Short Answer: Insurance companies typically require professional-rendered appraisals for jewelry insurance coverage.

Long Answer: A professionally rendered appraisal is a disinterested and impartial value conclusion determined by using an accepted value definition that is executed with an understanding of market analysis and research, appraisement methodology, and the personal property and evaluation therein involved and has a specifically assigned use; and has a judicial public interest obligation; and has been rendered by a qualified appraiser; and has an adequately detailed property description as of a specific date; and has a rendered value that is supported by the presentation and analysis of relevant market information [Advanced Personal Property Appraisal course, page 79]. 

Laskers can assess your jewelry and offer you a quote to purchase your jewelry at no cost to you. See our Gold & Gemstone Buy page. Jewelry sold to Laskers doesn’t need a professionally rendered appraisal. Insurance replacement value is often higher than an offer to purchase.

Professional appraisals start at $150, but the price can vary from case to case. Your sales associate can evaluate your situation to quote you an accurate price prior to utilizing our professional appraisal services.

We don’t recommend professionally rendered appraisal services unless your jewelry insurance company requires it. If you are simply looking for an offer to sell your jewelry to us, this appraisal isn’t needed.

You should check with your insurance company to go by their requirements. Significant market changes may warrant new appraisals. A general rule of thumb is every 3-5 years.

Yes.

Lasker’s hires a professional jewelry appraiser to travel to our Eau Claire store once a month. Although we can review jewelry for an offer to purchase it from you, most insurance companies require an advanced certification that very few jewelry stores offer today.

An appraisal is a value of an item in its current condition on a specific date.  Values fluctuate up and down for various reasons such as supply, demand, fashion, competition, etc.  Check with your insurance company for what they require. We recommend updated insurance replacement values every 3-5 years.

No. It is possible for an item to go down in value for a variety of reasons.

While some items can be appraised “while you wait,” we recommend having the items dropped off ahead of time to be cleaned and inspected to catch any possible damage or required repairs.  The items are appraised in their current condition and damage or excessive wear can adversely affect the values.

Appraisals used in the settlement of an estate are charged at a different rate due to the nature of the research and additional time and communications needed.  We will have you contact the appraiser directly ahead of time to determine the reports that you need and work out all the details.  This service is charged at an hourly rate.