Willyn Villarica Jewelry

Understanding Basic Dos and Don’ts of Jewelry Appraisal

There are several reasons why getting your jewelry appraised is a good idea. A jewelry appraisal is often required if you plan on getting your most beloved pieces insured, need to calculate for inheritances, want a second opinion on the value of recently purchased jewelry, need assistance for lost jewelry, or wish to resell. Regardless of your motivation behind getting a professional jewelry appraisal, we suggest first getting a good understanding of the process’ dos and don’ts. 

By doing so, you can protect yourself from scams, learn to ask the right questions, and deepen your knowledge of jewelry care. Below are guidelines to get you started on the jewelry appraisal process.

DO make sure your jewelry is in good condition

The best jewelers may refuse to examine your collection if it is in bad shape. Think about bracelets with loose links, necklaces with broken locks, chipped gemstones, or rings that are severely scratched. It’s advisable to fix what can be fixed and clean what needs cleaning beforehand. It’s the first step to getting a proper jewelry appraisal. 

DO keep a proper inventory

By keeping a proper inventory, we don’t just mean counting how many individual pieces of jewelry you own. This extends to things like certifications of authenticity, receipts, insurance papers, and other relevant documents. All of these things will provide insight into the value of your collection and contribute to a more accurate jewelry appraisal. Not all appraisers will require this paperwork, but in general, it’s always good to have them organized and accessible. 

DO read about the different types of appraisals 

A jewelry appraisal is a general term. In reality, there are appraisal subtypes such as 

  • Fair Market Value Appraisals
  • Immediate Liquidation Value Appraisals
  • Probate and Loan Collateral appraisals

Each kind of appraisal serves different needs. Valuation methods also vary depending on the purpose of the appraisal you’re looking to get. Be ready to discuss this in detail with your appraiser before setting an appointment. 

DON’T stop at one appraisal 

It’s suggested that you get a jewelry appraisal done anywhere from 3-5 years. This is because changes in the market inevitably affect your collection’s monetary value. Even though you’ve kept your jewelry in mint condition and have owned it for decades, this is still an important step to take. Remember that jewelry is a long-term investment and you’ll need to look out for it the whole time it’s in your possession. You want to make sure you know what each piece is worth before you take any action on it, be it selling, gifting, or insuring it. 

DON’T settle for just any other appraiser 

In the same way you wouldn’t purchase expensive jewelry from just any other shop, you also shouldn’t get a jewelry appraisal done by anyone who simply claims they can get the job done. Do your research on what a legitimate appraiser looks like. 

The best ones will be certified (for example by National Association of Jewelry Appraisers for international appraisers), able to provide references you can contact, and will have received training for varying levels of appraisals. It’s your due diligence to understand your options and vet them. (Read our article about how to choose the right appraiser here for more on this topic). 

Have any questions about your jewelry or their valuation? Consult Willyn Villarica. Send your inquiries via willynvillarica@willynvillaricajewelry.com or through Facebook (Willyn Villarica Jewelry) or Instagram (@willynvillarica_jewelry).

  • Willyn Villarica

    Willyn Villarica, a third-generation jeweler from the Philippines, brings a wealth of expertise to the world of gemology and jewelry appraisal. As a licensed Graduate Gemologist, accredited by the prestigious Gemological Institute of America, she is not only a master of her craft but also holds the distinction of being the first Filipino member of the National Associ...

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