"What is a Jewellery Appraisal?
It is a written professional opinion of the authenticity, quality, design and approximate value of a piece of jewellery. Since it is an opinion, there can be variations between competent appraisals.

Why you might need an Appraisal?
The most common reason for obtaining an appraisal is for insurance purposes (i.e. insuring against loss, theft, or damage). This page addresses itself to this type of appraisal only.

The cost of your Appraisal
Appraisal charges vary according to the service being rendered. Generally, the more thorough and detailed (and hence the more useful) the appraisal is, the more it will cost. Therefore, don't try to save money on an appraisal.

The details of your Appraisal
Since many insurance companies retain the option of replacing your lost or stolen jewellery with "similar" items, an accurate and complete description of the item is essential to be sure of a proper replacement. Therefore, a complete appraisal should include the following details.

• Major (or primary) stones identified and their shape, dimensions and approximate weight given;
• The "quality" of major stones described. For diamonds this includes colour, clarity and cut. For coloured stones it includes clarity, as well as hue, tone and intensity of colour. (Superlatives such as "beautiful" ring, or "fine" diamond are not used because they do not aid in replacement.
• Secondary stones are listed and identified, with their approximate size and total weight given. Their quality may be given as an average.
• Metal chains and mountings are described by their quality, design, workmanship, weight and any stampings on them.
• A photograph of the item should accompany the written appraisal.
• The estimated retail replacement cost of the item is given.
• An appraisal should also state the date it was carried out, and the price of precious metal at the time of the appraisal.
• An explanation of terms used should he included, to aid in the understanding of the document.

When to have your jewellery appraised?
Ideally, you should have your jewellery appraised to account for current values of precious metals and gemstones. This is also an excellent opportunity for the jewellery appraiser to inspect the condition of the jewellery.

Choosing a jewellery appraiser
There are no legal requirements or regulations to appraise jewellery. However, The Jewel Box recommends that whenever possible choose an Accredited Appraiser