How to get jewelry appraised and how much it costs

Before you get your diamond ring or filigree gold bracelet evaluated — whether to insure them, sell to a buyer, or just understand what you own — remember that not all jewelry appraisals are created equal. This guide has everything you need to know: 

• How jewelry appraisals work

• The different types of appraisals

• What an appraisal should include

• How to find a reputable jewelry appraiser

• How much an appraisal should cost

• Avoiding potential scams

An appraisal involves a certified professional examining your fine jewelry to determine its official market value. 

If you’re interested in insurance, most providers won’t issue a policy without having an appraisal document. It’s also advised to get an appraisal should you want to sell the piece or liquidate your assets. 

Needed for jewelry insurance policies, this is the most common form of appraisal. It creates an official record of the retail replacement value of your jewelry, meaning the cost to replace the piece if it’s lost, destroyed or damaged. 

The replacement value is not the same as the resale value, or the amount you’d receive if you sold your jewelry. The former is usually a more inflated value because the price of buying an identical or similar piece will likely have gone up over time, while a “used” piece (if not a valuable antique) might be worth less money. 

Selling your jewelry? This is the appraisal for you. It evaluates the realistic and fair sales price, based on market value, to set for a buyer. It won’t be an exact value, but an amount to keep in mind when setting your price.

This valuation is based on immediate resale should you decide to liquidate your assets. It determines how much you can expect to receive for an immediate sale and will likely be your lowest value appraisal. 

Related reading: How to choose a jeweler

Every appraisal results in a document that should contain the following information:

• Client’s name and contact 

• Date of the appraisal

• Each piece’s measurements

• Design information including weight, grade and setting

• Cut, clarity, colors and carats of any gemstones

• A summary with the overall quality and condition

• Statement from appraiser 

• Appraised value of jewelry 
  

Jewelry appraisal review

An experienced appraiser with a solid reputation is essential. When conducting your search, look for:

Most appraisers list their qualifications on their websites. The minimum credential to look for is a G.G. degree (Graduate Gemologist) from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).

In addition to this degree, appraisers can train with the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA), the American Society of Appraisers (ASA) and the American Gem Society (AGS). 

Check out reviews on Trustpilot to learn about the experiences other people have had with your potential appraiser.

Feel free to phone or email any appraiser you’re interested in using. They should be open to talking you through the process. 

You might also be interested in our guide to ethical jewelry.

While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all price-tag for jewelry appraisal, there are some parameters. First though, make sure you get an estimate up front. Reputable appraisers will give you one, and it’s a crucial first step. 

Appraisers charge either by the hour (the average price is between $50 and $150 per hour) or a flat rate, depending on the job. A three-stone engagement ring for example, will cost more to appraise than a gold band because the assessment’s more involved. Also, of course, it will depend on the number of pieces being evaluated.

Here are some factors that could increase the cost:

• Complexity or size of piece.

• If a gemstone is present.

• The appraiser’s expertise (the more training, it’s likely the higher the cost). 

• Antique jewelry: These pieces may require an appraiser with expertise in a specific period or style; they might also take longer for an appraiser to research, especially if they’re rare.

Look out for these red flags: 

• An appraiser should never charge a fee based on a piece’s value. That’s a conflict of interest and an unethical practice. 

• Unclear fees. Get an estimate before the work is started. If your appraiser is vague about pricing, find a different one. 

• Don’t work with an appraiser who tries to purchase your jewelry or offers to sell it for you. This is also considered an unethical practice.

Don't forget to read reviews to help you find a jewelry appraiser you can trust!

Once the process is over and you know your jewelry’s value, you’ll enjoy those wonderful pieces with added peace of mind.

Trustpilot is a review platform that is open to all. The companies and profile pages referenced in this article are provided for informational purposes only and are not recommended, endorsed by, or representative of the views of Trustpilot. The Trustpilot companies linked in this post are expected to abide by Trustpilot’s Guidelines, but have not been reviewed for compliance.