Why You Need A Jewelry Appraisal For Insurance

A jewelry appraisal is a process through which a qualified jewelry appraiser will examine your  jewelry to determine its overall value. During this examination, the appraiser will use a variety of tools such as a microscope, liquid to measure refractive index, ultraviolet light and additional equipment to assess:

• The condition and quality of your jewelry; 
• Gemstones and their characteristics (measurements, estimated carat weight, cut, color, and clarity);
• Quality and quantity of diamonds;
• Type of metal and weight;
• Quality of setting and more

When the examination is completed, you will receive a written appraisal which will include a detailed description and photograph(s) of your piece and an estimation of its current retail replacement value or how much it would cost to recreate .  If you're having your jewelry insured, this is the document you’ll share with your insurance company to insure your jewelry.   It must be stressed that not all persons are qualified to appraise jewelry.  Proper education, lab equipment, etc are absolutely critical.  Most jewelry stores take the word of the person sellng to them.  Most jewelry stores do not have the ability to test stones, mettals, etc.  Contact McFarlin's Studio for your jewelry appraisal.

Don't delay, call your insurance agent to confirm your jewelry is covered.  Most insurers require a retail jewelry appraisal for insurance replacement or a detailed receipt must be submitted immediately upon purchase of new jewelry.  If you submit a receipt only, please be aware that there will not be enough information for like, kind and quality replacement.   If you rent, please know your jewelry can be insured for a very affordable price. I have included this section because, unfortunately, in my 40 plus years in business, I've met people who were heartbroken to learn their jewelry was not covered under their homeowner's or renter's policy.  Please make calling your agent a priority.  Then call McFarlin's Studio to make an appointment to have your jewelry appraised.

Take a moment to check your jewelry appraisal.  Somewhere on the appraisal there should be a note that states the precious metal price on the date the jewelry  appraisal was completed.  Now, search current precious metal prices. Is there a significant difference?  If so, it's time to have your jewelry appraisal updated. 

The most frequent search on Google is jewelry appraiser near me.  However, you don't want to simply choose the nearest appraiser.  Not all jewelry appraisers are qualified.  When you visit my office, you will see the following designations on my wall: Graduate Gemologist GIA, Fellow Of Gemmological Association Of Great Britain and member: National Association of Jewelry Appraisers.  To achieve each designation, I took classes and passed tests confirming my proficiency in identifying gemstones, the the ethics and formulations used to complete a proper appraisal for estates, trusts and insurance replacement.   I encourage you to confirm not only my designations; but that of all persons you consider using to appraise your jewelry.   

Are the following included on your jewelry appraisal?

• Policyholder name and address
• Measurements, estimated weight, clarity and color of each gemstone
• Total carat weight
• Precious metal weight 
• Precious metal price on the date your jewelry appraisal was completed
• Trademark
• Replacement price 
• Images of the jewelry that are sufficient for another person to replace the jewelry
• Is the required wording used to properly insure custom made or vintage jewelry
• Retail, estate, divorce, trust disclosure as required by insurance policy language
• Appraiser name 
• Date of appraisal
• Signature of the appraiser 

Enjoy the convenience of a one-on-one appointment.  No waiting in line to be seen.  No one will looking  over your shoulder and listening to your conversation.   A private appointment guarantees your time is not wasted and all of your jewelry appraisal questions will be answered by a professional gemologist.  Are you seeking an Arkansas Jewelry Appraiser that  has completed his professional training, passed all necessary proficiency testing and provides  confidential services to their clients?  Contact me for an appointment. 

• Base Fee is $150.00 for first appraisal
• Base Fee for each additional appraisal presented at the same appointment is $125.00

Gemologist, P. Michael McFarlin is happy to discuss all expected fees based on the complexity of the jewelry appraisal.