A jewelry appraisal is a professional assessment of your item's value for a specific purpose — most commonly, insurance replacement. The appraisal includes a detailed description of the piece, including gemstone weights, metal types, and design details, and provides an estimated replacement value based on current market conditions.

This is not the same as the price you would get if you were trying to sell the item. Appraisals are generally meant for documentation, not for resale.

Jewelry appraisals are most often used for:

• Insurance Coverage
  Protect your investment in case of loss, theft, or damage.
• Estate Planning
  Help ensure equitable distribution and proper documentation.
• Divorce Settlements or Legal Proceedings
  Provide an objective value.
• Resale Research
  While not a resale quote, an appraisal can give a baseline understanding of what your item might be worth.

This is one of the biggest points of confusion. Here’s how these two terms are different:

• Appraisal Value
  This is typically the retail replacement value, meaning what it would cost to replace the item with something similar at full retail price.
• Market or Resale Value
  This is usually lower and reflects what a buyer (whether a store or individual) is realistically willing to pay today.

Not quite. While the two terms are sometimes used interchangeably, an appraisal is a formal, written document created by a certified professional for a specific purpose — usually insurance. A valuation may be more informal or based on resale interest, such as when a jeweler offers you a quote to buy your piece. At Henne Jewelers, we offer formal appraisal services, as well as consultations if you're considering selling a piece of jewelry.

We recommend updating your appraisal every 5-7 years, or anytime there’s a major shift in market conditions or the value of precious metals and gemstones. Insurance companies may require up-to-date appraisals to maintain proper coverage. So, it’s a good idea to check with yours.

Bring your jewelry item(s) along with any original sales receipts, prior appraisals, certificates (such as GIA or AGS), or lab reports if available. These documents help create a more complete and accurate appraisal.

Our appraisal fees start at $150 per item. If you have multiple items, we may recommend an hourly rate instead and will discuss that with you up front.

The time required depends on the complexity of each piece. A simple gold ring or chain may take only a few minutes, while an intricate item with multiple gemstones could require several hours. Larger collections such as estate appraisals may take 30 to 40 hours to complete.

If you’ve purchased new jewelry from Henne, we’re happy to provide an appraisal with your purchase. Just let your sales associate know, and we’ll have it ready when you pick up your piece. We can also schedule it for later, if need be.

Each appraisal at Henne Jewelers begins with a thorough evaluation conducted by our certified gemologist, Jennifer Zappa. Her assessment includes:

• Primary stone identification and quality grades (color, clarity, carat weight, and cut)*
• Evaluation of secondary stones
• Metal type and purity testing
• Manufacturer identification (when trademarks are visible)
• Inspection of laser inscriptions and diamond certifications
• Item condition and documentation of any known treatments
• Research and calculation of value (retail replacement, estate, or fair market)
• Clear, professional photographs of your jewelry 

Once all findings are compiled, Jennifer prepares a detailed report. You can choose to receive the appraisal as a printed document or in digital form when picking up your jewelry.

*For mounted gemstones, weight is estimated using industry-standard formulas; unmounted stones are weighed directly.

If you’re not looking for insurance and are instead curious about what you might get if you sell your jewelry, we’re happy to offer a separate consultation. You can learn more about selling your jewelry to Henne here.