You finally open that little box tucked away in your drawer—a diamond ring passed down by your grandmother. It sparkles just like you remember. But suddenly, questions hit you: Is it insured?
How much is it worth now? Has its value changed over time?
This situation is more common than you might think. Many people own precious jewelry but forget one important step appraisal. Knowing when to appraise your jewelry is essential for keeping its value protected and understanding how it fits into your finances.
In this guide, we’ll help you identify the best times to appraise your jewelry, why it matters, and how it can save you money and stress down the line.
Key Takeaway: When Should You Appraise Jewelry?
Here’s what you need to remember:
- Appraise newly purchased or inherited pieces as soon as possible.
- Reappraise every 2 to 5 years to stay current with market trends.
- Appraise after major life events like marriage, divorce, or repairs.
- A current appraisal helps with insurance, estate planning, and resale decisions.
Why Appraisals Are More Than Just Numbers?
Jewelry appraisals do more than just list a value. They offer detailed insights into the piece—its materials, craftsmanship, gemstone quality, and overall condition. This can protect you legally and financially, especially if you’re relying on it for insurance coverage or resale.
According to the Jewelry Insurance Institute, outdated appraisals can result in claims falling short by up to 40%, especially if gold or gemstone prices have increased[^1]. That’s a huge financial gap if your ring is stolen or lost.
Plus, if you’re storing your jewelry properly after appraisal, it keeps the piece protected and in the best condition for insurance or resale. To learn more about this, read our full guide on How to Store and Protect Your Jewelry After Appraisal?
When to Get a Jewelry Appraisal?
Right After Purchase
When you buy new jewelry especially fine or custom-made pieces—you should get it appraised immediately. Even if it came with a certificate, an independent appraisal confirms its real value, ensuring you’re properly insured from the start.
After Inheriting or Gifting
Inherited jewelry often carries emotional value, but it may also be financially significant. Getting it appraised helps with estate planning and ensures that each heir receives a fair share based on actual value. It’s also important when receiving high-value gifts like engagement rings or antique items.
If you’ve inherited or gifted something valuable, you may also be curious how that value could change over time. This is where a regular reappraisal comes in.
Before Getting Insurance or Updating Coverage
Insurance companies often require an up-to-date appraisal, especially for pieces worth more than a few thousand dollars. If your appraisal is over five years old, the market value may have changed significantly. This could leave you underinsured and financially vulnerable.
Not sure how this impacts your coverage? You might find helpful insights in our post on How a Jewelry Appraisal Can Boost Your Resale Value?, which explains how appraisal accuracy affects both insurance and sales.
After Major Life Events
Life changes often come with new financial responsibilities—and opportunities. Events like marriage, divorce, or a family estate division may require you to document the value of your jewelry.
This ensures that any distribution of assets or insurance adjustments reflects real-time market worth. It’s also essential if jewelry needs to be included in legal settlements or shared between family members.
After Repairs or Modifications
Even small repairs can change your jewelry’s structure and value. For example, resizing a ring or replacing a missing stone can increase or decrease the appraisal amount.
Quick repairs help prevent bigger issues down the road. For more on how timely fixes can make a difference, read our post: Why Quick Jewelry Repairs Can Save Your Favorite Pieces?
Before Selling or Donating
Planning to sell or donate a piece of jewelry? Don’t guess its value. A professional appraisal helps you set a fair price or understand its tax-deductible worth for charitable donations. Many auction houses and jewelers also require up-to-date appraisals before listing a piece.
How Often Should You Reappraise Jewelry?
A good rule of thumb is to reappraise your jewelry every 2 to 5 years. This depends on:
- How often do you wear the item?
- Changes in the metal or gemstone market
- Any noticeable wear or damage
- Changes in the insurance provider’s policies
For example, gold prices or diamond market trends can shift enough in a few years to increase your jewelry’s value. If you haven’t updated your appraisal in a while, you may be underestimating its worth—or risking underinsurance.
Not all appraisals are equal. For your appraisal to be recognized by insurers or courts, choose a certified appraiser.
- A qualified appraiser will provide:
- A written and signed appraisal document
- Photos of the piece
- Details on gemstone quality, weight, and metal purity
- The purpose of the appraisal (insurance, resale, estate, etc.)
Summary: Stay Ahead with Timely Appraisals
Jewelry is more than just beauty—it’s an investment, an heirloom, and often, an emotional treasure. But without an updated appraisal, its value might be unclear or unprotected.
Remember these key points:
- Appraise after purchase, repairs, inheritance, or life changes.
- Reappraise every few years to keep up with market trends.
- Use certified appraisers for valid, trustworthy documentation.
Whether you’re wearing that diamond ring daily or keeping your grandmother’s brooch safe in storage, an updated appraisal gives you peace of mind.
FAQs: When to Appraise Jewelry?
Q1. How do I know if it’s time to reappraise my jewelry?
If it’s been over 3–5 years since your last appraisal or the market has changed (like gold prices rising), it’s time to reassess.
Q2. Is it necessary to appraise inexpensive jewelry?
Not always. Appraisal is most valuable for high-end or sentimental items that you want to insure or pass on.
Q3. Does a repaired ring need a new appraisal?
Yes, because even small changes can affect its value. Reappraising ensures your insurance or resale documents reflect those changes.
Q4. Who can perform a trusted jewelry appraisal?
Look for certified professionals affiliated with NAJA, AGS, or similar organizations. Avoid appraisals from non-accredited jewelers if you want them to be accepted for insurance.