ensure they're safe and that they won't have to be repeated.