While some premium insurance policies update values on your insured jewelry annually, most do not. The majority of renters and homeowners insurance policies require an updated appraisal of your fine jewelry in order to extend full, current coverage to them. Due to the fluctuation in prices of gemstones and precious metals, your insured pieces should be appraised every 2-5 years so that you have an accurate valuation of their estimated retail replacement cost.
Appraisal FAQs
What kinds of appraisal services are offered?
Every item purchased at A.J. Martin includes a written summary with photographs and price paid for your insurance company.
In addition, we engage an independent GIA Graduate Gemologist who performs:
- Estate Valuation
- Fair Market Valuation
- Retail Replacement Valuation
- Diamond Color & Clarity Grading
- Diamond Plotting
- Gemstone Identification and Authentication
Who performs your appraisals?
All of A.J. Martin’s jewelry appraisals are done by a local and independent GIA Graduate Gemologist member of the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers. He examines your piece(s) in front of you and—in most cases—requires no more than half an hour of your time.
How much does an appraisal cost?
The cost of insurance appraisals is $130 for the first item and $100 for each subsequent item. For larger stones (≥ 1.00 carat), for which a plot should be drawn, a fee of $25 is assessed. A plot diagram is a map of your diamond's clarity characteristics and is helpful with identification. A diagram is not necessary if the stone has an existing certificate from a reputable lab.
Fair market appraisals are billed at $50 for the first item and $20 for each additional item. This rate is charged only for exam time but includes all research and document preparation.
How do I schedule an appraisal?
Appraisals are done by appointment only. Please call or write us to ask about scheduling.