A Jewelry Judge Appraisal... is a document stating the approximate retail replacement value of an item. It is calculated using current market data, which reflects typical retail prices, in addition to the cut, color, clarity, and carat weight of the gemstone(s), the weight of precious metal included in the item, and the craftsmanship of the item.
Your appraisal ensures that in the case of loss, theft, or damage, your insurance company will be able to provide you with the proper monetary compensation for your loss. The more information contained in the appraisal, the better chance you have of receiving a replacement of like kind and quality of the original. Your insurance company can rely on this appraisal to calculate a coverage retail for your diamond or piece of fine jewelry.
This is the most frequently asked question and the hardest to answer. We are a professional service with a minimum base fee of $95.00. Due to complexity and other factors, some appraisals will cost more. A cluster ring with multi diamonds of varying sizes and shapes is more complex than a solitaire ring with a single stone. We will estimate your fee before we start any appraisal work.
We have 3 levels of service Gold, Silver and Platinum Packages.
The 3 categories of appraisals are Insurance, Estate, and Market Value Reports. These are different in that an Insurance Appraisal gives "New Replacement Value", an Estate appraisal gives "Fair Market Value", Market Value Appraisal gives "The Actual Price Value between buyer and seller".
We estimate the cost of your appraisal (for free) so you will know "how much" before we start the process.
For your payment you will receive a consultation on your Jewelry and/or Reports. The detail of the report is based on the package you choose (Silver, Gold, or Platinum Package). All reports include a timeline of item, 1 copy for your Insurance company and 1 copy for your records. We authenticate, describe, and evaluate items for your edification. You sit with the Jewelry Judge as he does his work (Your jewelry never leaves your sight). You are able to ask any and all questions about the process and get accurate answers you can understand.
No! Reports include photos of the jewelry, detailed scientific analysis of the gem and the experience of someone who has 59 years in the jewelry business. Your report includes computerized diamond color and cut grading. The gem or jewelry is put through many evaluations to come to the conclusions about its appraised value. Appraisal values are based on the most-up-to-date current market values. This is a professional service, not a trip to the local jewelry store.
The most important reason to get an appraisal is for insurance purposes. If your jewelry is ever lost or stolen, you must have detailed documentation of its description and value if you hope to have your insurance company help you replace it. Having an appraisal is also important in the event that you ever need to prove that your jewelry is, in fact, yours. Additionally, every two years you should have your appraisal updated. Due to changing market values, if you do not have a current appraisal, your jewelry may not be sufficiently insured for its true replacement value, and you will not be fully covered in the event of a loss. An appraisal is indispensable when trying to ascertain the value of your jewelry for estate purposes, divorce settlements, private sales and loans.
No, you should not include your jewelry on your homeowner's insurance policy. If, in the event that you must make a claim on your jewelry, your insurance premiums may drastically increase. It is important that you insure your jewelry separately. We do not offer insurance, but we can recommend reliable insurance companies that you may contact who only insures jewelry.
It is always a good idea to get a second opinion about the value of important items. An independent appraiser who does not buy or sell jewelry will give you an unbiased opinion about the true condition and value of your jewelry. You need not worry that you are getting an inflated replacement value or that the stated condition of your jewelry is not accurate.
You will be asked to fill out a take-in form with your name and address. You will then be taken to a private room, so that we may review your jewelry items and discuss the purpose of the appraisal. For example, an insurance appraisal must be much more detailed than an estate or resale appraisal.
You will be given the appraisal fee. The base appraisal price is $95 and may increase depending on the size and complexity of the item, and which level of appraisal package you choose (Silver, Gold or Platinum). If you bring more than one item to be appraised, you will be informed of the appraisal cost of each individual item. The appraisal price includes labor, research time, and the difficulty of appraisal due to complexity of the item.
You will receive an appraisal for your own records, as well as an appraisal to send to your insurance company. The appraisal is comprised of a digital color photograph, documentation of the type and condition of the metal and mounting, and a description of the stone(s). The appraisal will include the grades of clarity, color and cut of the stone(s), as well as the measurements and weights of the stone(s). The replacement value is clearly stated at the bottom of the appraisal. (Please see our REPORTS page for an example.)
NO! We do the appraisals while you watch and wait. Your jewelry NEVER leaves your sight. You can watch the entire appraisal process and ask any questions that may come to mind, If however, you are unable to wait while the appraisal is done, you may leave your jewelry here, where it will be appraised and then kept stored in a heavy safe.
Usually an appraisal takes about half an hour to complete. This may increase depending on the complexity of the item.
We are an appointment-based business and prefer to schedule something in advance. We do accept walk-ins, but we prefer to make an appointment so we may give you our full and complete attention that you rightly deserve. You may call us directly or book an appointment online. Since we are an appointment-based business, we ask for a credit card number to reserve your spot. Your card will only be charged if you no show. We understand life sometimes comes up, but please call us well in advance if you need to cancel or reschedule so we can rebook the appointment. There is a $25 no show fee.
YES! Jewelry Judge Ben Gordon can bring his "mobile technology" to your home, or office to do an on-site appraisal. This is actually an option that many insurance companies and professionals use when they have a large amount of jewelry that needs appraising. (This service is designed for large collections and jewelry stores. If you have 20 or less pieces an appointment at our office would be better priced for your needs)