You (or they) finally did it. Finally, fatefully said it. Those two magic words. Just three letters in total. But when spoken together, they can mean a whole world’s worth of love, commitment, connection, and affection.
“I do.”
Or maybe you’re not quite at that point…just yet. But you are about to purchase a beautiful, brilliant, sparkling new diamond engagement ring with hope that he or she proudly proclaims those two simple, yet deeply powerful words.
With such a monumental purchase, both in hard dollar value and overall life meaning, comes great responsibility, of course. You’ll want to purchase a jewelry insurance policy for this precious piece—and the jewelry insurance pros here at Zillion are always ready and willing to help you.
But what about an…appraisal? You’re pretty sure you’ve heard this word uttered at some point during the whirlwind shopping, consideration, and purchase process. Do you really know what it means to have your diamond engagement ring appraised, though? And if an appraisal has to be completed more than once?
An insurance appraisal: What is it not?
Have no fear. Zillion is here.
Before we dive into details surrounding a diamond engagement ring appraisal, let’s take a moment to talk about what an engagement ring appraisal is not. It’s not the same thing as the diamond grading certificate that may be delivered with your diamond engagement ring purchase. These grading reports, available from professional organizations such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or American Gem Society (AGS), provide valuable and vital details regarding ring elements and aspects such as carat weight, cut, color, and clarity.
But while the grading report gives you lots of information, it cannot give you a specific dollar value or overall valuation estimate. That’s the exclusive realm and domain of the jewelry appraisal.
An insurance appraisal: What is it?
A diamond engagement ring appraisal (or appraisal of any non-traditional, non-diamond engagement ring) is a trusted, tried, and true method of assessing the current value the piece. Upon this official document, you’ll see the assigned value of your complete engagement ring—including the diamond or primary gemstone, any other featured stones, and the ring’s setting.
These official appraisal documents are composed and delivered after careful study by professional appraisers and/or jewelers.
Keep in mind that in the jewelry industry, it’s essentially standard practice for appraisals to be “inflated”—often at a full 100% above your engagement ring’s retail value. This “inflated appraisal” benefits both the jeweler and the jewelry insurance provider. The jeweler gets to puff their collective chest out as purveyors of “great value”—while insurance companies get to stick you with higher premiums.
Also keep in mind that since an appraisal doesn’t accurately reflect the true “value” of your diamond engagement ring, it’s important to remain realistic about potential returns should you decide to trade-in or sell your ring. Simply put, the listed value on your engagement ring appraisal is not a viable nor reliable indicator of what you’d receive as a ring resale price.
How often should I get an engagement ring appraisal?
As one of the rarest and most precious elements on earth, diamonds are inherently valuable and coveted. Like all precious metals, the value of diamonds may change over time. With this fact in mind, it’s worth taking a moment to consider just how often you should get your diamond engagement ring appraised.
Some diamond industry experts recommend that your diamond engagement ring be appraised every five years. Should anything happen to your ring, you want to ensure that you receive its full current value as compensation or replacement. If you’re holding onto an appraisal that’s more than a few years old, the “official” recorded value of your ring will fall far short of its actual current value. You definitely don’t want that.
Other experts suggest a revised appraisal of your diamond engagement ring more often—with some holding firm that every two to three years should be the rule of thumb (or ring finger).
Keep in mind, some jewelry insurance policies contain requirements and stipulations that your diamond engagement ring be appraised regularly. You’ll also want to remember that if you’re wearing a vintage, antique, or collectible engagement ring, it’s even more vital to keep that ring’s monetary valuation as up-to-date as possible.
Zillion: a better engagement ring insurance option
Whenever it is time for you to purchase a jewelry insurance policy for your prized new engagement ring, our expert staff here at Zillion is ready to ensure you have the easiest, most affordable, and rewarding experience possible.
While not required, we do recommend that your diamond engagement ring be appraised every few years to ensure appropriate coverage. This way, in the unfortunate event that something bad does befall your diamond engagement ring, our affordable, flexible, no-hassle, jewelry insurance can replace it. And your appraisal paperwork will have chronicled your diamond engagement ring detail-by-detail, cut-for-cut, inch-by-inch. We recommend you even take a moment to read more about the ins-and-outs of diamond engagement ring insurance.
Don’t just take our word for it, though. Take a moment to read through the many positive online Zillion reviews. Or visit our home page for a fast, free custom quote right now!
