Gemological Institute of America

American Gem Society

Appraisal reports accepted by all major jewelry insurers, including Jewelers Mutual, Zillion, and GemShield.

About Our Lab

Where Your Appraisal is Conducted

Every appraisal Marissa performs is conducted at SVS Fine Jewelry — an AGS Accredited Gem Laboratory and Nassau County's only Master IJO Jeweler Certified Gem Lab. These designations require in-house gemological equipment, GIA-credentialed staff, and rigorous standards verified by both the American Gem Society and the Independent Jewelers Organization.

Common Questions

Appraisal Questions, Answered

Everything we are asked most often about jewelry appraisals — from update timing to insurance acceptance — answered by our team.

How often should I update my jewelry appraisal?

We recommend updating every 2–3 years. Diamond and precious-metal markets shift, and your insurance documentation should keep pace with current replacement value. If your appraisal is more than three years old, your insurer may not be covering the true cost to replace your piece. Pieces purchased at SVS within the past three years qualify for complimentary updates; SVS-purchased pieces over three years update for $25; outside pieces follow our standard $125 per-piece pricing.

What is the difference between an appraisal and an offer to buy?

An appraisal documents the estimated retail replacement value — what your insurer would need to pay to replace the piece at today's market. It is a professional valuation document, not an offer to purchase. A buying offer reflects wholesale or resale value, which is typically lower than retail replacement. If you are considering selling, SVS also offers a private gold and diamond buying service — a separate appointment with separate pricing.

Can I use a SVS appraisal for my homeowner's or jewelry insurance policy?

Yes. Our written appraisal reports are prepared to the standards accepted by all major insurance providers, including Jewelers Mutual, Zillion, and GemShield. Reports include gemstone grading, metal analysis, replacement value, and photographs. Many homeowner's policies cover jewelry only to a limited dollar amount, so we recommend a separate scheduled jewelry rider or dedicated jewelry insurance policy for higher-value pieces.

Do I need an appointment, or can I drop off my jewelry?

Both options are available. Most clients book a private appointment to sit with Marissa during the evaluation — this means your jewelry never leaves your sight, you see the gemological equipment in use, and you can ask questions in real time. If your schedule does not allow, drop-off service is available; just call us first to coordinate so we can confirm capacity and turnaround.

What is included in a written appraisal report?

Every written appraisal includes complete gemstone grading (4Cs for diamonds; color, clarity, and weight for colored stones), metal analysis, measurements, current market replacement value, photographs of the piece, and the credentialed signature of our AGS Certified Gemologist Appraiser. Reports are prepared on professional appraisal documents suitable for insurance, estate, legal, or resale purposes.

Do you appraise jewelry that was not purchased at SVS?

Absolutely. We appraise jewelry from any source — inherited pieces, items purchased at other jewelers, estate finds, and vintage pieces. Every outside piece receives the same rigor as our own inventory: gemstones graded fresh, condition documented, current market value reissued. Outside pieces follow our standard $125 per-piece pricing, with bulk pricing of $65 per piece for estate lots of five or more.

Are verbal evaluations the same as a written appraisal?

No. A verbal evaluation is a complimentary in-store assessment — gemstone identification, condition review, and an informal estimate of value. It is ideal as a first step when you are unsure whether a full appraisal is needed. Verbal evaluations are not documented, are not accepted by insurance providers, and cannot be used for estate or legal purposes. For documentation, you will need a written professional appraisal.