How to Get Jewelry Appraised

Getting jewelry appraised means booking time with a credentialed gemologist appraiser who physically examines your piece, identifies the metal and any gemstones, and gives you a written report stating its value for a stated purpose (insurance, estate, or resale). The whole process usually takes 20-45 minutes per piece and costs roughly $50-$200 depending on complexity. This guide walks through the process itself: finding a real appraiser, what their credentials should say, what happens in the room, and what you should have in hand when you leave. If you're still deciding whether a formal appraisal is worth it at all, especially for jewelry under about $100, see our breakdown of whether you need to appraise affordable jewelry first.

How do you find a qualified jewelry appraiser?

Start with a credentialed-appraiser directory rather than the nearest jewelry store counter. The American Gem Society runs its own searchable "Find an Appraiser" tool listing members who hold appraisal-specific credentials, and independent networks like NAJA (National Association of Jewelry Appraisers) list members by state and specialty. A jeweler who sells jewelry can still be a legitimate appraiser, but ask directly whether appraisal is something they're separately credentialed for, since selling and appraising are different skill sets that don't automatically come together.

What accreditation should a jewelry appraiser actually have?

Look for a GIA Graduate Gemologist (GG) diploma at minimum, ideally paired with an American Gem Society appraisal credential. The GIA GG is the Gemological Institute of America's highest gemology credential, earned through five online courses plus three hands-on lab courses covering diamond grading, colored stone identification, and gem treatments. For appraisal work specifically, the AGS Certified Gemologist Appraiser (CGA) credential is built for valuation rather than general gemology, and the Advanced Certified Gemologist Appraiser (ACGA) tier requires at least three years holding CGA plus completing the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) personal property course, the framework that governs how a defensible appraisal report is written and documented. An appraiser who can't point to at least a GG diploma, and ideally a CGA or ACGA plus USPAP training, is offering an opinion, not a credentialed appraisal.

How do you prepare for a jewelry appraisal appointment?

Bring the piece itself, along with any receipt, prior appraisal, or certificate you already have, and book a dedicated appointment rather than walking in. Most appraisers work by appointment because a proper examination takes focused time under magnification, not a quick glance at a busy counter. Note down why you need the appraisal beforehand (insurance, estate division, resale, or a legal matter) since a credible written appraisal states its stated purpose explicitly, and the type of value reported (replacement value versus fair market value) differs depending on that purpose.

What actually happens during a jewelry appraisal appointment?

The appointment moves through four stages: an initial consultation about the piece and your reason for appraising it, a physical examination under magnification (the appraiser typically cleans the piece first to see it clearly), a detailed gemstone and metal analysis, and a final walkthrough of the written report before you leave. During the examination stage, the appraiser identifies each gemstone's color, clarity, cut, and carat weight, checks the metal's purity, and notes the piece's condition, craftsmanship, and any maker's marks or hallmarks. A conscientious appraiser explains how they arrived at the value rather than just handing over a number, so you understand what you're paying for.

What documentation do you get from a jewelry appraisal?

You should leave with (or shortly receive) a written appraisal report that describes the piece in detail, states the stated purpose and type of value, and lists the appraiser's credentials and signature. A real appraisal document includes a physical description of the piece (metal, weight, measurements), a gemstone breakdown if applicable, photographs, the appraised value with the date it was assessed, and the appraiser's name and credentials. That last part matters: an unsigned estimate on a notepad isn't the same document an insurer or court will accept. Some appraisers hand you the report same-day; more complex pieces may take a few days to write up properly.

What should you do with the appraisal afterward?

Use it to schedule the piece on your homeowners or renters insurance policy if that was the reason you got it appraised, and store the original document somewhere separate from the jewelry itself (a safe deposit box or a digital scan works). Appraisal values aren't permanent: gemstone and metal markets shift, so most appraisers recommend reappraising every 3-5 years for anything actively insured, rather than treating a one-time appraisal as good indefinitely. See our guide to how to actually insure your jewelry for what happens next once you have a document in hand. If you're building out a collection worth appraising over time, browse AJLuxe's dainty gold-plated heart necklace and similar sterling silver pieces as an example of what's worth keeping documentation on as your collection grows.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to get jewelry appraised?

Typically $50-$200 per item, depending on the appraiser, your location, and how complex the piece is; appraisers who bill hourly often charge in a similar $50-$150/hour range. Simple single-stone pieces land at the lower end; antique, multi-stone, or unusually complex pieces can run higher.

How long does a jewelry appraisal take?

Most single-piece appraisals take 20-45 minutes for the examination itself, though you may wait longer for the written report on complex pieces. Booking a dedicated appointment rather than a walk-in visit is the best way to make sure the appraiser has focused time for the examination.

Do I need to bring anything to a jewelry appraisal?

Bring the piece itself and any receipt, prior appraisal, or certificate you already have. It also helps to know your reason for the appraisal beforehand, since insurance, estate, and resale appraisals can report different types of value for the same piece.

What credentials should a jewelry appraiser have?

At minimum, a GIA Graduate Gemologist (GG) diploma. For appraisal work specifically, look for an American Gem Society Certified Gemologist Appraiser (CGA) or Advanced Certified Gemologist Appraiser (ACGA) credential, and training in USPAP (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice), the framework that governs how a defensible appraisal report is written.

Related reading: Do You Need to Appraise Affordable Jewelry? covers whether it's worth it in the first place, and How to Actually Insure Your Jewelry covers what to do with an appraisal once you have one.

Written by the AJLuxe Team. Last updated: September 2026.

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