An appraisal is an opinion as to the authenticity, quality, design and value of a piece of jewellery. Since it is an opinion, backed and supported by training, equipment and experience, it is important to understand that there can be honest variations between competent appraisals.

Most people commonly believe that the declared price valuation is the most important aspect of an appraisal. This is not true! Actually the most important part (and the most protective to the customer) is an explicit description of the jewellery item accurately depicting the design, metal and the grades of the gemstones. This is essential for replacement of the item or settling an insurance claim.

A Jewellery Appraisal is really just a 'snapshot in time', taking into account all the above intrinsic factors and applying the current economic factors which prevail. The most obvious and constantly changing factor is the $US as all diamonds, coloured stones and metal prices are sold worldwide in $US. As our dollar becomes stronger against the $US it costs us less to purchase items based on $US. This means that once the intrinsic factors are established by a competent Jewellery Appraiser, the present value can be established at any time in the future using the then current exchange rates, and if an insurance claim is being made then the insurance company has to accept this 'new' value. You actually insure an item of certain quality and workmanship, not a specific value. In order to compensate you for a specific loss of an item of specific stone grades the insurance company has to pay out whatever it may cost to achieve those particular criteria. It may well be that as a result of strengthening dollar, the insurance company can replace the item for less than the stated value, but just as easily, if the dollar weakens as appears to be the current phase, then the claim may have to be settled with the insurance company paying out more that the stated value. It is all part of the changing value.

The main point here is the need for an accurate appraisal in the first place, so you have the power to obtain back what is rightfully yours.

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The reason you need a jewellery appraisal is  because Insurance Companies often do not make it clear when you take out a policy, (and if you subsequently need to make a claim on a lost or stolen item), problems can occur.

• How long do you take to carry out the work?
• Is my jewellery insured while in your possession?
• What is an Independent Appraiser/Valuer?
• Why should I use a JASNZ Appraiser / Valuer?
• What about other appraisals? Insurance companies will accept any appraisal they receive, even the ones I’ve provided.
• Why do you charge to have an Appraisal / Valuation carried out?
• What does it cost for my jewellery to be appraised?
• Why should I have my pieces valued for Insurance purposes?
• My Insurance Company automatically covers items below $2,000 without an Appraisal and Valuation.
• My policy is index linked, surely there is no need to have my valuables re-valued.
• What should I do if I am considering having my items valued by you?
• Can my jeweller provide one of your valuation reports?
• What does "Appraisal" and "Valuation" actually mean? What is the difference?