Jewelry Appraisals: Everything You Need to Know Before Getting Your Jewelry Appraised

garnerwallace
Nov 22, 2025
5 min read

You’ve got a jewelry box full of pieces—some inherited from Grandma, others purchased years ago, maybe an engagement ring or two. But here’s the question that keeps nagging at you: What are they actually worth?

Whether you’re insuring a diamond ring, settling an estate, or just curious about that vintage brooch you found in your mother’s jewelry box, getting a professional jewelry appraisal is the smartest move you can make. But not all appraisals are created equal, and knowing what to expect can save you time, money, and a whole lot of headaches.

Let’s walk through everything you need to know about jewelry appraisals—from why you need one to what happens during the process.

What Is a Jewelry Appraisal?

A jewelry appraisal is a professional evaluation that determines the monetary value of your jewelry. A qualified appraiser examines your piece, tests the metals and gemstones, and provides a detailed written report documenting its value.

Think of it as a report card for your jewelry—except instead of grades, you’re getting a dollar amount backed by expertise and gemological analysis.

When Do You Actually Need a Jewelry Appraisal?

Here’s the truth: you probably need an appraisal more often than you think. Here are the most common situations:

1. Insurance Purposes

This is the big one. If you want to insure your engagement ring, heirloom necklace, or any valuable jewelry, your insurance company will require an appraisal. Without it, you’re out of luck if your jewelry is lost, stolen, or damaged.

Pro tip: Update your appraisals every 3-5 years. The value of precious metals and gemstones fluctuates, and that ring you appraised in 2018 might be worth significantly more (or less) today.

2. Estate Planning and Inheritance

When settling an estate or dividing inherited jewelry among family members, you need accurate valuations to ensure everything is fair. Estate appraisals help avoid family disputes and provide clear documentation for tax purposes.

3. Selling or Upgrading Your Jewelry

Planning to sell a piece or trade it in for something new? An appraisal gives you a realistic idea of what your jewelry is worth, so you don’t get lowballed by buyers.

4. Divorce or Legal Settlements

In divorce proceedings or legal disputes, jewelry appraisals provide an objective valuation of assets. Courts often require professional appraisals to divide property fairly.

5. Tax Deductions

Donating jewelry to charity? You’ll need an appraisal to claim a tax deduction on your return.

What Happens During a Jewelry Appraisal?

If you’ve never had jewelry appraised before, here’s what to expect:

Step 1: The Appraiser Examines Your Jewelry

A professional appraiser will inspect your piece using specialized tools like loupes, microscopes, and gemological instruments. They’ll look at:

· Metal type and purity (10K, 14K, 18K gold, platinum, silver)

· Gemstone quality (cut, clarity, color, carat weight for diamonds; type and quality for other stones)

· Craftsmanship and condition (Is it handmade? Are there any damages?)

· Maker’s marks or stamps (Designer pieces or antique jewelry often carry premium value)

Step 2: Testing and Verification

The appraiser may test the metal to confirm its purity and use gemological equipment to verify the authenticity of stones. This is especially important for diamonds and high-value gemstones.

Step 3: Market Research

The appraiser considers current market trends, comparable sales, and retail replacement costs to determine an accurate value.

Step 4: Written Appraisal Report

You’ll receive a detailed written report that includes:

· A full description of the jewelry

· Photographs

· Gemstone specifications

· Metal type and weight

· Estimated value

· The appraiser’s credentials and signature

This document is what you’ll submit to your insurance company or use for legal purposes.

How Much Does a Jewelry Appraisal Cost?

Appraisal fees typically range from $50 to $150 per piece, depending on the complexity of the item. Most appraisers charge by the hour or per piece—not as a percentage of the jewelry’s value (which is a red flag if someone offers that).

The investment is worth it. A $100 appraisal can protect a $10,000 ring or help you discover that “costume jewelry” is actually worth thousands.

How to Choose the Right Jewelry Appraiser

Not all appraisers are created equal. Here’s what to look for:

1. Professional Credentials

Look for appraisers with gemological training and certifications from recognized organizations like:

· Gemological Institute of America (GIA)

· American Gem Society (AGS)

· International Society of Appraisers (ISA)

2. Experience and Specialization

Choose an appraiser who specializes in the type of jewelry you have. Estate jewelry, modern diamonds, and vintage pieces all require different expertise.

3. Independence

Your appraiser should be independent—not someone trying to buy your jewelry or sell you something. Conflict of interest leads to inflated or deflated values.

4. Transparency

A reputable appraiser will explain their process, show you what they’re examining, and answer all your questions. You should never feel rushed or confused.

Insurance Appraisals vs. Estate Appraisals: What’s the Difference?

Here’s something most people don’t realize: the type of appraisal matters.

Insurance appraisals reflect the retail replacement value—what it would cost to replace your jewelry at a retail store if it were lost or stolen. These values tend to be higher.
Estate appraisals reflect the fair market value—what your jewelry would realistically sell for in the current market. These values are typically lower and more conservative.

Make sure your appraiser knows which type you need, because the purpose affects the valuation method.

How Often Should You Update Your Jewelry Appraisals?

The general rule of thumb: every 3-5 years.

Why? Because the market changes. Gold prices fluctuate. Diamond values shift. That appraisal from 2015 might not reflect today’s reality—and if your insurance payout is based on outdated information, you could be underinsured.

Major life events are also good triggers for re-appraisal:

· You’ve upgraded or modified the piece

· You’ve inherited new jewelry

· You’re moving or changing insurance policies

What to Bring to Your Jewelry Appraisal Appointment

Make the process smooth by bringing:

· The jewelry itself (obviously!)

· Any existing paperwork—old appraisals, receipts, certificates, or documentation

· Information about the piece—where it came from, when you got it, any known history

The more context you provide, the more accurate and thorough your appraisal will be.

Common Jewelry Appraisal Myths (Debunked)

Myth #1: “My jewelry is worth what I paid for it.”

Not necessarily. Retail markups, market fluctuations, and condition all affect value. You might have paid $5,000 for a ring that’s now worth $3,000—or $8,000.

Myth #2: “I can just look up the value online.”

Online calculators and price guides are rough estimates at best. They don’t account for craftsmanship, condition, provenance, or market nuances. A professional appraisal is the only way to get an accurate value.

Myth #3: “Appraisals take forever.”

Most appraisals take 45 minutes to an hour per piece. Complex estate collections might take longer, but you’re not waiting weeks for results.

Myth #4: “All appraisers give the same value.”

Nope. Different appraisers may have slightly different values based on their methodology, market knowledge, and the appraisal type. That’s why credentials and experience matter.

Protect Your Investment: Get Your Jewelry Appraised Today

Your jewelry isn’t just metal and stones—it’s memories, milestones, and often significant financial value. Whether you’re insuring a new engagement ring, settling an estate, or finally getting that heirloom collection evaluated, a professional appraisal gives you peace of mind and protection.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Lost, stolen, or damaged jewelry without proper documentation and insurance coverage is a heartbreak you can avoid.

Ready to get your jewelry appraised? Visit us at Garner Wallace Jewelers, your trusted local jewelry experts in Keller, TX. With over 20 years of experience serving the DFW area, we provide professional estate jewelry appraisals you can trust.

Call us today at (682) 593-0205 or stop by our store at 408 N Main Street, Suite A, Keller, TX. Walk-ins are always welcome, and we’re here to help you protect what matters most.

Garner Wallace Jewelers408 N Main Street, Suite A, Keller, TX(682) 593-0205

Serving Keller, Fort Worth, Southlake, and the DFW area for over 20 years.