A jewelry appraisal is often a written or verbal statement that includes a detailed report of the fine jewelry and the retail price. A certified appraiser should perform the task and help you determine the cut and carat of the diamond, as well as the name brand.
Jewelry appraisals are often helpful for legal matters, estate planning, and insurance purposes. However, many people get them because they’re curious about the product and want to know its value.
Many appraisers offer free appraisals, though it’s wise to do due diligence and research the company thoroughly. Likewise, you may wish to get a second opinion from another appraiser to ensure they’re similar. Let’s learn more about appraisals!
Types of Jewelry Appraisals
There are three primary types of appraisals for jewelry:
Charitable Donations Appraisals
Typically, people donate an old jewelry item for fundraising or auction purposes. The donor then gets a receipt, which is used as a tax write-off on federal taxes. Usually, the jewelry is appraised at the fair market price in this situation.
Financial Planning/Estate Jewelry Appraisals
If you’re preparing your will or estate with an attorney or are the responsible party for your loved one’s estate, it’s crucial to estimate the value of antique jewelry that will be resold or divided amongst your loved ones.
You can get a free appraisal on watches, jewelry, flatware, gold, and coins. Likewise, the items are appraised at a fair market price.
Fair Market Value Appraisals
The US Department of Treasury and the IRS say that the fair market value appraisal for a valuable piece of jewelry is similar to all other assets, such as cars and real estate. Overall, it’s the reasonable sum you should expect to get if you sell it on the open market.
The fair market value for a diamond ring you recently bought is the same as the retail market value any person would get when they purchased the ring in a store (not at a used jewelry market, wholesale, or resale).
Typically, an appraisal happens for insurance purposes. If your jewelry were lost, destroyed, or stolen, the insurance company would give you the fair market value of what it would cost today.
Usually, used jewelry cannot be sold for its retail value. Instead, it’s sold based on the secondary value of the metal and stone, anywhere from 30 to 50 percent of its retail value. That information won’t be provided during a traditional appraisal, though a lab-grading report will show that data.
Can You Get a Free Jewelry Appraisal?
Yes, getting free jewelry appraisals from local and reputable jewelers is possible. It should include the replacement value you might expect to receive if you buy it now.
However, free appraisals won’t give you an objective report. A certified appraiser will still handle the assessment, but it might not be as inclusive as you want.
Likewise, gold and diamond buyers might provide free appraisals but are motivated to give you a lower valuation. Overall, they wish to buy it from you at a low price and sell it for more. Therefore, it’s best to avoid diamond and gold buyers if possible.
Is a Fine Jewelry Appraisal the Same as a Jewelry Grading?
Appraisals often happen in one day and focus on the replacement or resale value for estate planning, tax, and insurance claim purposes. Therefore, they’re usually higher than the original price because of inflation.
However, grading happens at a third-party lab or through certified gemologists, giving a definitive jewelry grading report about the quality, clarity, cut, exact measurements of the diamond or other jewelry, and the piece’s origin.
Therefore, a grading report is the best solution if you want information about the piece for resale purposes. Appraisals are often inflated above what you’d pay at a jewelry store because they’re used more for taxes and insurance.
Most people use the term appraisal for other documentation. A grading report is called a jewelry certification or lab report because it gives you more details. A certified gemologist completes a scientific process to provide an accurate report on everything about the piece.
There’s also a jewelry evaluation, often used in the same capacity as an appraisal, but they’re different. Usually, the evaluation is given by a pawn shop owner, local jeweler, or gold/diamond exchange. This is an informal overview of the jewelry and is often done by someone interested in purchasing the piece from you. Therefore, the price shown is usually lower.
Final Thoughts on Getting Jewelry Appraised for Free
Knowing how much it costs before spending money on a jewelry appraisal. Some are free, though they might be considered evaluations, which can be used to sell the piece later or for insurance purposes.
It would be best if you understood why you want the appraisal first. If it’s for insurance purposes, you might be able to get a free appraisal. However, if you want to know everything about the piece, you may prefer a grading report.
If you’re interested in learning how much your jewelry is worth, it’s wise to visit the Abercrombie Jewelry store today! The professionals here can help you!