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A Matter of Brilliance is a professional jewelry appraisal company based in Newton, MA, founded by Aimee Berrent, Graduate Gemologist. Our appraisals can be used to:
New Year’s Fitness Resolution: 4 tips to get your jewelry collection in shape
Here’s a New Year’s resolution that you can keep: Get your jewelry collection in shape! No need to go to a gym; these tips can help your “sparklies” get in top form.
1. Review your collection
You may think you know every piece of jewelry you have, but how about those pieces tucked away in the back of a drawer or in that hiding place you can never remember? Take an afternoon and lay everything out on a table. Don’t forget heirloom watches, men’s chains, silver flatware, sterling silver pieces, antique clocks, and jewelry stashed in a safe deposit box. Collect all your receipts, old appraisals, and paperwork, too.
2. Organize your collection
The best way to do this is to create a jewelry inventory. We’ve written about it here, but in short, make a spreadsheet and log details of each piece—what it is, the most recent appraised value, carats/color/clarity, and any identifying features. Note any paperwork that goes with the piece and take a picture for identification.
3. Check on your insurance
Things happen—jewelry is lost or damaged. Without proper insurance, you won’t be able to replace your valuables. You may need an umbrella policy in conjunction with your Homeowners, or a Valuable Items Policy. Whatever your insurance agent recommends, the underwriters will need to see a written appraisal from a reputable source.
Which brings us to the final step in your jewelry fitness plan…
4. Get an updated appraisal
Insurance companies won’t take your word for how valuable your piece is. And if the only proof you have is a 20-year-old sales slip, you’ll miss out on the appreciated value—not nearly enough to replace your ring, earring, or pendant. Appraisals should be updated every 5 to 7 years to make sure current market value is reflected and you’re insuring your jewelry properly. Plus, if you decide you want to sell your jewelry, you’ll have a sense of how much you should get. A good appraisal will give you a separate evaluation for each piece, including a full description, picture, and current value.
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