A Guide to Jewelry and Diamond Appraisals
The confusion surrounding jewelry and diamond appraisals is widespread and understandable. Here we shed light on types of appraisals and what they mean…
Do you want to know the cost of your jewelry for insurance purposes? Maybe, you want to sell a diamond ring that you inherited.
Regardless of the reason, you will have to knock on the door of someone dealing in diamond and jewelry appraisals.
What is a Jewelry or Diamond Appraisal?
A jewelry or diamond appraisal is a document that gives specifications of the jewelry or diamond and assigns a value to it in terms of money, after assessing its quality to the minute detail. It includes all types of analyzing and measuring aspects, whether visible or invisible, such as weight, the material used, and the markings.
These appraisals also describe in details the features like quality, age, and rarity of the jewelry. Manufacturing quality of the piece is also mentioned in the documentation by the established appraisers.
Types of Appraisals
There are 2 main types of appraisals. They differ according to the purpose of the appraisal such as taxation, insurance, donation or for reselling. It is essential to pay heed to the goal for which the appraisal is being requested, as the amount analysis differs for different reasons.
Jewelry and Diamond Appraisals for Insurance Reasons
If your jewelry or diamonds fall under any insurance policy, you will have to get the estimation performed when the insurance company will ask for it. The insurance appraisal value of your valuables is considered as the replacement value. This replacement value corresponds to the amount that will be needed to repurchase the same piece if it were lost or stolen.
Suppose, you have a diamond ring that you bought a year ago. Its replacement value will be equal to a similar diamond ring purchased in the present from a jewelry store.
This type of appraisal would not represent the amount for which you could sell the ring on your own. It is the amount that a retail store would charge for the same piece.
Jewelry and Diamond Appraisals Due to Divorce or Estate Related Reasons, or in General, Due to Legal Reasons
The value of the jewelry or diamond is sometimes needed for the legal purposes. In such situations, either your valuables are going to be divided, or the value is being calculated for the tax-related issues. The amount documented in such cases is usually about the amount that you will get on selling the item to a third party.
Let’s Break It Down
Moran Tairy of M.I. Trading explains it this way…
When you buy jewelry you pay for the labor. When you sell jewelry, you sell only the material.
Important Note:
When you buy jewelry you pay for the labor. When you sell jewelry, you sell only the material.
The Check-List for Jewelry and Diamond Appraisals
It’s important to make the appraisal process as transparent as you can. The under-listed few points must be taken into consideration throughout the appraisal process.
- Certified Appraiser – Check for the certification of the appraiser and his knowledge about this field. Try to acquire the reviews about the appraiser and be sure about his ethical conduct.
- Appraisal Purpose – Be sure about the right kind of appraisal process that matches the purpose of the appraisal. As discussed above, the reason for doing an assessment makes a huge difference. Make sure the appraiser performs the type of appraisal you need.
- Seal and Signature – Aim for a straight-forward value statement with a seal and signature of an authorized appraiser. Though the document should be precise, it must contain all the valuable information.
- Grading Process – Be informed about the details of the grading process employed and the measurements used in preparing the appraisal. Also, ask the appraiser to mention them on the appraisal document.
- Don’t Miss the Details – A detailed analysis of all the details and sorts of information written with precision is essential. It will avoid confusions and misinterpretations later on.
- Face-to-face Conversation – A face-to-face meeting with the appraiser before and after the appraisal process is necessary. Make time for an open discussion with the appraiser regarding the jewelry and diamond appraisals that you have asked for.
Legal Guidelines for Jewelry Appraisal
Over-valuing of items intentionally is illegal under the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines. It is considered unethical by nationally recognized appraisal organizations as well. The value of the commodity should not be inflated for the personal profits as it will come with huge repercussions.
Conclusion:
Whether you want to sell your diamond jewelry or you need to access its value for insurance purposes, it is important to understand the jewelry appraisal processes. This information can help you understand the value of your diamond or jewelry in the different markets and why there is a difference.
Selling your diamond jewelry can be a great way to get access to money you need, fast. But, understanding that a retail or insurance appraisal will always be 40% to 60% higher than a second-hand market appraisal. If ever you have any questions about getting the best value for your jewelry, give us a call.
At M.I. Trading, our experienced gemologist and diamond buyer is always happy to educate everyone on the process of buying and selling diamonds and fine jewelry.
Then last week, I brought in a 14k ring that turned out to be cubic zirconia. I wouldn’t have wasted his time if I’d known that it wasn’t real. He was very kind about it and offered to buy the gold, which proved to be well worth the trip.
He's extremely knowledgeable and efficient. It is not a long and tedious process.
Almost as important, he is a super nice guy, which made for a very pleasant experience each time.
Moran is honest and trustworthy and I highly recommend him if you need to sell any diamond jewelry.
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