Protect Your Ring, and Your Investment, with An Engagement Ring Appraisal
Your search is over! You've found a beautiful diamond engagement ring that's a perfect match with her personal style. She's dazzled by your selection and can't wait to show it off to family and friends. But there's one more thing to do: It's time to protect your investment. And that process starts with an appraisal.
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What is an Engagement Ring Appraisal?
During an engagement ring appraisal, a certified gemologist will inspect your ring, notating its quality, materials and retail value. Make sure the appraisal includes the full retail value of your ring. That will enable you to get the ring insured, and replaced with one of equal value in the event that it's lost or stolen.
And that's especially important when you're shopping from places where you can get quality without the markup, like With Clarity. Your engagement ring insurance might come out to be more than what you paid for your ring, thanks to our ability to offer you GIA certified mined diamonds, IGI certified lab diamonds, and quality settings without extra costs thanks to our direct connections with trustworthy diamond suppliers and low overhead.
How is an Appraisal Different from a Certificate?
A diamond certificate is like a title to a car. It contains information about the gem's basic physical characteristics, like measurements, the four C's (cut, carat weight, color, and clarity grades), and description of any inclusions or imperfections. It's often referred to as a GIA certificate, for Gemological Institute of America, the organization that maintains the industry's grading standards. A diamond certificate comes with any diamond you buy from a retailer like With Clarity.
An appraisal is an estimate of a diamond's worth. It should be obtained from a certified gemologist, who will use the GIA or IGI certificate to issue an estimate. You can then use the appraisal, which will come with its own certificate, to purchase insurance for your ring.
Where to Get an Appraisal
Almost all jewelers offer appraisals, as do independent appraisers. It's best to choose a third-party appraiser, to avoid bias. If you select an independent appraiser, make sure they're certified. You can search for an appraiser near you on the American Gem Society website.
With Clarity is happy to facilitate appraisals through Gem Lab, a third-party laboratory in New York City which is recognized by most major insurance companies. You can purchase an appraisal at the same time you buy your ring. Once your ring is complete, we'll send it for appraisal, then send you the appraisal along with your jewelry.
When to Get an Appraisal
As soon as possible, after purchase! The sooner you get the appraisal done, the sooner you can purchase insurance for your ring/jewelry.
Cost of an Engagement Ring Appraisal
Engagement ring appraisals can be priced according to an hourly rate, or per piece of jewelry. Hourly rates tend to range from $50 to $150, depending on the lab. An appraisal by Gem Lab facilitated through With Clarity costs just $60.
