COMMON SITUATIONS
When an estate appraisal makes sense
Appraisal Services
Every piece has a history. We help you understand its value.
A complete written estate appraisal from Day's Jewelers — prepared by GIA-certified gemologists with access to current global market data.
Honoring what they represent.
Some jewelry arrives with a story already written. A grandmother's ring. A brooch passed down through generations. A collection left behind by someone you loved.
Understanding the value of these pieces isn't about reducing them to a number. It's about honoring what they represent — and making sure the decisions ahead of you are grounded in accurate, professional information.
Our estate appraisals provide exactly that. A thorough written assessment, prepared with care and expertise, that gives you what you need whether you're settling an estate, planning for the future, or simply want to know what a treasured piece is worth.
The Process
Thorough. Documented. Accurate.
Our certified gemologists perform over 40 individual tests to identify gemstones and metals — assessing cut, clarity, color, carat weight, and the quality of the setting. Each appraisal is cross-referenced against current global jewelry markets to establish the most accurate fair market value available.
Your written appraisal is built to meet the standards of estate attorneys, financial planners, and probate courts.
- Complete piece description
Detailed documentation of each item including materials, construction, and condition. - Gemstone identification & grading
Cut, clarity, color, and carat weight assessed using professional gemological instruments. - Metal assessment
Identification and purity testing of all metals present in the piece. - Current market valuation
Fair market value established using live access to worldwide jewelry market data. - Gemologist certification
Signed documentation from a GIA-credentialed Graduate Gemologist.
Settling an estate
When dividing inherited jewelry among family members or beneficiaries, a written appraisal establishes fair market value — giving everyone an objective, professional basis for decisions that can otherwise be difficult.
Probate & legal documentation
Estate attorneys and probate courts often require a formal written appraisal as part of the legal process. Our documentation meets professional standards and is prepared by credentialed gemologists.
Estate planning
If you're planning ahead — updating a will, reviewing insurance coverage, or simply taking stock of what you own — an estate appraisal gives you an accurate, current record of your jewelry's value.
OUR EXPERTISE
A credential earned through years of dedication.
Each of our appraisers holds a Graduate Gemology degree from the Gemological Institute of America — the most rigorous gemological credential available.
Combined with direct access to worldwide jewelry market data and over 40 individual testing methods, our appraisals reflect not just what a piece is, but what it's genuinely worth in today's market.
We understand that estate jewelry often carries emotional weight alongside its material value. Every appraisal is handled with the discretion and care that reflects that.
Estate appraisal FAQs
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Fair market value is what a piece would realistically sell for between a willing buyer and a willing seller — it's the standard used for estate, inheritance, and tax purposes.
Replacement value is what it would cost to replace the piece with something comparable today, which is typically higher and is used for insurance appraisals.
For estate purposes, fair market value is almost always the figure you need.
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Bring the pieces you'd like appraised along with any existing documentation you have — prior appraisals, purchase receipts, certificates, or provenance records. These aren't required, but they help our gemologists provide the most thorough and accurate assessment.
If you're unsure which pieces to include, bring everything and we'll help you prioritize.
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Yes. Our written estate appraisals are prepared by GIA-credentialed gemologists and are structured to meet the documentation standards required by estate attorneys, financial advisors, and probate courts.
If you have specific requirements from a legal professional, let us know in advance and we'll make sure the documentation addresses them.
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The in-store appointment typically takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on the number of pieces. The written documentation is prepared following your visit — our team will give you a clear timeframe when you schedule.
For larger collections or complex estates, we recommend calling ahead so we can allocate sufficient time.
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No — and the distinction matters. An estate appraisal establishes fair market value, while an insurance appraisal documents replacement value.
If you need both, we can discuss which type is right for your situation, or whether separate appraisals make sense.
Our gemologists are happy to talk through the options before you commit to anything.
Need an insurance appraisal instead?
If you're looking to protect a piece rather than document its estate value, our insurance appraisals establish replacement value and work directly with your provider.
READY TO BEGIN
Schedule your appraisal.
Use the form below to request an appointment at your nearest Day's location.
Our team will coordinate the details with you before your visit.