People walk into our Rockefeller Center showroom every day with the same question:
“Do I need an appraisal, an authentication, or a grading report?”
All three sound similar. All three involve an expert looking at a piece of jewelry. But they answer very different questions about identity, gemstone quality, and market value. Understanding the difference gives you clarity, saves you money, and helps you protect your investment with real peace of mind.
Here is the comprehensive guide we share with clients who want to know the true value of their jewelry, whether it is a diamond engagement ring, a vintage designer piece, or something inherited from a family estate.
Jewelry Appraisal: Assigning Market Value
A jewelry appraisal tells you what your jewelry is worth in the current market.
Not what you paid for it. Not what you hope to sell it for someday. Its documented, professional valuation right now.
When we appraise a piece here at the store, our jewelry appraisers examine every detail including gemstones, precious metals, craftsmanship, materials used, condition, and the type of jewelry. The result is an accurate appraisal report that includes measurements, metal type, gemological details, and clear photos.
You need an appraisal when you are:
- Seeking a jewelry appraisal for insurance purposes
- Updating or starting a policy with your insurance provider
- Managing estate planning or settling an inheritance
- Handling resale value decisions or preparing to sell your jewelry
- Confirming the monetary value of a fine jewelry piece
- Protecting valuable jewelry or designer jewelry
An appraisal is a professional document. It is written for you, but designed to satisfy your insurer, support insurance claims, protect your investment, and give you a defensible replacement value backed by a jewelry professional.
Learn more about our appraisal and authentication services here:
https://louismartin.com/pages/jewelry-appraisal
Jewelry Authentication: Confirming Identity and Origin
If appraisal answers “What is this worth?”
Authentication answers “Is this jewelry genuine?”
When clients bring us vintage or estate pieces, the first step is almost always verification. We authenticate a jewelry piece by examining hallmarks, maker’s marks, precious metal content, gemstone characteristics, and overall workmanship. Sometimes this includes ruling out a counterfeit or confirming whether the jewelry is real before you insure it or attempt resale.
Authentication is helpful when:
- You inherit a piece of jewelry and want to confirm it is authentic
- You are buying vintage or estate jewelry and need verification
- You want to ensure a signed piece such as Cartier, Tiffany, or brands like Rolex is genuine
- You are preparing the piece for resale and want accurate jewelry documentation
- You need authentication documents for peace of mind
We see this often. A client brings in a jewelry piece their family believed was from the 1930s. After authentication, we confirm the materials used were consistent with the period. Occasionally, we find that the metal purity or maker’s mark does not match expectations. Verification protects you from making decisions based on incomplete information.
Explore our full appraisal and authentication services here:
https://louismartin.com/pages/service-appraisal
Jewelry Grading: Evaluating Gemstone Quality
Grading focuses solely on gemstone quality, not monetary value.
This is where the gemological side comes in. We evaluate diamonds and gemstones based on:
- Cut, color, clarity, and carat
- Gemstone treatments
- Natural versus synthetic indicators
- Gemological precision and symmetry
- Color saturation and transparency
Our team uses gemological tools and grading standards recognized by institutions such as the Gemological Institute of America. Grading is essential for diamond jewelry, engagement rings, and any piece where gemstone quality affects the value of your jewelry.
A grading report gives you the technical specifications.
Your appraisal combines those specifications with the current market value.
How They Work Together (A Real Example)
Here is a common scenario we see in the showroom.
A client brings in a platinum engagement ring inherited from a grandmother.
The process usually goes like this:
-
Authentication:
We verify that the ring’s precious metal content is platinum, not white gold, and confirm the maker’s mark is consistent with mid century craftsmanship.
-
Grading:
Our gemologists evaluate the center diamond under magnification, checking clarity characteristics, cut precision, and color under controlled lighting.
-
Appraisal:
We combine authentication and grading results with current market demand to determine its replacement value and estimated retail value.
Three services. Three different answers. One complete understanding of the piece’s value.
Which One Do You Need? A Simple Guide
Use this to decide:
- If you need the value for insurance purposes, you need an appraisal
- If you want to confirm the jewelry is genuine, you need authentication
- If you need details on diamonds or gemstones, you need grading
- If you are preparing to sell your jewelry and want a reasonable price, start with authentication followed by appraisal
- If you are handling estate planning or inherited jewelry, you usually need all three
When in doubt, bring the piece in. We will look at it with you and explain what makes the most sense without extra cost or pressure.
Why Professional Evaluation Matters
Many people start with online tools to estimate value. These can be helpful for quick research, but they cannot replace:
- Hands on inspection by an experienced appraiser
- Precious metal testing
- Gemological assessment
- Authentication of designer marks
- Verification of gemstone treatments
- Proper appraisal documents accepted by insurance providers
For accurate jewelry valuation, nothing replaces having a jewelry professional examine the piece in person.
Our Digital Appraisal Partner: BriteCo
Clients often ask how we store appraisal records and how insurers receive documentation. To keep everything secure and easy to access, we use BriteCo’s cloud-based appraisal platform for all written valuation reports you receive from our store. This system helps ensure accuracy, consistency, and long term protection of your jewelry records.
With BriteCo’s technology, your appraisal report includes:
- Secure digital storage for future reference
- Instant professional documentation you can provide to insurers
- Accurate item descriptions and replacement values
- Records accepted by leading insurance companies
- A streamlined, modern process that helps reduce errors and improves clarity
We prepare your appraisal on BriteCo’s platform, and once complete, you receive a detailed digital copy you can save, print, or share with your insurance provider.
Insurance policies themselves are arranged directly through BriteCo if you choose, but there is no obligation to purchase insurance in order to receive your appraisal.
Using this digital system helps us maintain the highest standard of professionalism while giving you peace of mind knowing your appraisal documents are safely stored and easy to access whenever you need them.
FAQs: Appraisal vs Authentication vs Grading
1. Do I need an appraisal if I already have a grading certificate?
Yes. A grading certificate evaluates gemstone quality. An appraisal assigns monetary value, replacement value, and current market value for insurance purposes.
2. How often should I update my appraisal?
Most insurance providers recommend updating the appraisal every three to five years to reflect market changes.
3. Can authentication detect counterfeit jewelry?
Yes. Authentication verifies materials used, metal type, and craftsmanship. This helps rule out counterfeits and confirms whether your jewelry is genuine.
4. Is an appraisal necessary for an insurance claim?
Yes. Without appraisal documents, most insurers cannot process or pay claims for lost, stolen, or damaged jewelry.
5. Can you authenticate brands like Rolex?
For watches, yes. Only the brand itself can provide official certification, but we provide authentication documents and detailed verification based on decades of experience.
Thinking About an Evaluation? We Are Here in Rockefeller Center
Whether you are protecting an engagement ring, preparing for estate planning, or simply curious about the true value of your jewelry, our jewelry appraisers are here to help.
If you want clarity and peace of mind, you can schedule an appointment or visit us anytime.
