Jewelry Appraisals Explained: How Fine Jewelry Is Professionally Evaluated
If you have jewelry you are considering selling, one of the first questions you may have is how its value is actually determined. A ring, necklace, bracelet, or other piece may contain precious metals, diamonds, colored gemstones, designer markings, or other characteristics that contribute to its value.
At National Rarities, our experienced estate specialists carefully evaluate jewelry to identify these details and understand how they relate to the current resale market. Our team includes GIA Graduate Gemologists and Accredited Jewelry Professionals who have the knowledge and tools needed to evaluate a wide variety of fine jewelry.
Understanding what happens during a professional jewelry evaluation can give you a clearer idea of what your pieces may be worth and what factors matter when you are considering selling.
The Evaluation Begins With the Jewelry Itself
Every piece of jewelry is different, which is why our evaluation begins with a close examination of the individual item.
When you bring us fine jewelry, we consider several characteristics, including the type of metal, stones, designer, condition, and overall quality. We may also ask questions about the piece, such as who previously owned it or why you are considering selling it.
Our specialists also look for hallmarks, signatures, and other identifying marks. These details can provide important information about the metal, manufacturer, designer, or history of a piece.
Condition is considered as well. Wear, damage, repairs, and the overall state of the jewelry can influence its desirability and resale potential.
How Precious Metals Are Identified
The precious metal content of jewelry is an important part of its evaluation.
Gold, silver, and platinum pieces can vary considerably in purity, weight, and value. Our specialists look for hallmarks that indicate the type and purity of the metal and sort pieces accordingly.
For gold, you may see markings such as 10K, 14K, 18K, 22K, or 24K. These markings provide useful information about how much pure gold is present in the piece. National Rarities purchases yellow, white, and rose gold, along with platinum and silver.
Hallmarks are only one part of the process. Metal content can also be professionally verified using appropriate testing methods. National Rarities notes that trained professionals may use specialized tools including electronic testers, X-ray fluorescence devices, or acid analysis to help determine the composition of precious metals.
Once the jewelry has been examined and sorted, our specialists weigh the items as part of determining the value of their precious metal content. Current market conditions are also considered because precious metal prices can change over time.
How Diamonds Are Evaluated
When jewelry contains a diamond, the stone requires its own evaluation.
We purchase natural diamonds of any cut, color, clarity, and carat weight, whether they are loose or mounted. Our Graduate Gemologists and Accredited Jewelry Professionals use the proper tools to test a diamond's authenticity, measurements, and characteristics.
The evaluation includes the familiar 4Cs: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight.
Cut refers to the symmetry and polish of the diamond and affects how its facets interact with light.
Color evaluates how colorless a diamond appears using the D to Z grading scale.
Clarity considers the inclusions and blemishes that may be present within or on the surface of a diamond.
Carat weight measures the actual weight of the stone.
These characteristics work together to help our specialists understand the quality and potential market value of a natural diamond.
Evaluating Colored Gemstones
Colored gemstones require a different approach because each type of gemstone is evaluated within its own category.
Like diamonds, gemstones can be considered in terms of cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. However, a sapphire is evaluated in comparison with other sapphires, for example, rather than being directly compared with rubies or emeralds.
Color can be particularly important. Gemstones may range from lighter to darker shades and from more vivid to less vivid colors. Shape, clarity, size, overall quality, and condition can also contribute to the evaluation.
Professional testing is important because appearance alone does not always provide enough information to properly identify a stone. Having knowledgeable specialists examine the gemstones alongside the rest of the piece helps create a more complete picture of the jewelry.
Designer, Craftsmanship, and Condition Matter Too
The materials in a piece are not the only considerations.
Designer markings and signatures may affect resale potential, particularly when there is current demand for jewelry from a recognized maker. Craftsmanship, age, rarity, and the overall style of an estate piece can also influence how it performs on the secondary market.
Condition is another consideration. Jewelry that has been well maintained may have different resale potential than a piece requiring significant repair. At the same time, damage does not automatically mean jewelry has no value. National Rarities purchases jewelry of any age or style, including broken and damaged pieces.
This is one reason it can be worthwhile to have jewelry professionally evaluated even if you are unsure about its condition or significance.
Appraisal Value and Resale Value Are Different
One of the most important things to understand before having jewelry evaluated is the difference between an appraisal value and a resale evaluation.
A traditional appraisal is often completed for purposes such as insurance and may reflect the estimated cost of replacing a piece. That number does not necessarily represent what someone would pay for the jewelry on the secondary market.
A resale evaluation focuses on what the item may be worth under current market conditions.
At National Rarities, our offers are based on factors including the materials, stones, condition, designer, quality, current market value, and demand. Our specialists may also review current and historical market information, dealer pricing, comparable pieces, and recent resale trends when determining an offer.
Because these are different types of values, an older insurance appraisal or original receipt should not automatically be treated as an indication of what your jewelry could sell for today.
Does Existing Paperwork Help?
If you have paperwork associated with your jewelry, it can be helpful to bring it with you.
Previous documentation, grading information, or other records may give our specialists additional details about a piece. In some cases, additional research may also be needed during an evaluation.
Our specialists may check records to see how comparable items have recently performed in the market. They may also consult another associate for additional information or authentication when necessary.
Taking this extra time helps us gather the information needed to provide an informed offer rather than relying on a single characteristic of the piece.
How a Resale Offer Is Determined
Once the jewelry has been examined, the stones and metals have been evaluated, and any necessary market research has been completed, our specialist can determine an offer.
There is no single formula that applies to every piece of jewelry. A gold chain may derive much of its value from its precious metal content, while a natural diamond ring may require greater consideration of the stone's characteristics. An estate or designer piece may also have additional factors that influence demand.
Current market trends are considered across the items we purchase. When necessary, our specialists take additional time to review records or seek a second opinion to help determine the best possible price.
After the evaluation is complete, the specialist verbally communicates the offer and provides it in writing.
What to Expect When You Bring in Your Jewelry
A professional jewelry evaluation should help you better understand what you own and the factors contributing to its current value.
At National Rarities, evaluations are free and come with no obligation to sell. Whether you bring an individual piece, inherited jewelry, an estate collection, natural diamonds, or precious metals, each item receives professional attention from our experienced team.
If you are ready to learn what your jewelry may be worth in today's resale market, find an upcoming National Rarities buying event to meet with one of our estate specialists. We will carefully evaluate your items, explain how their value is determined, and provide a no obligation offer. If you choose to sell, you can receive immediate payment.