Appraisals
Jewelry and Timepiece Certified Appraisals
In the excitement of purchasing a timepiece or a piece of fine jewelry, it's easy to forget that a professional jewelry appraisal can protect you against theft or loss.
At Kolick’s Jewelers, we provide precise and reliable appraisals performed by on-site experts. With a Jewelry Repair Specialist and a Certified Gemologist, every piece is evaluated to the highest professional and ethical standards. Donald Kolick, President, is a Graduate Gemologist from the Gemological Institute of America and a Certified Gemologist from the American Gem Society (AGS).
There are a variety of reasons to have fine jewelry or a timepiece appraised. In most cases, written verification of value is for insurance purposes. Other times, an appraisal is required to settle estates. Our written appraisals feature photographs as well as a detailed description of the piece, including its condition and value.
Our Appraisal Process
1. Initial Consultation
Our specialists will evaluate your piece safely and accurately
without the need for you to stay during the process. No
appointment is required, simply drop it off whenever it's
convenient for you.
Plan to bring any supporting documentation, GIA certificate
or other relevant information.
2. Detailed Evaluation
Each jewelry item or timepiece is inspected and appraised
using internationally recognized standards from our Graduate & Certified Gemologist.
3. Appraisal Report
Receive a complete document outlining the value, quality,
and characteristics of your piece.
4. Review & Guidance
Our expert explains the report in detail
and answers any questions about the appraisal.
Why Choose Us?
Certification and Expertise
Only 5% of jewelers meet AGS standards. At Kolick’s, every appraisal is done by a Certified Gemologist.
Ethics and Professionalism
AGS member since 1934, upholding the highest standards of conduct.
On-Site Specialists
Appraisals performed by certified gemologists at our location.
Commitment to You
Every client receives careful, transparent, and personalized service.
The Four C’s
Diamond Appraisals
At Kolick’s Jewelers, we provide precise and reliable appraisals performed by on-site experts. With a Jewelry Repair Specialist and a Certified Gemologist, every piece is evaluated to the highest professional and ethical standards. Donald Kolick, President, is a Graduate Gemologist from the Gemological Institute of America and a Certified Gemologist of the American Gem Society (AGS).
The cut determines a diamond’s ultimate beauty. Properly proportioned cuts maximize brilliance, while shallow or deep cuts allow light to escape, reducing visual impact.
Diamonds come in many colors, but the most desirable are colorless. Yellows, browns, and grays are common, while truly colorless diamonds are extremely rare and valuable.
Clarity refers to the number of inclusions in the diamond. Fewer inclusions make the stone rarer and more valuable.
Clarity refers to the number of inclusions in the diamond. Fewer inclusions make the stone rarer and more valuable.
Should I Insure My Jewelry?
For most people, insurance provides peace of mind and yes, you should consider insuring jewelry especially if it holds a high sentimental value or it would cause financial hardship if it was lost or stolen. Insuring your jewelry also allows for you to wear your jewelry without worrying about loss or theft.
Most standard homeowner or renters insurance often have a cap or limit on the amount of jewelry theft coverage that it provides but you can add a separate rider to your existing insurance policy to cover each piece of jewelry. Your insurance company should be able to recommend the right policy or right to fit your needs.
What Do I Need to Do or
Consider Once I Decide to Insure My Jewelry?
Once you decide that you want to insure your item of jewelry, you will need an appraisal before contacting the insurance company. You will need recent appraisals which is why it is good to update your appraisals every few years. The appraisal contains a detailed description of the jewelry item and usually a photo to ensure proper coverage and smooth claims if you every need to submit one. Kolick's Jewelers is a jewelry store with a Graduate Gemologist From Gemological Institute of America (GIA), Certified Gemologist from American Gem Society and is qualified to do appraisals.
Once you have obtained the appraisal, contact your insurance company and let them know you have a jewelry appraisal and want to add coverage for that piece of jewelry or watch. The following are some important questions to consider when deciding on a policy for your expensive piece of jewelry or timepiece.
To ensure comprehensive jewelry coverage, ask your insurance company about policy types (e.g., scheduled riders vs. homeowners), "all-risk" coverage including "mysterious disappearance," and whether they offer "agreed value" or "replacement cost". Verify if coverage is worldwide, if you can choose your own jeweler, and if there is a deductible.
Coverage & Risk Questions
- Is this policy "all-risk"? (Covers theft, accidental damage, and mysterious disappearance/loss).
- What constitutes "mysterious disappearance"? (Does it cover losing an item without knowing how/where?).
- Is coverage worldwide? (Especially if traveling outside the U.S.).
- What is the deductible? (Is there a deductible for jewelry, or can I get a $0 deductible?).
- Do you cover "pairs and sets"? (If one earring is lost, do you pay to replace the whole pair?).
Does the policy cover damage? (Cracked stones, broken prongs, broken chains).
Valuation & Claims Questions
- Do you offer Agreed Value or Replacement Value? (Agreed Value pays the amount listed on the appraisal, while Replacement Cost covers the current cost to replace it).
- Does the policy cover up to the current appraisal value? (Can I get a rider that covers increased value?).
- Can I use my own jeweler for repairs or replacement?
- How do you pay out a claim? (Cash check or replacement via your own suppliers?).
What happens if the piece is irreplaceable? (e.g., vintage/antique).
Process & Documentation Questions
- What documentation is required? (Appraisal, receipt, photos).
- How often should I get a new appraisal? (Ideally every 2-5 years).
- Are there any security requirements? (e.g., must the jewelry be kept in a safe?).
- Can I use my own jeweler for repairs or replacement?
- How do you pay out a claim? (Cash check or replacement via your own suppliers?).
- What happens if the piece is irreplaceable? (e.g., vintage/antique).
Policy Structure
- Should I use an endorsement/rider on my homeowner's policy or a standalone policy?.
- What is the maximum limit for jewelry coverage?.
- Will a claim increase my home insurance premiums?.
Key Considerations:
- Cost: Generally costs a percent of the item's appraised value per year.
- Coverage Limits: Standard homeowners or renters insurance often caps jewelry theft coverage low, often around $1,500.
Alternatives: If the cost of the piece is low compared to your overall net worth, you might choose to "self-insure".
For most, insurance provides peace of mind, allowing them to wear their valuables without worrying about potential loss.
Certified Appraisals
If you need a fine jewelry appraisal for insurance or estate purposes — or if you would like to explore the incredible designs in our showroom, we invite you to visit us. For more information about appraisal or to schedule an appointment with our staff, contact Kolick’s Jewelers.
