1. Getting my Engagement Ring Appraised
2. What is an Independent Jewelry Appraisal
3. Differences between an Appraisal and a ‘Lab Certificate’
4. Hiring a Professional Appraiser
5. Insuring my Jewelry
6. 10 Key Things to Remember

What is an independent jewelry appraisal?

An independent jewelry appraisal is a written statement, independently, impartially, and objectively prepared by a qualified professional independent jewelry appraiser, setting forth an opinion of the defined value of an adequately described piece of jewelry as of a specific date; supported by the presentation and analysis of relative jewelry market information. An independent jewelry appraisal generally is 3-5 pages in length. An independent jewelry appraisal is a detailed report containing the description of the jewelry, identifying characteristics, photographs of the jewelry, a diamond grading plot (internal gem diagram), statement of limitations, the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice Certification agreement, value justifications, and list of appraisal equipment used in the analysis of the jewelry. An independent jewelry appraisal will always declare a value and an explanation of what jewelry market is being described or definition of value used. It will also include the professional independent jewelry appraiser's signature and title. A professional independent jewelry appraiser will ALWAYS list his/her jewelry appraisal qualifications with their signature. If you do not see their professional jewelry appraisal qualifications after their name, it is most likely that they are NOT professional independent jewelry appraisers. The "Graduate Gemologist" title from the Gemological Institute of America is NOT an independent jewelry appraiser's title.

An independent jewelry appraisal can be done on any item of wedding jewelry, no matter what it is composed of. Un-mounted gemstones are not a requirement for a wedding jewelry appraisal; in fact the wedding jewelry being appraised doesn't even have to contain a gemstone. The purpose of an independent jewelry appraisal is to put a dollar value on the wedding bands being appraised, often for jewelry insurance purposes. There are several other purposes including diamond quality control and confirming that the wedding jewelry is properly represented by the seller.

If you have an antique diamond engagement ring, you may want to get an independent jewelry appraisal to learn about the history of that era of jewelry and its current value. It is a good idea when buying an expensive piece of wedding jewelry or a diamond engagement ring to get an independent jewelry appraisal. Many reputable jewelers will either let you bring an independent jewelry appraiser into the store. Some jewelers let you borrow the diamond engagement ring or wedding jewelry to take to a professional independent jewelry appraiser. A few jewelers require that you purchase the diamond engagement ring or wedding jewelry, and then allow you a period of time in which you can have the diamond engagement ring appraised. Return the diamond engagement ring or wedding jewelry for a full refund if it doesn't meet your expectations. Reputable Internet diamond and jewelry dealers will even send the professional independent jewelry appraiser the diamond engagement ring or wedding bands so that you can have an independent jewelry appraisal before you purchase the engagement ring. Many of the internet diamond brokers or online jewelry stores will agree to send the diamond engagement ring or wedding jewelry to a properly qualified independent jewelry appraiser without being paid first as long as you cover the shipping and the professional independent jewelry appraiser's fee. Make sure you use a professional independent jewelry appraiser who is properly qualified. Only use a professional independent jewelry appraiser chosen by you, not by the jeweler or seller. You should be able to choose any professional independent jewelry appraiser you want, for any reason you want and you should be able to get a refund for an engagement ring or wedding jewelry, for ANY reason when bought from online jewelry stores or internet diamond brokers.
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