by Jessica VandenHouten Getting a ring appraisal (or any other type of jewelry appraised) isn’t exactly something you do every day, and unknowns can be intimidating. It’s time to set the record straight on some common misconceptions about when a ring appraisal...

by Jessica VandenHouten April showers bring May flowers, but this month also brings another natural beauty we’d be remiss to dismiss. It’s time to celebrate April’s birthstone, the diamond, the most desired birthstone of them all.  History and beliefs around the...

“The moment I realized my ring was missing, I felt like crawling into a corner and never coming out. I was afraid to let my husband know, as I know how much thought he put into picking out the diamond and designing the...

The appraisal discipline is actually separate from gemology. Commonly the assumption is that a Graduate Gemologist degree is enough qualification to determine value. In fact I too had this assumption leaving gemology school. I quickly learned of the years of...

 by Christina Lee In the fine jewelry world, a jewelry appraisal is a document that indicates a jewelry item’s value as determined by an individual appraiser for a certain market at the time the appraisal is performed. The appraisal specifies detailed features...

‘What if’ is a catalyst for both dreams, extra care and fear. It is the power of ‘what if’ that drives the way we live, expecting the unexpected and  organizing life in such a way that we’re ready when both...

by James L. Sweaney Many people think jewelry insurance is very expensive and that it only covers for theft.  For these and other reasons, some folks don’t carry any insurance on their jewelry when it’s really in their best interest...

But first, let me take a selfie! Whether you’re a closet selfie taker or proudly strike a pose in the middle of a crowded restaurant, you may have the urge to share the perfect engagement ring selfie when it comes to...

Written by Aimee Berrent Jewelry has an emotional tie to us; but if something happens, it pays (literally) to have its value safeguarded by insurance.   Are you covered if there is negligence or carelessness involved? What if you don’t...

An appraisal that is too high does not protect you better, nor does a low appraisal benefit you. The single most important caveat regarding appraisals is the fictitious inflated value appraisal. A simple rule to follow is that if it is...