How to Appraise a Gold Emerald Ring

There are many reasons to appraise a gold emerald ring. Many insurance companies require a professional appraisal in order to insure valuable property. Folks who inherit property often want to learn the value of their item in order to decide whether to sell and whether they need insurance. Sellers often want to know the current market value of property before placing it up for sale. Certain factors figure into the appraisal of a gold emerald ring.

Things You'll Need

• Gold test kit
• Jeweler's loupe

Instructions

1. Verify that the emerald is a natural stone. Emeralds are counterfeited. Many manmade emeralds look very much like the real thing. Some natural emeralds are enhanced using techniques that make them look prettier but decrease the value of the stone. The price of an emerald is based on the size and weight of the emerald, the color of the gem, the number of flaws in the stone and the skill with which the gem was cut. The weight of gemstones is measured in carats. You will need a jewelry scale to measure the carat weight of the emerald (and you will need to remove the stone from the ring to get an accurate weight). You will need a jeweler's loupe to see internal flaws in the emerald. Emerald prices change as the market moves.

2. Verify that the ring is made of gold. Visual confirmation is unreliable. You will need to get a gold test kit to confirm that the ring is gold.

3. Determine the karat weight of the ring. The purity of gold is measured in karats. You will find rings on the market in 10kt, 14kt, 18kt, 22kt and 24kt gold. The higher the karat number, the higher the gold content. Twenty-four karat is pure gold. The type of gold will determine the value. Higher gold content is softer but more valuable.

4. Weigh the ring to determine the gold weight. Gold is a commodity traded on the world markets. The price of gold changes every day. You can begin to determine how much the ring is worth by factoring in the melt-down weight of the gold in the ring and comparing that gold weight to current gold prices.

5. Check to see if the ring is signed. Jewelry signed by certain designers carry a premium.

6. Research the history of the ring. Jewelry owned by certain people will cause the piece to command a premium. For example, if it can be documented that the jewelry was worn or owned by Jackie Kennedy, Elizabeth Taylor or another person of note, then the value of the piece increases tremendously.

7. Evaluate accent stones. If there are any other gems in the ring, verify that those stones are natural. Consider the size, weight, color, cut and flaws in the accent stones.

Tips & Warnings

• If you require a certified appraisal for insurance or because you are using the piece as collateral for a loan, you will need to take your ring to a professional appraiser.

• If you want to sell your piece, it is best to have it appraised by an independent appraiser and not by the prospective purchaser (even if that person is a professional).

References

• American Society of Appraisers
• International Society of Appraisers
• American Gem Society