Jewelry appraisals in Tampa
An appraisal is a document that says what a piece is and what it would cost to replace or what it would sell for, depending on why you need it. Pieces are examined in front of you and the report is written for the purpose you tell us.
When you need one
- Adding a new ring to your homeowner's or renter's insurance
- Your policy's appraisal is more than five years old
- Settling an estate and dividing pieces fairly
- A divorce, trust or tax filing requires values
- You're about to sell and want an independent opinion
- A piece was damaged or lost and the insurer wants documentation
Types of appraisals
Insurance replacement
The cost to replace the piece new at retail, which is what most insurers want on a scheduled policy.
Estate and probate
Fair market value for dividing an estate, filing with the court or settling a trust.
Divorce and legal
Values prepared for attorneys, written to be defensible if questioned.
Resale or liquidation
What a piece would realistically bring if sold now, which is a different and lower number than insurance value.
Verification
Confirming that a stone matches its grading report, and identifying lab-grown versus natural.
What happens at an appraisal
- Book a time. Appraisals are by appointment so the jeweler can give the pieces full attention. Bring any receipts, old appraisals or grading reports.
- Examination. Each piece is cleaned, weighed, measured and tested for metal content. Stones are graded under magnification and, where mounted, measured and estimated.
- The report. A written appraisal for each piece with photos, a description, measurements, grades and the value for the purpose stated.
- Delivery. Printed and emailed copies, usually within a week. Insurers accept them directly.
What affects the price
- Number of pieces. Multi-piece estates are priced per piece with a lower rate past the first few.
- Complexity: a solitaire takes less time than a multi-stone antique brooch.
- Whether stones need unmounting to grade accurately.
- Rush turnaround for a claim or closing.
You get a written quote for repairs and custom work before anything starts.
Appraisals and hurricane season
After every major storm in Tampa Bay, insurers get a wave of jewelry claims, and the ones that pay quickly are the ones with a current appraisal and photos on file. Most standard homeowner policies cap unscheduled jewelry at a low limit; scheduling a piece requires an appraisal, and insurers typically want it updated every few years because gold and diamond prices move. Spring, before the season starts, is the sensible time to get it done.
Tampa's large retiree population also means a steady flow of estate work. When siblings in three states need to divide a parent's jewelry, a set of appraisals with photos is what keeps it fair and keeps the peace.
Common questions
Why is the appraisal value higher than what I paid?
Insurance appraisals state full retail replacement cost, which is often above a sale price. That's the number your insurer uses to replace the piece. It is not what you'd get selling it.
Can I stay while it's examined?
Yes. Pieces are examined in front of you, and you can watch the testing and grading.
Do you appraise pieces you didn't sell?
Yes, any fine jewelry or watch, regardless of where it came from.
Does an appraisal mean you'll buy it?
No. An appraisal is an independent opinion. If you want to sell, that's a separate conversation with a separate number. See gold and diamond buying.
Related services
- Estate jewelryBuying, selling, restoring and resetting inherited and vintage pieces.
- Gold and diamond buyingGold, platinum, diamonds and watches weighed and tested in front of you, offer explained, no obligation.
- Engagement ringsNatural and lab-grown diamonds, sapphires and settings chosen with you, not from a case.
Areas we serve
Appraisals across Tampa and these nearby communities: