Why Jewelry Appraisals Matter — Especially for Insurance

When you buy a beautiful new piece of jewelry — whether it’s an engagement ring, a diamond pendant, or a family heirloom — the last thing you’re probably thinking about is paperwork.

But here’s the reality: jewelry appraisals are one of the most important steps you can take to protect your investment — especially when it comes to insurance.

At Doland Jewelers, we’ve seen what can happen when a customer loses or damages a cherished piece without an appraisal on file. Don’t wait until something goes wrong. Here’s why a professional jewelry appraisal matters — and what it should include.

💎 What Is a Jewelry Appraisal?

A jewelry appraisal is a formal document that describes your piece in detail and assigns a replacement value based on current market pricing.

It’s not just a receipt — it’s a certified evaluation done by a professional, and it includes:

• A full description of the piece (type of metal, gemstone quality, weight, measurements, etc.)
• Clear photos of the jewelry
• An estimated retail replacement value
• The name and credentials of the appraiser

🛡️ Why Appraisals Matter for Insurance

Most homeowners or renters insurance policies will not cover valuable jewelry by default — or will only cover a small amount, usually $1,000–$2,500.

To be properly protected, you’ll need to:

• Schedule the jewelry as an itemized rider on your policy
• Or purchase separate jewelry insurance coverage through a specialized provider (like Jewelers Mutual)

But to do either, your insurer will likely require a current appraisal.

🧾 Without an Appraisal:

• Your claim could be delayed, reduced, or denied
• You might only receive a small payout — far below the item’s true value

✅ With an Appraisal:

• You’ll have peace of mind that your investment is protected
• Insurance companies will know exactly what they’re covering
• You’ll get full replacement value in case of theft, loss, or damage

🔁 When Should You Get a Jewelry Appraisal?

We recommend getting an appraisal:

• Immediately after purchase (many customers do this when buying from us)
• Every 3–5 years, as market values for gold, diamonds, and gemstones fluctuate
• Before insuring older or inherited pieces
• After any major repairs or alterations

Even if you bought the piece years ago, it’s not too late — we can appraise it now and help you bring your records up to date.

🧠 What About Lab-Grown Diamonds?

Good question — insurance companies often treat lab-grown and natural diamonds differently when assigning value. That’s why it’s important that your appraisal clearly identifies the type of stone.

At Doland Jewelers, we appraise both natural and lab-grown jewelry with detailed documentation tailored to the unique characteristics of each.

🛠️ Doland Jewelers: Appraisals Done Right

We offer professional, detailed jewelry appraisals performed by qualified experts — and we make the process easy. Our appraisals are accepted by all major insurance providers and include:

✅ Accurate, up-to-date replacement values
✅ Detailed descriptions and clear photos
✅ Fast turnaround times
✅ Friendly help from our knowledgeable team

We also keep a copy of the appraisal in our system — just in case you ever need it again.

📋 Don’t Wait Until Something Goes Wrong

Your jewelry is more than just beautiful — it’s valuable, personal, and often irreplaceable. A proper appraisal ensures you’re not left guessing (or fighting with your insurance company) if the unexpected happens.

📝 Ready to Get Your Jewelry Appraised?

Visit Doland Jewelers in Dubuque or Davenport, or book an appraisal appointment online.
We’ll walk you through the process, explain your insurance options, and make sure your treasures are properly protected.