What is the Best Way to Know the Price of Your Ring?
One of the most important steps in purchasing a piece of jewelry, especially something like a diamond, engagement ring, or even something as simple as the setting, is the appraisal. However, many people don’t know why this is important or what is involved in an appraisal.
For those who are perplexed, here is a short explanation of what appraisals entail.
Appraisals are important because they will tell you how much that ring, gemstone or even engagement ring setting is worth, if you should resell it. In addition, if you insure your jewelry, you can be sure you will still receive the full value if something should happen to your jewelry, such as theft. However, when appraising jewelry, keep thing following things in mind:
Only use a reputable, accredited jeweler or gemologist NOT linked to store. Because jewelry is valuable, you obviously want it to remain in safe hands. Thus, it makes sense to only use an appraiser who knows what he is doing. A simple internet search or phone call to the Better Business Bureau should tell you which appraisers are reputable and who to avoid.
Photograph your jewelry before handing it over for appraisal. Unfortunately, there are too many dishonest people in the appraisal industry. Thus, in order to avoid suffering the loss of a gemstone or piece of jewelry, photograph everything, so you can compare what you get back to that which you gave over to be appraised.
Appraisals are not expensive affairs. Appraisals are simple procedures in which the jeweler simply assesses the value of what you gave him. A normal price is about $120. If the jeweler charges more, you are probably facing an unscrupulous fellow and should never agree to pay more than that.
Make sure what you get back is what you received. This includes the diamond or gemstone certification. Compare everything you get back with the certification as well. If there is a difference, inform the appraiser he has made a mistake since GIA reposts are exact.
