How do I get my jewellery appraised?

If you are looking to sell your jewellery but are unsure of its value, you may opt to get an appraisal. At PM Antiques & collectables, we offer a free jewellery appraisal service. 

Ways to get your jewellery appraised 

Some jewellery specialists offer a walk-in service whereas others will ask you to book an appointment. Once you have located a jewellery appraiser, it may be wise to send them some initial photos of the respective items. If you do not live near any appraisers, some firms offer postal service. 

When taking items of jewellery to get appraised it is best to bring any associated paperwork, certificates and original boxes for the pieces as this can often increase the amount offered. You do not need to worry about polishing or cleaning your jewellery - it is best to keep it in original, untouched condition. 

Once you have prepared your items and met with your appraiser, they will likely ask a few introductory questions regarding the items you are looking to sell. For instance; what provenance do you have, where did you acquire them, and how much are you seeking to achieve. Depending on the items, they may be able to offer a price within a matter of minutes. Alternatively, you may be required to leave the items with the appraiser for a short period of time whilst they access their value. 

When pricing up your jewellery the appraisers will generally consider the materials the items are made from, as well as the design, brand and condition, in order to assess how they will perform on the live secondary market. 

It is important to note that as appraisers trade on the secondary marketplace - their prices will not be comparable to the retail values and it is highly unlikely you could achieve a retail figure when selling pre owned jewellery. In addition, as the appraisal is completed considering the current market, the price offered could change as market values go up and down. 

Insurance valuation v’s an appraisal

There is a difference between an insurance valuation and an appraisal. As opposed to making an offer to purchase your jewellery, an insurance valuation will look to value items reflective of their replacement values in case of theft, damage or loss. You will usually have to pay for this service and they provide an in-depth report and value for you to show your insurance provider. As a result, insurance valuations are reflective of retail values and cannot be used as a comparison when having an appraisal to sell your jewellery. 

Our Appraisal Service

At PM Antiques & Collectables, we will offer a price up front for your jewellery. If the price is agreeable, payment will be made instantly, ensuring a fast, hassle-free sale. Our team of friendly experts have a wealth of experience appraising different types of jewellery and are able to assist if you are unsure about your item’s value. All our offers are no obligation, therefore, if it was not what you were looking for, you can take the items back completely free of charge. This is a great way to sell jewellery if you do not have the time or expertise to sell yourself and would like a quick and seamless transaction. 

Find out more about our appraisal service.

Written by Krista Palmer-Preece of PM Antiques & Collectables