How to Appraise a Ring

Appraisals are commonly performed on many pieces of valuable jewelry. There are several different reasons for getting a meaningful or expensive ring appraised. One reason appraisals are performed is to get an approximate value of a ring for insurance purposes. Another is for consumers to make sure they are getting a good deal, or even to make sure a diamond ring is not fake. Appraisals are almost always done by experts with degrees of accreditation from the Gemological Institute of America.

Instructions

1

Find a local appraiser. Visit the American Society of Appraisers website at appraisers.org. Click on "Find an Appraiser" and enter your location to bring up a listing of local certified jewelry appraisers.

2

Write down several appraisers' contact information. Call each appraiser and ask how much an appraisal costs. Ask about their credentials are and write down each reply.

3

Compare the prices and credentials of each appraiser. Choose the appraiser who is most appealing based on those factors.

4

Call the appraiser you have chosen and schedule an appointment. He will need you to bring your ring and any documentation you have certifying the ring as genuine. The appraiser will confirm or contradict these documents. If you need an independent appraisal performed at a jewelry store, ask both the jeweler and the appraiser if this arrangement works for them before setting up an appointment.

5

Review the official appraisal documents you receive from your appraiser. There should be three pages of documents, each signed by your appraiser. The documents should include a picture, exact measurements and pricing information of your ring. If there is a piece of information missing, inform the appraiser and ask him to provide the correct documentation.