• ⚠︎ Appraisal services are currently available only for jewelry purchased from Washington Diamond. For more details, call us at 703-536-3600.

Why Jewelry Appraisals Matter

A jewelry appraisal is a professional evaluation that determines the current market value and specifications of your piece. This certified document includes:

  • Stone and metal details (e.g., carat weight, cut, clarity, and metal type)
  • Design and craftsmanship notes
  • Current retail or replacement value
  • The appraiser’s certification and signature

  • Insurance Coverage

    Ensures your jewelry is protected at the correct replacement value.

  • Resale & Estate Planning

    Helps determine fair pricing for sale or inheritance.

  • Authentication

    Verifies the authenticity and quality of your jewelry.

  • Personal Knowledge

    Enhances your understanding of the piece's true worth and attributes.

Types of Jewelry Appraisals Offered

Trust our team of highly skilled and qualified appraisers to guide you through the jewelry appraisal process.

  • Fair Market Value

    The fair market value is based on the current retail value of the jewelry, representing what you might expect to pay for a similar piece in the current market.

    ⚠︎ This is the most common type of appraisal used for insurance purposes.

  • Liquidation Value

    This value is given if the owner wishes to find an immediate buyer. These values are typically lower than fair market value as they represent quick-sale scenarios.

    ⚠︎ Often used for estate settlements or when needing to sell jewelry quickly.

Appraisals for Insurance Purposes

Most insurance providers require an official appraisal to determine coverage limits. A current appraisal:

  • Substantiates value for claims
  • Helps avoid under- or over-insuring
  • May need periodic updates to reflect market value changes
✧ Tip: Jewelry values can fluctuate over time—review your appraisals every 3–5 years.

Inherited & Heirloom Appraisals

Heirloom and inherited jewelry often carry emotional and financial value. A professional appraisal:

  • Documents the materials, craftsmanship, and estimated value
  • Preserves family history and legacy
  • Helps in equitable estate distribution or donation purposes
✧ Consider appraising before handing down to ensure your loved ones understand its significance.

Diamond Ring Appraisals

Engagement rings and diamond jewelry represent significant emotional and financial investments. An appraisal provides peace of mind by:

  • Confirming the fair market value
  • Supporting insurance coverage
  • Helping in future trade-ins, upgrades, or resale

Our team treats every diamond ring with care and precision to ensure you receive the most accurate and professional appraisal possible.

Jewelry Appraisal vs. Diamond Grading Report

It’s important to understand the difference between a jewelry appraisal and a diamond grading certificate:

  • Jewelry Appraisal:

    Performed by an appraiser and includes the value of the entire piece, factoring in the diamond, setting, craftsmanship, and current market trends.

  • Diamond Certificate:

    Issued by gem labs (like GIA), detailing a diamond’s cut, color, clarity, and carat—without assigning a monetary value.

    ✧ If your item includes a certified diamond, providing its GIA report can enhance the accuracy of your appraisal.
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Get answers to common questions about our jewelry appraisal services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a jewelry appraisal online?

While some websites offer online jewelry appraisals, an accurate appraisal requires an expert to physically examine the jewelry. The jewelry should be examined under a jeweler's loupe, noting hallmarks and diamond quality.

You can certainly start an enquiry for a jewelry appraisal online, but ultimately a skilled appraiser needs to see the jewelry in person to give an accurate valuation.

How often should I get my jewelry appraised?

We recommend updating your jewelry appraisal every 3-5 years. Jewelry values can fluctuate based on market conditions for precious metals and gemstones. Regular updates ensure your insurance coverage remains adequate.

What information is included in an appraisal?

Washington Diamond comprehensive jewelry appraisals include the following:

  • Detailed description of the jewelry piece
  • Gemstone characteristics (cut, color, clarity, carat weight)
  • Metal type and purity
  • Measurements and weight
  • Condition assessment
  • Appraised value
  • Appraiser's credentials and signature

Why is my appraisal limited to Washington Diamond purchases?

Our appraisal service is currently limited to jewelry purchased from Washington Diamond to ensure we can provide the highest quality service with complete knowledge of the pieces we've sold. This allows us to maintain our standards of accuracy and customer service.