If you collect antique jewelry, you must know about jewelry appraisals, how it is conducted and why it must be done. You might be wondering why you would need to appraise antique jewelry, but soon, you will find out that it is really needed.

Antique jewelry is personal property but that doesn't make the materials exempt from risks. As valuable property, you must make sure your antique jewelry will be secure and safe whatever happens.

The best way to ensure the safety of your antique jewelry is to take out an insurance policy. If you insure your antique jewelry, you can make sure your rights will be protected whether there is a theft, fire or any untoward incident. In such occurrences, your antique jewelry can be lost, but you won't lose its value.

That is why you need to appraise your jewelry. An appraisal is a process when you determine the estimated and probable value of the asset or property. Land, homes and many other properties are being appraised so the owner will have an idea as to the current and proper value of the property. Such is also the case for appraisal of antique jewelry.

You need to know the proper appraisal of your antique jewelry when you want to do two actions involving the personal property. First, when you are aiming to sell the jewelry, and second, if you are aiming to secure an insurance policy for the gems. You wouldn't want to sell your items at prices that are way below their current market price.

If you are aiming to secure an insurance policy for your antique jewelry, proper care and appraisal will be necessary. You need to appraise the jewelry so you will know how the item will be priced. That way, you can determine the current market value of the item, so you don't pay the proper and designated premium for such a piece.

If your value or estimate of the jewelry is lower than it should be, you could lose a lot if something happens to the jewelry. If the value is higher, which rarely happens, you will be the winner because that means you have the opportunity to sell the jewelry at a higher price. In investment turns, there will be a higher investment return rate.

Finding an appraiser

However, even though it is very important to have your antique jewelry regularly appraised, you may find it hard to find a qualified and certified appraiser. There may be many people who would claim to be one, but the sad fact is that you can never be too sure.

Another setback is that there are no formal qualifications, exams or industry certifications for the jewelry appraiser. There are many appraisers who practice on the market, but most of them appraise other forms of properties like land and homes. Rarely will you find appraisers who are trained and experts in appraising antique jewelry.

Finding someone to appraise your antique jewelry can be a challenge. To do this, you need to solicit recommendations from friends and colleagues. You can ask jewelers if they endorse someone who can appraise your antique gems.

When you find an appraiser, you need to conduct several tests to determine if he is genuine or just pretending to be one. Remember, you shouldn't entrust your antique jewelry to just anyone. You need to know if your jewelry is really antique because antique items are much more expensive and valuable compared to regular jewelry.

And an appraiser won't be able to easily tell antique jewelry if he isn't into the practice. If they charge too cheaply, he could be a hoax. Ask the appraiser if he is a member of any organization or group practicing jewelry appraisal. Such groups won't easily enlist members, because they have to endure several exams and certifications.

Expert and qualified appraisers will ask for a higher fee for their service. But you will be sure it will all be worth it. Your jewelry will be safe and the value would be ascertained.