Is a Certification Necessary?

Jeff Averbook, G.G.
Graduate Gemologist since 1986. Member NAJA. Life Member AIN.

This is the key and it will depend on what you mean by that. The description in the appraisal will serve as the purchase order for the replacement by the insurance company in the case of a loss. Since this scenario is what your paying for when you buy insurance, it’s worth some effort to maximize how it will play out and it’s the real reason that people want pre-loss insurance type appraisals.  The selling jeweler and the insurance company’s objectives are NOT the same as yours in this.  Look at your appraisal and decide if it’s sufficient for this purpose.  It should have all of the important dimensions, weight, gradings, condition, ploting diagram, photographs and other details that are sufficient to define exactly what you have.  They can’t replace the sentimental value, but everything else can and should be included in the appraisal report.  If this isn’t there, ring up your appraiser and ask for more details.  If they can’t or won’t do it, hire a better appraiser.  They should be able to advise you if a lab inspection would be helpful.  It sounds like it's not.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver

There's never a crowd when you go that extra mile.