How much does an appraisal cost?
There is not a set value for an appraisal. The cost depends on the nature and characteristics of the appraised item and the time required for research on the item.

How much time does an appraisal take?
Some appraisals can be performed while you wait. Most appraisals take 1-2 days.

Why do I need an appraisal?
Many people request an appraisal so that they can insure their jewelry. The insurance company will almost always require an independent appraisal to establish a replacement value. We can also perform appraisals to authenticate a piece of jewelry or to establish a value for an estate auction or sale. You can be sure that we will carefully examine your item and provide a fair and accurate appraisal.

What does the appraisal value mean?
An appraisal provides the estimated replacement value of an item. This value is a reasonable estimate of what you could purchase the item for in a typical retail transaction.

Will you buy my item for the appraised value?
The appraisal value is not an offer at which we will purchase the item.

Will you provide an appraisal showing the appraised value for a higher amount?
We provide a reasonable estimate of the replacement value of an item in an appraisal. Some people mistakenly believe that if they insure their jewelry for a  higher value, they will get a higher insurance settlement if their item is lost or stolen.

In fact, this is rarely the case. While a higher appraised value will usually mean you pay higher insurance premiums for coverage, the insurance company will not generally pay the appraised value to a policyholder. They will instead pay the replacement value of the item, regardless of how high the item is appraised. You should consult your insurance policy or insurance agent for details about your specific policy.

How often should an item be appraised?
There are a number of factors that affect how often an item should be appraised. Several factors include the item’s condition over time and current market prices for precious metals and gems.

For insurance purposes, if the value of your jewelry increases significantly and your insurance coverage does not increase, your jewelry may be underinsured. In the event of a loss or theft, the insurance company may pay you only the insured value, not the actual current replacement value of the item. For this reason, some people update their appraisal and insurance coverage every few years. You should consult your insurance policy or insurance agent for an understanding of how your individual insurance coverage works.