CIA™ training has equipped her to generate online insurance industry ACORD forms, which accurately describe jewelry items for insurance purposes. Because the Certified Insurance Appraiser™ program broadens a jeweler's knowledge base in preparing appraisals, Donna believes the course will eventually become required for jewelers who want their appraisals to be regarded seriously. The ACORD appraisal not only includes all the essential components (mentioned below), it also certifies that the stones were thoroughly inspected by the appraiser with a fully equipped gem lab. (See TECHNOLOGY page) This means she does not just take the word of the gem supplier or seller, but knows the quality of the gems from her own examination of them.

(Donna is the only Appraiser in the State of Tennessee Certified by ACORD, the "Association for Cooperative Operations Research and Development", the institution that sets the standards for jewelry appraisals and insurance.) To learn more about ACORD please click here. Whether you have just inherited a unique piece of jewelry or found an unusual gemstone in your grandmother's jewelry box, Accurate Jewelry Appraisals has all of the knowledge and equipment available to determine a gemstone's identity and value.

Written appraisals for valuable piece(s) of jewelry are provided in keeping with insurance industry standards. The appraisal is accompanied by a description of ALL characteristics of the piece, including weights, grades, measurements; AND states any treatments given the gem that are not part of the usual processing of this type of gemstone, or states that the gem is untreated; states whether the gem is natural or synthetic; gives the manufacturer, workmanship, metal and karatage of the mounting; gives the value of the jewelry; and includes a photograph of the jewelry. Such an appraisal will serve as your written assurance of the quality of the jewelry. It will also help your insurer set the proper premiums. And, should you ever need to file a claim, this detailed description insures that your replacement jewelry matches the quality of the piece you originally purchased.

Insurers recommend that their policyholders get jewelry appraisals on JISO Form 78/79. Since Donna is already a Certified Insurance Appraiser™, she has and uses the ACORD appraisal form. (Anyone can obtain the ACORD form from their insurer or online at no charge. ACORD is a non-profit organization that sets electronic and print standards for the insurance industry.) With this appraisal form, you know all the essential information is included because all the blanks are filled in.

Additional lines in the upper section of the appraisal are for jewelry having multiple stones. Such detailed information would be given for each stone, or grouping of small stones, in the piece. The "Optional Description" might include any other relevant information, such as if the stone was synthetic or had received any gem treatments, if a ring was engraved, etc. The lower section is for gems and jewelry requiring other specific information.

The appraisal uses the phrase "estimated replacement value" (rather than simply "value") because this is an insurance appraisal and will be consulted if your jewelry is lost or damaged and needs to be replaced. The amount quoted is a fair estimation of value based on its usual selling price; it is not based on a retailer's claim of the jewelry's "real worth," when he says he is selling it to you at 50% below price.

The paragraph above the appraiser's signature says that the appraisal is being written for both the customer and the insurer. This means that "Accurate Jewelry Appraisals" stands behind the descriptions and valuation, and offers the same warranties to the insurer as to the purchaser.

Pricing for "Accurate Jewelry Appraisals"

The fee is based on how much time will be involved to measure and grade all the gemstones; verify the karat of the metal; and research the Current Usual Selling Price for your item. After extensive market research of fees currently being charged in our area and appraisals being written; Donna has chosen to provide a more detailed, more accurate appraisal for a reasonably priced, affordable fee. By Appointment Only; all fees are determined in advance after a close look at the jewelry. Your jewelry does not need to leave your sight. Completed Written Documents are usually ready in one week. No appraisals are begun until a reasonable fee is agreed on. For more information, please contact Donna directly, e-mail her at DiamondDonna.

Shopping Considerations and Caveats

Beware of jewelry appraisals on fancy "Certificates" (some even look like they're meant to be framed) that leave out crucial information! Such a document, which favors appearance above information, is not of any value to you or your insurance agent. Beware of appraisals that have, just above the jeweler's signature, a disclaimer such as "The foregoing appraisal is made and accepted upon the express understanding that NO Liability or Responsibility is incurred by the Appraiser giving same." There are variations in the phrasing, but "no liability" means the appraiser does not take responsibility for the truth of the appraisal. There is no such disclaimer on the ACORD appraisal.

Buyer’s Tip
When purchasing jewelry, be sure you have the option of returning the jewelry within a limited period of time. This allows you to return the piece if an independent appraisal shows the jewelry is not of the quality the retailer claimed. Such a return is immeasurably easier if you make your purchase by credit card, rather than by cash or check.