When a diamond is graded, the jewel is examined to determine the quality of its cut, color, clarity and carat. Details such as the number and location of clarity characteristics, fluorescence and proportions are noted to help distinguish the diamond from other gemstones. Appraisal evaluates a diamond’s quality and compares it to the current market to help assign a monetary value to the gemstone.
Appraisal also applies to jewelry. The precious metal is examined for hallmarks denoting the type of material and its quality. It may be tested to determine if the metal is alloyed and if so, to what degree. If there are gemstones on the piece, the number of jewels are counted, and the four Cs of cut, color, clarity and carat size are determined. The designer of the piece may also be taken into consideration when estimating the jewelry’s market value.
There are many reasons a person may want to have their jewelry appraised. One of the most common is having an item evaluated for insurance purposes, such as establishing the value of a premium, or determining the compensation for a lost or damaged item. Other factors for appraisal may be to find the value of an heirloom piece, documenting the monetary worth of an item donated to charity, or for jewelry earmarked for resale.
There are different types of jewelry appraisal. One version provides an estimate for an item’s value based on how market prices may change over time. This may be expressed as the appraisal naming a higher estimate for the jewelry than what was paid for. Another version focuses on the item’s current value and is often used for insurance purposes.
Just as finding a reputable laboratory to grade diamonds matters for determining the quality of your gemstones, it’s important to find the right appraiser to help with estimating your jewelry’s value. Look for someone with a gemology degree from a respected organization such as the Gemological Institute of America. Your appraiser should be someone who’s familiar with the four Cs of cut, color, carat and clarity. Their report should use four Cs terminology, as well as include photographs of the jewelry in question.
Valentin Magro Appraisals
At Valentin Magro, we offer complementary appraisals for all jewelry designed and manufactured by Valentin Magro New York. Evaluations are conducted by members of our team who are graduates of the Gemological Institute of America. Our appraisals estimate the current market value of your pieces based on the quality of the gemstones, precious metals and finished product.
All gemstones are examined while they remain in their mountings. The settings may influence how light travels through the gemstone, which in turn may impact the apparent color and clarity of the jewel. Taking stone measurements, determining the carat weight of the gems, may be difficult to do while the gemstones are still mounted. Determining the quality of the gemstones is also affected by the setting.
Your appraisal will come in the form of a letter. It will contain pictures of your jewelry, as well as a description covering the precious metal, mounting and polish. Gemstones will be described by type, quantity, cut, color, carat and clarity. If the jewel or jewels have a GIA certificate, the certificate number will be named. At the bottom of the letter is an estimated value of the item, its unique appraisal number, and Valentin Magro’s signature.
