Ive seen it time and time again. Customers come to have estimates or appraisals done for their lost, stolen, or damaged jewelry. They ask if the appraisal can be done without seeing the jewelry or if it can be done based on their recollection of what it used to look like. Unfortunately insurance companies will not accept this form of evaluation or appraisal, and certainly not after the fact. In the following article I will explain what to do in order to properly appraise and insure your jewelry.
Creditable Appraisals
Insurance companies require that your jewelry policy be based on official and creditable appraisals done by a reputable jeweler. Jewelers that have studied or have been train by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) will provide the most acceptable appraisals. Being trained by GIA ensures a conservative grading analysis and a correct evaluation of the jewelrys worth. Most insurance companies do not require that you have your jewelry appraised by GIA graduates however; its always better to have one done by someone with these credentials.
Your appraisal should include the information regarding the precious metal content including its...