The Art of Jewellery Appraisals

Whether you're considering insurance for a treasured heirloom, curious about a recent purchase, or thinking about selling a piece from your collection, understanding jewellery appraisal is essential for any discerning collector. At Harmony Jewellers, we've witnessed countless moments where clients discover the true worth of their pieces—sometimes with delightful surprises, other times with valuable insights that reshape their understanding of luxury jewellery.


Professional jewellery appraisal is both an art and a science, requiring years of expertise to master. Let's explore the intricate factors that determine a piece's value and why professional appraisal matters more than you might think.

The Foundation: Materials and Craftsmanship

Precious Metals 

The base value of any piece begins with its metal composition. Current market prices for gold, platinum, and silver fluctuate daily, but appraisers consider more than just weight. The purity of the metal—whether it's 14k, 18k, or 24k gold—significantly impacts value. Platinum, being rarer and more durable, typically commands higher prices than gold of equivalent weight.

Gemstone Quality 

For pieces featuring gemstones, appraisers meticulously evaluate what gemologists call the "Four Cs" for diamonds, or similar quality factors for coloured stones. A diamond's cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight each play crucial roles in determining value. However, the story doesn't end there. The origin of a gemstone can dramatically affect its worth—a Kashmir sapphire or Burmese ruby commands premium prices due to their legendary sources and exceptional quality.

Craftsmanship Excellence 

Hand-crafted pieces often carry higher values than mass-produced jewellery. Appraisers examine the precision of settings, the quality of joints and clasps, and the overall execution of the design. Intricate details like hand-engraving, milgrain work, or complex stone settings require skilled artisans and time, both of which translate into higher appraisal values.

The Intangibles: Brand, Provenance, and Rarity

Designer and Brand Recognition 

A piece bearing the signature of renowned designers like Cartier, Tiffany & Co., or Van Cleef & Arpels carries inherent value beyond its materials. These brands represent decades or centuries of craftsmanship excellence, and their pieces often appreciate over time. Even contemporary designers with strong reputations can significantly impact a piece's appraised value.

Historical Significance and Provenance 

Jewellery with documented history—pieces owned by notable figures, created for special occasions, or representing significant historical periods—often commands premium valuations. Art Deco pieces from the 1920s, Victorian mourning jewellery, or pieces with royal connections carry stories that enhance their monetary worth.

Rarity and Age 

Antique and vintage pieces benefit from their scarcity. As time passes, fewer examples survive in good condition, making remaining pieces more valuable. Additionally, certain techniques or materials that are no longer in use—such as old mine-cut diamonds or specific enameling methods—add to a piece's uniqueness and value.

Market Dynamics and Purpose

Appraisal Types Matter 

Not all appraisals serve the same purpose, and the intended use significantly affects the final valuation. Insurance replacement appraisals typically reflect retail replacement costs and tend to be higher than fair market value appraisals used for estate planning or divorce proceedings. Understanding which type of appraisal you need ensures you receive appropriate documentation for your specific situation.

Current Market Conditions 

Jewellery values aren't static. Economic conditions, fashion trends, and collector preferences all influence market values. coloured gemstones might be particularly sought after during certain periods, while classic diamond pieces maintain more stable values over time. Professional appraisers stay current with market trends to provide accurate, timely valuations.

The Professional Difference

Credentials and Expertise 

Certified appraisers invest years in education and maintain ongoing training to stay current with industry developments. Look for appraisers with credentials from recognized organizations like the American Society of Appraisers or the International Society of Appraisers. Their expertise ensures accurate identification of materials, proper evaluation techniques, and current market knowledge.

Advanced Tools and Technology 

Modern appraisal involves sophisticated equipment. Gemological microscopes reveal internal characteristics invisible to the naked eye, while spectrometers can definitively identify metal composition. Professional appraisers use calibrated scales, diamond testers, and other specialized tools to provide precise measurements and identifications.

Protecting Your Investment

Regular appraisals serve multiple purposes beyond simple curiosity. Insurance companies typically require updated appraisals every three to five years to ensure adequate coverage as values change. For collectors building substantial jewellery portfolios, regular appraisals help track the performance of their investments and make informed decisions about future acquisitions.


Additionally, detailed appraisal documentation becomes invaluable for estate planning, ensuring heirs understand the significance and value of inherited pieces. This knowledge helps families make informed decisions about keeping, selling, or distributing jewellery collections.

When to Seek Professional Appraisal

Consider professional appraisal for pieces you suspect might have significant value, jewellery you're planning to insure, inherited pieces with unknown histories, or items you're considering selling. Even if a piece doesn't turn out to be as valuable as hoped, the knowledge gained provides peace of mind and helps you make informed decisions about your collection.


The world of jewellery appraisal reveals the fascinating intersection of artistry, history, and commerce. Each piece tells a story through its materials, craftsmanship, and provenance—stories that skilled appraisers can read and translate into meaningful valuations.


At Harmony Jewellers, we understand that your jewellery represents more than monetary value. Whether you're seeking to understand a cherished heirloom or protect a recent investment, professional appraisal provides the knowledge and documentation you need to make informed decisions about your precious pieces.


For expert jewellery appraisal services or to learn more about protecting your collection, visit Harmony Jewellers. Our certified specialists combine decades of experience with cutting-edge technology to provide comprehensive appraisal services for discerning collectors.