Do You Know What Your Jewelry Is Worth?

Knowing what your jewelry is worth is important, but many people fail to schedule an appraisal or protect their jewelry. If you have a valuable collection, protect it with jewelry insurance as soon as possible. 

How do you go about determining the actual valuation of pieces in your jewelry collection? It’s actually a much more straightforward process than you might think. Some of the variables that factor into this valuation may be visually apparent on the actual jewelry, while other ones may require more extensive research and dig on your part.

Regardless, you should keep reading to thoroughly understand the essential three steps you should follow in determining a jewelry piece’s full value and ensure that value is protected with comprehensive jewelry insurance.

1. Always Do Your Research

Big box stores are unlikely to carry truly “vintage” jewelry, but with smaller vendors, you’re more likely to be in luck. In any case, most vintage jewelry pieces will exemplify distinct styles or aesthetics emblematic of the era when that jewelry piece was crafted.

There are plenty of helpful resources online to better educate and familiarize yourself with the different styles of vintage jewelry you might come across. Other areas we strongly implore you to consider researching include:

1. Online vendor prices for similar jewelry pieces
2. Direct quotes and price estimates from buyers in the industry
3. Industry outlets that offer valuation resources
4. The designer brand of the jewelry piece
5. Any authentication papers related to the jewelry piece

If you’re able to obtain authentication paperwork from the vendor, then that could be a crucial determinant of a piece’s true value, age, and the validity of said age and value. You may have to do some digging, or you could get lucky and find the diamond’s valuation, brand, and age right there on the jewelry piece. How could that happen? Keep reading to find out.

2. Examine The Craftsmanship Closely

When attempting to eyeball a piece’s valuation and condition, there are some details you’ll want to take an especially close look at:

1. Hallmarks: Etched, written markings that denote the may metal content of a jewelry piece or the manufacturer behind the jewelry piece.

2. Prongs: These parts serve to hold the piece up into place. Higher quality pieces will be intricately set, while cheaper “costume jewelry” will have the prongs held by glue.

3. Cut: This, as well as the particular finish or materials used, can help determine age, manufacturing handiwork, and value.

4. Weight: This is particularly important with chains and precious metal pieces. If you weigh the piece on a balance against a similar piece with real metal and the other piece drops, it’s likely made with fake or imitation metal.

Once you’ve come to a final valuation, you should protect and preserve that value with comprehensive jewelry insurance.

3. Preserve And Protect Your Valuables

Unfortunately, despite our best prevention efforts, sometimes valuable collections can still be tarnished by theft, vandalism, natural disaster, or other damaging outside forces. That’s why you should consider investing in robust jewelry options to protect, reimburse, and recoup that value in the event of such worst-case scenarios.

Across California, you’ll find few coverage options more comprehensive than FACE Insurance. Consider speaking with us directly today!