You’ve found the perfect diamond engagement ring that complements her style beautifully. She adores your choice and eagerly awaits to flaunt it to family and friends. However, to safeguard your investment, there’s an imperative next step: getting an appraisal.
What is an Engagement Ring Appraisal?
An engagement ring appraisal involves a certified gemologist assessing your ring to document its quality, materials, and retail value. Ensure the appraisal reflects the ring’s full retail value so that you can secure insurance, enabling replacement of equal value in case of loss or theft.
This step is crucial, especially when you shop at places like Artful Bracelets, where you get premium quality without the markup. Your insurance may exceed what you paid for the ring, thanks to our ability to provide you with GIA-certified mined diamonds, IGI-certified lab diamonds, and quality settings at lower costs through direct connections with trusted diamond suppliers and minimal overhead expenses.
How is an Appraisal Different from a Certificate?
A diamond certificate acts like a car’s title, providing details about the gem’s fundamental characteristics, such as measurements and the four C’s (cut, carat weight, color, and clarity grades), along with any inclusions or imperfections. Often known as a GIA certificate from the Gemological Institute of America, it is included with any diamond purchase from retailers like Artful Bracelets.
An appraisal determines the diamond’s estimated value through a certified gemologist, who utilizes the GIA or IGI certificate to generate the estimation. This appraisal, accompanied by its own certificate, is necessary for acquiring insurance for your ring.
Where to Get an Appraisal
Most jewelers, along with independent appraisers, offer appraisal services. It’s advisable to choose a third-party appraiser to ensure objectivity. Ensure that independent appraisers are certified. You can search for certified appraisers on the American Gem Society website.
At Artful Bracelets, we facilitate appraisals via Gem Lab, a recognized third-party laboratory based in New York City, trusted by major insurance companies. You can purchase an appraisal when you buy your ring, and once the ring is ready, we’ll send it to Gem Lab for appraisal before shipping it to you.
When to Get an Appraisal
Get the appraisal as soon as possible after purchasing the ring. The faster the appraisal is done, the sooner you can get insurance for your jewelry.
Cost of an Engagement Ring Appraisal
Appraisal fees vary, either charged hourly or per jewelry piece, typically ranging from $50 to $150 depending on the lab. The appraisal by Gem Lab, facilitated through Artful Bracelets, costs $60.
