Jewelry Information

Introduction

Diamonds

Colored Gemstones

Precious Metals

Fine Watches

Comparison Shopping

Scams

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Jewelry Appraisal

Jewelry Insurance

 

Jewelry Appraisal

Jewelry Appraisals

Jeweler/Appraiser Credentials

Gem Lab

Jewelry Appraisal

Each piece of jewelry you purchase should be accompanied by a written appraisal that:

Such an appraisal will serve as your written assurance of the quality of the jewelry. It will also help your insurer set the proper premiums. And, should you ever need to file a claim, this detailed description insures that your replacement jewelry matches the quality of  the piece you originally purchased.

Insurers recommend that their policyholders get jewelry appraisals on JISO/ ACORD appraisal forms. (ACORD is a non-profit organization that sets electronic and print standards for the insurance industry. The jewelry appraisal standards and forms were developed by ACORD and are now supported by JISO, Jewelry Insurance Standards Organization.)

All forms can be printed out at www.jiso.org.

JISO 805 Jewelry Sales Receipt for Insurance Purposes

When you are buying jewelry: This form can be completed by the retailer who sells you the jewelry. Properly filled out, it gives sufficient detail to properly insure your jewelry. It’s a good idea to print out this form and take it along when you shop for jewelry.

JISO 806 Jewelry Document for Insurance Purposes

When you're getting a 2nd appraisal: Any trained jeweler/appraiser can use this form. It provides essential descriptive information needed to insure your jewelry. We recommend the appraiser be a Graduate Gemologist, having the expertise to examine the jewelry and determine its qualities.

JISO 78 Jewelry Insurance Appraisal – Single Item

If your appraiser is a GG and a CIA™: This is a detailed appraisal with reliable information and warrantees that protect the consumer. It guarantees that the jewelry was inspected by the appraiser in a gem lab (rather than just relying on the word of the gem supplier), describes the jewelry in precise gemological language, and uses internationally recognized grading scales. This form must be completed by a CIA™.

JISO 79 Jewelry Insurance Appraisal [for multiple items]

If your appraiser is a GG and a CIA™: Similar to JISO 78, this form is used for multiple items being appraised together. It must be completed by a CIA™

This is an example of an JISO Jewelry Appraisal for a diamond engagement ring.

JISO jewelry appraisal, filled out

(Click for larger image)

Notice how the appraisal specifically describes the mounting, giving the karatage of the metal, trademark, workmanship, size and weight. The gem itself is a round brilliant shape diamond in a 6-prong setting. All the cutting proportions are given, as well as the color and clarity grades and the carat weight.

With this appraisal form, you know all the essential information is included because all the blanks are filled in.

Additional lines in the upper section of the appraisal are for jewelry having multiple stones. Such detailed information would be given for each stone, or grouping of small stones, in the piece.

The "Optional Description" might include any other relevant information, such as if the stone was synthetic or had received any gem treatments, if a ring was engraved, etc.

The lower section is for gems and jewelry requiring other specific information.

The appraisal uses the phrase "estimated replacement value" (rather than simply "value") because this is an insurance appraisal and will be consulted if your jewelry is lost or damaged and needs to be replaced. The amount quoted is a fair estimation of value based on its usual selling price; it is not based on a retailer's claim of the jewelry's "real worth," when he says he is selling it to you at 50% below price.

The paragraph above the appraiser's signature says that the appraisal is being written for both the customer and the insurer. This means the appraiser stands behind his descriptions and valuation, and offers the same warranties to the insurer as to the purchaser.

Reverse side of Appraisal (Click for larger image)

Shopping Considerations and Caveats

Buyer’s Tip

When purchasing jewelry, be sure you have the option of returning the jewelry within a limited period of time. This allows you to return the piece if an independent appraisal shows the jewelry is not of the quality the retailer claimed. Such a return is immeasurably easier if you make your purchase by credit card, rather than by cash or check.