Typically you are looking to have your jewelry appraised before you have it insured so that you and the insurance company know how much your jewelry is worth in case you suffer a loss and it needs to be replaced.
Our appraisals are accepted by all Wisconsin and Illinois insurance companies.
Von Hasle Jewelers is located in Racine, Wisconsin which is roughly 40 minutes north of the Illinois border, and 40 minutes south of Milwaukee. We offer same day service while you wait.
Commonly Insured Jewelry Items
The most common jewelry items for insurance appraisals and valuations include:
- diamond ring
- wedding ring or engagement ring
- luxury watches
- diamond earrings or diamond studs
We also offer appraisals for items that have been damaged, as opposed to a total loss, in order to determine the value of what remains or to determine a reasonable cost to repair your jewelry.
Eligible Insurance Companies
Our appraisals are accepted by all insurance companies in Wisconsin, Illinois and all other US states. Our belief is a more detailed appraisal helps ensure a more detailed and accurate replacement from your insurance company. Certain policies and carriers require additional appraisals from independent appraisers to verify sales receipts and descriptions.
How much does a jewelry appraisal for insurance cost?
$85 for the first item and $70 for each additional item.
How long does it take for a jewelry appraisal for insurance?
Approximately 45 minutes per item.
What should I bring to the appraisal appointment in addition to the jewelry?
Please be sure to bring any previous paperwork relating to the jewelry. Original sales receipts, previous appraisals, and/or laboratory reports can often be helpful in determining any provenance or specific details about the pieces.
Common Jewelry Insurance Questions
Is an appraisal necessary to secure full insurance coverage?
Most insurance companies require current appraisals (usually less than 2 years) to have the jewelry individually itemized on your policy. Sometimes, the receipt from where you purchased the items may be sufficient. Remember, the more detailed and accurate your appraisal is, the more detailed and accurate your replacement will be should you suffer a loss.
Is my claim more likely to be accepted if the appraisal is performed by a certified appraiser?
A properly trained jewelry appraiser is best qualified to give you the most accurate and detailed evaluation of the piece as well as the most accurate value of the item.
A gemologist is trained on the “what is it?” where an appraiser has additional training to give more accurate information regarding the “How much is it worth?” question. Some companies require more qualified appraisers, and sometimes second opinions on higher value items.
At Von Hasle Jewelers we are Certified Gemologist Appraisers, Certified Insurance Appraisers, and Advanced Personal Property Appraisers, so you get both levels of expertise in one company, and a remarkable experience.
How often should I have my jewelry appraisals updated?
Well, again, that depends on your policy and can vary from company to company. Our recommendation is that you have jewelry items reviewed every 2 years to make sure your values are correct, and you have adequate coverage. It’s all about making sure you’re not under, or over, insured.
What is provenance?
Provenance refers to the history or origin of a piece of jewelry, art, artifact, or any other valuable item. It is the documentation or evidence that traces the ownership of an item throughout its history, from the time it was created or first acquired to its current ownership.
The provenance of jewelry can include information such as who made it, who has owned it over time, where it has been kept or displayed, and any significant events or milestones associated with it.
Provenance is important because it can provide valuable information about the authenticity, rarity, and historical significance of an item. For example, if a necklace has a well-documented provenance that shows it has been worn by a celebrity, it may be more valuable than a similar necklace with an unknown history.
Provenance can be established through various means, such as through documentation like receipts, invoices, letters, or photographs, as well as through oral or written testimonies from previous owners, experts, or witnesses.