Gold & Appraisals
Most people only think about jewelry appraisals after something goes wrong: a lost ring, an estate to settle, an insurance claim denied for lack of documentation. An appraisal is a formal written valuation of your jewelry by a qualified professional, and for anything you'd be upset to lose, it's one of the cheapest pieces of protection you can buy.
Insurance is the big one: homeowner's and renter's policies typically cap jewelry coverage at $1,000–$2,500 total unless you schedule pieces individually, and scheduling requires a current appraisal. If your engagement ring cost $6,000 and it's not scheduled, you're mostly uninsured.
You'll also need appraisals for estate settlement after a death (courts and the IRS require documented values), divorce proceedings, charitable donations over $5,000, and any time you inherit jewelry and genuinely don't know what it's worth. That last one produces surprises constantly; grandma's "costume" brooch is sometimes platinum and old European-cut diamonds.
Insurance replacement value is the highest figure: what it would cost to replace the piece new at retail today. Fair market value, used for estates and taxes, is what the piece would sell for between willing parties, usually much lower. Liquidation value is the quick-sale floor.
This is why an insurance appraisal is not an offer to buy, and why the number on your appraisal isn't what a buyer will pay. Knowing which value you need prevents both disappointment and paperwork problems, so tell the appraiser the purpose up front.
The appraiser examines each piece under magnification: testing metal purity, measuring and grading stones (dimensions, color, clarity, cut quality), noting brand marks, checking condition, and photographing the piece. You receive a signed document with full descriptions, photos, and the stated value: everything an insurer needs to write a policy or settle a claim.
A thorough appraisal on a single ring takes 20–45 minutes. Be wary of drive-by valuations without magnification or documentation; a number scribbled on a business card protects nothing.
Whether it's an engagement ring, a five-minute battery, or a piece designed just for you, we take care of it personally. Stop by the store or send us a message.
Expect $50–$150 per piece depending on complexity; multi-piece discounts are common. Never agree to appraisal fees charged as a percentage of value; that's a conflict of interest reputable appraisers refuse.
Update appraisals every 3–5 years. Gold has roughly doubled over the past decade and diamond prices shift constantly; an insurance payout based on a 2015 appraisal will not replace your ring in 2026.
King's Jeweler provides written appraisals for insurance, estates, and personal knowledge at our store in The Shoppes at Buckland Hills in Manchester. Bring any paperwork you have, such as old receipts, grading reports, or prior appraisals, and we'll handle the rest. See our appraisal services or get in touch to plan a visit. Thinking of selling instead of insuring? Read our guide to selling gold first.
Written by
The King's Jeweler FamilyOwners & Master Jewelers
King's Jeweler is a family-run jewelry store inside The Shoppes at Buckland Hills in Manchester, Connecticut. From engagement rings and custom pieces to same-day watch batteries and expert repairs, every customer is helped personally by a jeweler who cares about getting it right. More about King's Jeweler
Bring it in and we'll take a look, explain your options, and give you an honest answer on the spot at The Shoppes at Buckland Hills in Manchester, CT.
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