Jewelry Appraisals by GIA Graduate Gemologists
Whether you're insuring a family heirloom or settling an estate, a professional appraisal gives you an accurate, documented value you can rely on. At deJonghe Original Jewelry, all appraisals are conducted by one of three Graduate Gemologists — each credentialed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).
The Appraisal Process
Ready to get started?
Schedule Your Appraisal
Contact us to schedule an appointment or drop off your jewelry for evaluation.
What We Do Appraise
- Diamond jewelry and diamond engagement rings
- Gemstone jewelry
- Gold and platinum jewelry
- Loose diamonds and gemstones
What We Don't Appraise
We don't appraise watches, sterling silver jewelry, or certain name-brand designer jewelry. If you're unsure whether we can help, just ask — we'll tell you upfront.
Three Standard Jewelry Appraisals
Types of Appraisals
Retail Replacement Value
Used for insurance scheduling. Reflects the cost to replace the jewelry with something comparable at retail.
Fair Market Value
Reflects what a willing buyer would pay a willing seller. Commonly used for estates, donations, or equitable distribution.
Liquidation Value
Reflects a realistic return in a forced or time-sensitive sale.
Ready to get started?
Schedule Your Appraisal
Contact us to schedule an appointment or drop off your jewelry for evaluation.
Jewelry Evaluations
Inherited a collection and don't know where to start? We offer jewelry evaluation sessions where we sort through what you have, test metals, identify gemstones, and provide ballpark values — helping you determine what's worth a formal appraisal. This service is billed at an hourly rate.
Why Your Appraisal Matters
Jewelry Insurance
A current appraisal is the foundation of good jewelry insurance — and getting the value right is important. An accurate appraisal ensures you're fully covered if something happens.
Most jewelry insurance policies cover loss, theft, and damage, giving you the peace of mind to actually wear and enjoy your jewelry rather than keeping it locked away.
We recommend Jewelers Mutual for jewelry insurance — they're the industry standard, and a company we know and trust. Insurers typically require an appraisal dated within the last five years to keep your policy current.
Our Tools and Credentials
Our appraisals are grounded in hands-on examination using professional gemological instruments.
Grading Metal
Metal Acid Kit
Gram/DWT Scale
Ring Mandrel
Gemological
Microscope
Jewelers Loupe
Refractometer
Polariscope
Carat Scale
Diamonds
Synthetic Diamond Tester
Diamond Color Scale
Digital Calipers
FAQ
Appraisals are priced individually or hourly based on the time and complexity involved in evaluating your jewelry. We don't quote flat fees in advance — contact us to discuss your specific needs and we can give you a better sense of what to expect.
There are three standard types: Retail Replacement Value (used for insurance), Fair Market Value (used for estates and equitable distribution), and Liquidation Value (used when a fast sale is the goal). The right one depends entirely on your situation — it's the first question we ask. [Read our full guide to appraisal types]
All appraisals at deJonghe Original Jewelry are conducted by one of three Graduate Gemologists credentialed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). You're getting a professional evaluation — not an estimate from a sales counter.
We appraise diamond jewelry, diamond engagement rings, gemstone jewelry, gold and platinum jewelry, and loose diamonds and gemstones.
We do not appraise watches, sterling silver jewelry, or certain name-brand designer jewelry. If you're unsure, contact us before coming in and we'll let you know upfront.
We start with a brief consultation to understand the purpose of your appraisal. From there, we examine your jewelry in person — taking measurements, assessing metal and gemstone quality, and photographing everything. Your jewelry is returned to you prior to completing the written report. The finished appraisal is delivered through our digital portal (Instappraise), where it can be accessed, emailed, or printed anytime.
Yes. You're welcome to drop off your jewelry for evaluation. We'll contact you when the examination is complete and the report is ready.
We offer jewelry evaluation sessions for exactly this situation. We'll sort through everything with you, test metals, identify gemstones, and give you ballpark values to help determine what's worth a formal appraisal. This service is billed at an hourly rate (in 15-minute increments) and is separate from any appraisal fees.
We generally recommend updating appraisals every three to five years, or after any significant repair or modification. Jewelry markets shift, and an outdated appraisal may leave you underinsured.
Yes — most insurance companies require a current appraisal to schedule jewelry on your policy, and they'll expect it to be updated every five years or so as market values shift. Accuracy matters here: a well-documented appraisal ensures you're fully covered without overpaying in premiums on an inflated value. We recommend Jewelers Mutual for jewelry-specific coverage — they're the insurer we know and trust, and they specialize in exactly this type of policy.