Ayres Jewelry Co. - Protecting Your Jewelry

Protecting Fine Jewelry

Protecting your fine jewelry is about more than just proper care and cleaning. Obtaining a professional appraisal or insurance evaluation should be considered. This will document and assign an accurate replacement value. Consider purchasing personal property insurance to cover your precious jewelry against theft, loss or other threats.

Jewelry Appraisals

An appraisal is a document that describes a jewelry item, assessed its relative quality and assign a value to it. Descriptions usually cover the items characteristics and describe subjective features, such as stone quality, relative rarity and overall quality of the manufacture.

The vast majority of jewelry appraisals are for insurance replacement (the retail cost of replacement) This type of appraisal should reflect the realistic cost of replacing an item from a store or similar to where it was purchased. You should have your jewelry inspected and the appraisal should be updated on a regular basis especially if your purchased personal property insurance.

Finding Qualified Appraisers

There is no federal or state requirements for appraisers. The following characteristics should be used to find an appraiser your can trust with your jewelry. (Call Ayres first!)

Appraisal Credentials - Most jewelers with none or little training can create a detailed replacement document for insurance purposes on the new jewelry they sell. Specialized appraisal documents should be obtained or titled by a national appraisal organization.

Credentials and Experience - For jewelry containing gemstones, find an appraiser with at least a Graduate Gemologist diploma (G.G.) from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or its equivalent. Also, look for someone who has continuing education credentials and is knowledgeable about the latest appraisal issues.

Knowledge of Jewelry Manufacture - A qualified jewelry appraiser must understand manufacturing techniques and recognize their contributions to the value of an item.

High Ethical Standards and Awareness of Legal Obligations - Appraisers should adhere to the highest levels of professional behavior. Consider the appraiser's professional affiliations, as well as the appraiser's reputation within the industry.

Your Professional Jeweler

SInce caring for your fine jewelry involves professional cleaning and may require jewelry repair or custom adjustments, always purchase your fine jewelry from a professional you can trust and to whom you would want to return. Choose a retailer who has demonstrated a commitment to professionalism and has an established reputation.

Ask if the jeweler is a member of Jewelers of America (JA), the national association for professionals serving the fine jewelry retail marketplace, or look for the "J" logo on the company's door or website.

Jewelers of America jewelers' commitment to customer service ensures that they will be there for your future fine jewelry questions, repairs or custom design needs. Jewelers of America members have sign ed and abide by a Code of Professional Practices, so you buy with confidence from a JA jeweler.

Insurance

Buying jewelry insurance for your most valuable and treasured pieces is the best way to honor the memories and emotions that the jewelry represents while also protecting your financial investment.

Standard Homeowners / Renters Insurance - This insurance provides limited jewelry protection and often excludes coverage if the jewelry is broken or lost. Standard policies typically have high deductibles and low limits for theft.

Personal Property Insurance - This is sometimes called 'total peace of mind protection' because this supplemental coverage often insures an item against damage, loss, theft and mysterious disappearances. Ask Ayres how to obtain the appropriate appraisal documentation required for this insurance.

Personal Property Insurance - Questions to Ask

What threats are covered?
How will the insurance company replace my piece?
What jeweler will be used?
What if an exact replacement is not available?
Is coverage available if the item is vintage or antique?
What proof is required for replacement if the jewelry item mysteriously disappears?
Under what circumstances are damage and loss not covered?
Are there options for deductibles, and how do different deductibles affect policy costs?
What documentation is required to ensure the items?
Does the policy cover jewelry during international travel?
Does the policy cover the cost of any necessary repairs if an item is damaged?


	118 East Second Street · Casper, Wyoming 82601 800-257-2986 * 307-234-2986 * FAX: 307-234-0471 Open Tuesday thru Saturday 9 AM to 5 PM, or by special appointment. Questions? Contact Us!
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