Should I have my jewelry appraised online?

If you’re looking to sell your jewelry – be it online or at a brick-and-mortar jewelry store, your first question will be, “how much is it worth?” and rightly so. Regardless of why you wish to part with your pre-worn items, you aim to make as much money as possible. What you need is an appraisal of their value. Appraisals are also required for insurance purposes. So, you have two options – either visit a jewelry store near you or search the web for sites offering online jewelry appraisal. Which is the best option? 

Online jewelry appraisal

Today, especially during the Corona pandemic, people rely on the internet more than ever, from grocery shopping to online transactions of every kind. Mostly because so many businesses have had to close their doors during shutdowns. The worldwide web is not only convenient but safer than venturing outside. However, there is a clear and significant difference between buying discounted clothes on eBay than having a $7000 diamond ring or branded jewelry item by Harry Winston or Cartier appraised online. 

Suppose your jewelry items are not that expensive, and you only want a general estimate of their dollar value. In that case, using an online appraisal service might be convenient – you can do it from the comfort of your home at a time of your convenience. How does it work? An online appraiser charges a fee for their services. Once ‘hired,’ you connect with an appraiser via phone, text, or email. You then supply photos of your items along with any documentation and certificates you may have to receive an evaluation. 

However, is the online store trustworthy and dependable? In the same way as selling online, it depends on the integrity, reputation, and professionalism of the company you approach. This requires some research on your part.

In-store appraisal

An online appraisal is a rough estimate and is not recognized by insurance companies. 

If you are serious about selling your jewelry or need an appraisal for insurance purposes, you will need an official evaluation by a professional trained and certified by a well-known grading laboratory, like the GIA or AGS. Furthermore, you might need a specialist or an appraiser with niche knowledge for antique or culturally significant jewelry, and this you probably won’t find online. 

The details analyzed during an official (GIA etc.) evaluation for a grading report explain why many believe an online appraisal can never be accurate. When appraisers grade diamonds, they study the  4 Cs – cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. This deep-dives into every aspect of the jewel, from brilliance to symmetry to inclusions and many more parameters. Sending an image of your jewelry online will not convey the marks and blemishes or other essential details required to give an accurate evaluation of their market worth.

DNR Diamonds NYC is a leading wholesale diamond manufacturer and importer that buys pre-owned jewelry for cash. The company invites clients for a free appraisal to ensure that they will be paid an honest sum for their precious items in cash.

Please book your free appraisal here or give us a call.

Contact DNR for a free appraisal!