Insurance appraisals
Written insurance appraisals, done in-house.
We write insurance appraisals at our Sixth Ave counter in downtown San Diego, at 907 6th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101. The store’s own specialists examine your piece, describe it in writing and state the single replacement value your insurance company needs.
Turnaround
Usually same day.
Drop-off is best; depending on the piece, some can be done while you wait (about 30 minutes to an hour), and a busy day may run a few hours or to the next business day.
What it is
A written appraisal with one replacement value.
An insurance appraisal describes your piece in writing. Attributes are stated approximately, as ranges, because that is how our appraisals are written.
It gives a single replacement value: one after-tax dollar figure, which is what your insurance company needs to schedule the piece.
Why insurers require one
The value has to be on file.
A piece can only be scheduled and covered for its appraised replacement value with a written appraisal on file.
Without one, a loss is settled without the piece’s documented value.
What you receive
A signed document, ready for your insurer.
You receive the signed written appraisal document with the replacement value, ready to hand to your insurer.
Inside the document
What you can expect in your appraisal
- 1
The appraisal date
The date of the appraisal.
- 2
Measurements and attributes
The measurements and attributes of the piece, stated approximately, as ranges. That is our standard practice.
- 3
Gemstone analysis and grading
Analysis and grading of the gemstones in the piece.
- 4
Photographs
Photographs of the piece.
- 5
A signed expert appraisal
The appraisal itself, signed by Kevin Keller.
- 6
A single replacement value
One after-tax dollar figure for insurance.
Who signs
Signed by Kevin Keller.
Appraisals are signed by Kevin Keller, who holds the GIA Graduate Diamonds diploma, is a watch specialist, has been grading since 1993 and is the store’s appraisal signer.
Kevin Keller: GIA Graduate Diamonds. AJ Leonard: GIA Graduate Gemologist and Graduate Jeweler. Anthony R. Zamonis: GIA Graduate Gemologist.
Across the team there is over 50 years of combined experience, with GIA diploma holders, diamond cutters and estate buyers among us. Meet our team.
Kevin Keller 
AJ Leonard 
Anthony R. Zamonis
How a piece is examined
Our testing equipment supports careful, item-specific examination: XRF for precious-metal composition, Sigma metal verification for suitable coins and bars, diamond-screening instruments, gemological microscopes and appropriate watch tests.
We choose the checks that fit the piece. See our testing equipment.
What to bring
The piece, your ID and any paperwork.
- Bring your piece and a valid government-issued photo ID.
- Bring any paperwork you already have, such as prior appraisals, lab reports or receipts.
Verbal or written
Two appraisals, two different questions.
Free verbal appraisal
A spoken selling estimate at the counter.
Insurance appraisal
A written, signed document with a replacement value for your insurer.
Both are real services. They answer different questions. How selling to us works.
Insurance appraisal questions
Questions people ask first.
Why does my insurance company need an appraisal to schedule my jewelry?
Scheduling lists a specific piece on your policy for a stated value. A piece can only be scheduled and covered for its appraised replacement value with a written appraisal on file, because the appraisal gives your insurer the description of the piece and the figure to schedule. Without one, a loss is settled without the piece’s documented value.
What value goes on an insurance appraisal?
The replacement value: a single after-tax dollar figure. Our appraisals state one figure for the piece, which is what your insurance company needs to schedule it.
How is an insurance appraisal different from a free verbal appraisal?
A free verbal appraisal is a spoken selling estimate at the counter. An insurance appraisal is a written, signed document with a replacement value for your insurer. Both are real services. They answer different questions.
How often should jewelry be re-appraised?
There is no single schedule that fits every piece, and your insurer may set its own requirement. A replacement value is stated as of the appraisal date, which is why every appraisal carries its date. Re-appraise when the piece has changed, when your insurer asks for an updated appraisal, or when the figure on file no longer reflects what it would take to replace the piece.
Can inherited or estate pieces be appraised for insurance?
Yes. The appraisal describes the piece in front of us and states its replacement value, so it does not matter how the piece came to you. Bring any paperwork you already have, such as prior appraisals, lab reports or receipts. Estate jewelry is everyday work here, and our team includes estate buyers.
What should I bring to an appraisal appointment?
Bring your piece and a valid government-issued photo ID, plus any paperwork you already have, such as prior appraisals, lab reports or receipts. Appraisals are usually same day. Drop-off is best; depending on the piece, some can be done while you wait (about 30 minutes to an hour).
Appraisal appointment
Request an appraisal appointment.
Start with your name and phone number, then add what you know about the piece. Or call and we will help you plan your visit.