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 the setting and more

When the examination is completed, you will receive a written appraisal, including 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 critical.  Most jewelry stores take the word of the person selling to them.  Most jewelry stores cannot proficiently test stones, metals, 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 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 heartbroken people who learned their jewelry was not covered under their homeowner's or renter's policy after a loss.  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. 

 Providing accurate and trustworthy evaluations for your precious pieces. 

The most frequent search on Google is jewelry appraiser near me.  However, you don't want to choose the nearest appraiser simply.  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 the Gemmological Association Of Great Britain and, a member: National Association of Jewelry Appraisers.  To achieve each designation, I took classes. I passed tests confirming my proficiency in identifying gemstones, the ethics, and formulations used to complete a proper appraisal for estates, trusts, and insurance replacement.   I encourage you to confirm my designations and those 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 insure custom or vintage jewelry properly?
• Retail, estate, divorce, and trust disclosure as required by insurance policy language
• Appraiser name 
• Date of appraisal
• Signature of the appraiser 

 With over 20 years of experience, I specialize in providing detailed and accurate jewelry appraisals for insurance, estate, and resale purpose.  Enjoy the convenience of a one-on-one appointment.  No waiting in line to be seen.  No one will look over your shoulder and listen to your conversation.   A private appointment guarantees that time is not wasted, and a professional gemologist will answer all your jewelry appraisal questions.  Are you seeking an Arkansas Jewelry Appraiser who has completed their 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.