If you’re wearing valuable jewelry around on a normal basis, make sure you’re covered! What does that entail? Go to a trusted appraiser and request a jewelry appraisal for your insurance company. First things first, make sure they have the proper credentials to be an appraiser (GIA certified, GG, etc..) At

we have our dear friend and trusted appraiser John Higley, who travels from Portland every few weeks to do our appraisals. Typically this service will take 30 minutes per item if you’re sitting with him. Some places will request that you leave your items with them for multiple days. This is very normal! But if you’re uncomfortable with that, request a mapping of your center diamond. If you ever choose to leave your jewelry with us at Hurdle’s, we type you up a receipt with a description of what you’ve left along with a photo. Still not feeling comfortable? Search through online reviews, visit the store and talk with associates. Going to a place like Hurdle’s Jewelry that has been in business for over 70 years should help to ease your nerves!

The cost of an appraisal varies from place to place, you can expect a fee for any documentation to be provided on the value of a piece of jewelry.

I just want a ballpark value…

Unfortunately, many of us want the expertise of a trusted appraiser but don’t realize why there is a fee behind this service. Just like any expert in their respective field, years of schooling and experience are required to become a certified appraiser. Many will ask for a quote without any documentation necessary. Well there are two major issues with this:

When there is a lack of documentation, who’s to say the quote or value is legitimate?

Coming up with that value requires hard work, education and experience.

Let’s put it this way, if you needed surgery you wouldn’t expect this service to be free. The doctor you choose to do your surgery has most likely gone to years of schooling so that he or she can be trusted to properly perform the surgery successfully.

It’s important to understand that you are paying for a service when you have an appraisal done.

Going through Grandma’s Jewelry Box

Most appraisers and/or trusted jewelry stores will help you determine if your item is worth spending the money on for the appraisal without providing you a particular value. Many people will receive passed down jewelry without knowing exactly what it is. Before you pay for an appraisal, you can have a jewelry store help you sort through what is costume versus genuine. Depending on how many items you have to sort through, it may be done for free or there may be a small fee to do so. In the event that you end up having an appraisal done on some of this sorted jewelry, at Hurdle’s Jewelry any fee of sorting will be waived in lieu of an appraisal charge. Every store’s policy is different. It is important to ask questions and trust the store you are working with.

How do I get Insurance?

Once you receive an appraisal you can submit this directly to your insurance company. Jewelry stores typically will not offer insurance through their store. You can either request a quote for a “rider” from your homeowners/renters insurance, or you can take out a policy through an independent jewelry insurance company. I highly recommend

Jeweler’s Mutual

. They are a wonderful and trustworthy company to work with, plus their rates are typically less than what you pay with your own homeowners or renters insurance. You can always receive a quote prior to making any decisions on who to go with for your insurance coverage.

Average Cost

The typical rule is approximately $10 for every $1,000 value. Therefore if you have a ring valued at $10,000, you’re looking at $100 per year to insure.

It’s always better to be safe than sorry. When it comes to your jewelry, take the time to understand what you’re requesting and how it impacts you for the long haul. Also, Don’t forget to read the fine print of your policy. Still have questions or concerns? Comment below and I’m more than happy to help assist!