How to Get a Jewelry Appraisal You Can Actually Trust: A Step-by-Step Guide

Whether you're protecting a family heirloom, preparing for insurance, or planning to resell a diamond ring, getting your jewelry appraised is an essential step—but not all appraisals are created equal.

In an age where you can easily appraise jewelry online, it’s more important than ever to ensure your appraisal is accurate, certified, and trusted by insurance companies.

At Rogers Jewelry in Quincy, MA, we’ve been appraising fine jewelry and GIA-certified diamonds for over 80 years. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get a certified diamond appraisal—either in person or online.

💡 Why Jewelry Appraisal Matters

Before we dive into the steps, here’s why an appraisal isn’t just a formality:

• 🔐 Protects your investment through accurate insurance coverage

• 💵 Helps resale or trade-in by establishing fair market value

• 📜 Supports estate and tax planning for inherited jewelry

• 📈 Tracks value over time, especially for appreciating assets like diamonds and vintage pieces

The key is getting an appraisal you can trust—not just a guess or automated number.

✅ Step 1: Know When You Need a Jewelry Appraisal

Most people only think of appraisals after a major purchase, but there are many times when it’s necessary:

• You just received or bought diamond jewelry

• You inherited or were gifted a valuable piece

• You want to insure your jewelry or file a claim

• You’re preparing for estate division or legal matters

• You plan to sell or upgrade a piece

• You haven’t updated your appraisal in 5+ years

👉 Whether you want to appraise jewelry online or in person, the process starts with knowing what’s in your collection.

✅ Step 2: Choose a Qualified Appraiser

Not all appraisers are equal. To get a certified diamond appraisal, make sure your appraiser:

• Is a GIA-trained gemologist or has equivalent credentials

• Has experience with current market values and grading systems

• Works independently or at a reputable jewelry store

• Provides detailed written documentation

• Is familiar with insurance and legal standards

At Rogers Jewelry, all appraisals are performed by qualified professionals with GIA training and decades of experience in evaluating diamonds, estate pieces, watches, and more.

✅ Step 3: Understand the Types of Appraisals

Different appraisal types serve different purposes. Be sure to request the right one for your needs:

Discuss your intent clearly before requesting an appraisal. We help you choose the correct format depending on your needs.

✅ Step 4: Prepare Your Jewelry for Evaluation

Before your appointment (virtual or in-person), clean your items gently to remove dirt or oils that may obscure clarity or detail.

Be prepared to provide:

• Original purchase receipts (if available)

• Certification papers (like GIA reports)

• Previous appraisals

• Details of repairs, engravings, or modifications

Not local to Quincy, MA? Ask us how to begin an online diamond appraisal process—safely and securely.

✅ Step 5: What Happens During an Appraisal?

At Rogers Jewelry, our appraisal process includes:

• Inspection under magnification

• Testing for metal content (e.g., gold purity)

• Diamond grading using the 4Cs

• Photographic documentation

• Detailed written report including market value, cut/clarity, and gem specs

Online clients can ship securely or provide high-resolution images for initial review. We offer consultations over video to keep you informed and involved.

✅ Step 6: Use the Appraisal for Its Purpose

Once you’ve received your certified diamond appraisal, don’t just file it away. Put it to work:

• Submit it to your insurance provider

• Share it with your estate planner or attorney

• Use it to support a resale listing or trade-in

• Keep it safe and update every 3–5 years

Rogers Jewelry also offers appraisal updates, so you can stay in line with current market values.

🚨 Warning Signs of an Untrustworthy Appraisal

Avoid these red flags when choosing an appraisal service:

• No certification or credentials listed

• No written report provided

• Flat-rate pricing without item detail

• “Appraisals” done by salespeople with no gemology training

• No option to verify diamond grading independently

We’ve helped many clients correct misleading appraisals they received elsewhere. Don’t take chances with your valuable pieces—work with professionals.

💎 Why Rogers Jewelry Is Trusted for Diamond Appraisals

Our appraisal clients trust us because we offer:

✔️ GIA-trained professionals
✔️ Appraisals accepted by all major insurers
✔️ 80+ years of local reputation in Quincy, MA
✔️ Clear documentation with photos
✔️ Flexible service—in-store or online diamond appraisal
✔️ Competitive, transparent pricing

✨ Final Thoughts

Getting a jewelry appraisal doesn’t have to be confusing or stressful. With the right expert and process, you’ll get peace of mind, protect your valuables, and make smarter financial decisions.

Whether you're in Quincy or across the country, Rogers Jewelry can help you appraise jewelry online or in person—professionally, securely, and with complete transparency.

📞 Book an appraisal: appraise jewelry online
📍 Visit us in Quincy, MA or request a virtual consultation