Insurance Appraisal
Documents the full replacement value of your jewelry so your insurance provider can cover it for its true worth. Required by most major insurers for scheduled personal property coverage. Protects against loss, theft, and damage.
Services
Professional Jewelry Appraisals
Certified appraisals for insurance, estate, and personal documentation — backed by over 35 years of fine jewelry expertise in Indiana.
Your Jewelry Deserves an Accurate Valuation
A professional jewelry appraisal is more than a formality — it is the foundational document that protects your most treasured pieces. Whether you need documentation for insurance coverage, estate planning, charitable donation, or simply peace of mind, the certified appraisers at Peter Franklin provide meticulous, unbiased valuations grounded in current market data and decades of hands-on expertise.
We appraise fine jewelry, diamonds, gemstones, estate and antique pieces, custom fabrications, and luxury watches. Every appraisal is conducted on-site by a qualified professional and delivered as a detailed written report you can present directly to your insurance provider.
35+
Years in the Industry
4
Brick & Mortar Locations
In-House
Certified Appraisers
Appraisal Types
Every Valuation, Every Purpose
We provide written appraisals for all major purposes. Our appraisers identify the right appraisal type for your specific need.
Estate & Fair Market Appraisal
Used in estate settlement, divorce proceedings, charitable donations, and equitable distribution of assets. Determines fair market value as required by the IRS and legal professionals. Essential for estate tax documentation.
Resale & Liquidation Appraisal
Establishes a realistic market value in a resale context. Helps you set an informed asking price, negotiate confidently, or evaluate trade-in offers. Particularly valuable for estate jewelry and luxury watches.
Custom & Antique Jewelry Appraisal
Custom-fabricated and antique pieces require specialized knowledge beyond standard grading. Our appraisers assess craftsmanship, historical context, provenance, and current collector market conditions.
Luxury Watch Appraisal
Rolex, Patek Philippe, Omega, and other fine timepieces require a separate methodology. We evaluate movement condition, case integrity, dial authenticity, service history, and current secondary market pricing.
Update & Re-Appraisal
Market values for diamonds and precious metals change significantly over time. Outdated appraisals leave you underinsured. We recommend re-appraising every two to three years to reflect current replacement costs.
The Process
What to Expect
A transparent, straightforward appraisal process — from scheduling to your final document.
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Schedule
Book an appointment online or by phone. Bring your piece and any existing documentation, receipts, or prior appraisals.
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Examination
Our certified appraiser examines your piece in-house — grading stones, assessing metal, and researching current market values.
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Documentation
We prepare a comprehensive written appraisal report with detailed descriptions, measurements, photographs, and valuations.
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Delivery
Receive your certified appraisal document — accepted by major insurance providers and legal professionals nationwide.
What's Included
A Complete, Certified Document
Every Peter Franklin appraisal is a thorough professional report — not a one-line estimate.
Detailed Item Description
Metal type, purity, construction method, weight, dimensions, and finishing details documented in full.
Diamond & Gemstone Grading
Cut, color, clarity, and carat weight assessed for all diamonds and colored stones using industry-standard grading criteria.
Current Market Valuation
Value determined using current wholesale, retail, or fair market data appropriate to the appraisal's stated purpose.
Photographic Documentation
High-quality photographs of the piece included in the appraisal report for identification and insurance filing purposes.
Appraiser Certification & Signature
Signed and certified by a qualified Peter Franklin appraiser. Accepted by major insurance carriers and legal entities.
Insurance-Ready Format
Report formatted to meet the documentation requirements of all major personal property insurance providers.
Common Questions
Jewelry Appraisal FAQs
Answers to the questions we hear most often about the appraisal process.
- Most jewelry appraisals are completed within 5-7 business days. Complex pieces or estate collections requiring extensive research may take longer. We recommend scheduling an appointment so we can give you an accurate timeline specific to your piece.
- We appraise all fine jewelry — engagement rings, diamond pieces, colored gemstone jewelry, estate and antique jewelry, custom-fabricated pieces, pearls, and luxury watches including Rolex, Patek Philippe, Omega, and other major brands.
- Most homeowner and renter insurance policies provide only limited, blanket coverage for jewelry — often far below a piece's actual replacement value. A certified appraisal allows you to schedule individual pieces under a personal articles policy, ensuring full replacement coverage in the event of loss, theft, or damage.
- We recommend updating your jewelry appraisal every 2–3 years. Diamond prices, precious metal spot prices, and labor costs fluctuate significantly over time. An outdated appraisal can leave you substantially underinsured — especially for engagement rings and high-value pieces acquired more than a few years ago.
- Yes. We appraise jewelry regardless of where it was purchased. Our obligation is to provide an accurate, unbiased valuation — not to validate a prior purchase. Estate pieces, inherited jewelry, and items from other jewelers are all welcome.
- Bring the piece or pieces to be appraised along with any existing documentation — prior appraisals, original receipts, GIA or AGS certificates, and any known provenance information. This helps our appraiser provide the most accurate and complete report possible.
Schedule Your Appraisal Appointment Today
Our certified appraisers are ready to protect the pieces that matter most. Book your appointment at our Fort Wayne location or call us directly.
