If you are buying a new piece of jewelry, selling part of your collection, received a gift, or inheriting jewelry, determining exactly what you hold in your hand and its actual worth is very important. Our professional San Diego jewelry appraisal, conducted by our Certified Appraiser and Graduate Gemologist can provide all the information you need.
Call 619-231-0520 for a complimentary consultation.
Click here to schedule an in-store appointment with Certified Appraiser.
Below lists frequently asked questions about our San Diego jewelry appraisal service.
Why do I need a current jewelry appraisal? The outcome of a professional jewelry appraisal is to describe your jewelry in enough detail to enable the full replacement of your jewelry in case of its loss. By far, the most important reason is for insurance purposes. Over the years, the value of your jewelry and gemstones can fluctuate greatly. If your last appraisal is over two years old it may be out-of-date and, as a result, our jewelry could be insured for less than its replacement value. That means you risk a substantial financial loss if your jewelry is lost, stolen or damaged.
How does an appraisal work at Harold Stevens? On the day you come in, our appraiser will meet with you and analyze, photograph, and take detailed notes on your jewelry. A report will be generated at our offices and mailed to you within 1 - 5 business days of your visit. Rush appraisals available on request.
How long does the appraisal documentation take? Generally the appraisal process will take 20-30 minutes per item. There can be exceptions depending on the item complexity and level of difficulty in the gemstone identification process. We suggest you leave the item with us and if you don't feel comfortable we are happy to evaluate the item while you wait. Most appraisals can be finished within the time you have a lunch break. If you are submitting your piece(s) outside of the San Diego area, please allow 5 - 7 business days before it will be complete. A more specific time frame will be finalized prior to submission. Schedule in-store appointment.
Do you have a 'Certified Appraiser' on staff? Yes, Beth Berger is a GIA Graduate Gemologist & Certified Member of the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers. A Certified Member is designated when an appraiser has completed all the necessary gemological and appraisal training, has a minimum five (5) years experience, and has passed a closed book four(4) hour examination on appraisal theory, ethics, and methodology in addition to a five (5) hour practical examination. Schedule your appointment with our San Diego Appraiser.
What does Harold Stevens appraise? Engagement rings, diamonds, earrings, diamond rings, bracelets, necklaces, pendants, charms, colored gemstone jewelry, vintage jewelry, vintage engagement rings, pearls, watches, designer jewelry - Tiffany's, Van Cleef Arpels, Harry Winston, Bvlgari, Cartier, Rolex and more.
What is included in a jewelry appraisal? Each Harold Stevens jewelry appraisal involves an on-site hands-on examination which includes complete laboratory testing of your jewelry and appraisal report for your records. The report contains such information as;
- The content and weight of precious metals
- Detailed description of diamond & gemstones (carat weight, color, clarity, cut, measurements, proportion and finish)
- Color photography
- Retail replacement value
- Qualifications & accreditations of appraiser
- Purpose or intent of appraisal
- Date appraisal took place
I want to know if my jewelry is real. Do I need a formal appraisal? How much is my jewelry worth? We provide a complimentary assessment and verbal estimate of your item. Depending upon your jewelry we will provide recommendations to 1.) sell your jewelry 2.) appraise your jewelry 3.) keep your jewelry. Call us at 619-231-0520, or click here setup your in-store appointment today.
Do I have to leave my jewelry with you to have it appraised? We will gladly appraise your jewelry while you wait. On occasion, we recommend intricate pieces are left with us to guarantee accurate and complete valuation.
Do my diamonds have to be removed for an appraisal? Diamonds and other gemstones do not have to be removed from their settings during an appraisal. All lab tests are perfectly safe and will not damage or alter your jewelry in any way.
A family member has passed away, and I need an appraisal for estate purposes, do you provide this service? Yes, we perform numerous types of appraisals. The type of appraisal you need is determined by the intended use, and an estate appraisal is different than an insurance replacement appraisal. If you'd like to setup an appointment for estate purposes please click here.
Are we recognized by insurance companies? Yes, we are a certified State Farm & Jewelers Mutual accredited jewelry claims store. We are also recognized by most insurance companies worldwide. We recommend all clients to have their jewelry covered by Jewelers Mutual. A 100 plus year old company that specialize in fine jewelry and watches. Click here for a personal jewelry insurance quote by Jewelers Mutual.
I have a homeowners insurance policy. If I lose my jewelry, will I be covered automatically? If you think your jewelry is covered by an existing policy, read it thoroughly and evaluate whether or not you're comfortable with that level of coverage. Standard homeowners policies often provide limited jewelry protection, frequently excluding jewelry damage and loss. Jewelers Mutual Insurance is a flexible insurance company that allows you to work with your own trusted jewelry for repair or replacement work. Click here for a personal jewelry insurance quote by Jewelers Mutual.
Why choose Harold Stevens? We have maintained the utmost level of trust, integrity, and have been San Diego's premier high-end jeweler for over 30 years. Our certified appraisal reports meet the highest industry standard as required by insurers, government agencies, and the courts. We have no vested interest in the outcome of your appraisal; therefore you will receive a fair and unbiased evaluation. We see changes first hand in market costs, new gemstone treatments and the methods to identify them, along with important market trends, all of which help us assure the highest degree of accuracy possible.
Call 619-231-0520 for a complimentary appraisal consultation.
Click here to schedule an in-store appointment.
