When a person buys a certain piece of jewelry, he has several things to consider. Depending on his purpose and lifestyle, he may opt to buy a genuine set at a high price or he may settle for an artificial, synthetic, man-made set, such as cubic zirconia for a real diamond. He may also want to purchase genuine jewelry that is less superior in quality, in case he wants a real one but cannot afford to buy exquisite jewelry. Diamonds, for instance, have different market values depending on their intrinsic qualities such as fire, brilliance, clarity, and also on how the gem was cut. Typically, the more transparent and brilliant, the higher its quality, and hence more expensive.
For those who bought jewelries for less than $500, an appraisal may not be necessary at all. The price alone tells you that it is either man-made, inferior in quality, or just plain imitation. If it is worth more than that, then they should consider an appraisal to know if they really got their money’s worth. Precious stones such as diamonds are especially difficult determine whether they are genuine or man-made (cubic zirconia) because of their close resemblance in hardness and brilliance. One of the principal ways to tell them apart is by their weight – cubic zirconia weighs more than a real diamond.
Appraisals can give vital information for the owner such as their true worth so that they can insure them for the proper amount. Moreover, if he plans to sell the jewelry in the future, an appraisal can verify its worth to potential buyers. Appraisals are also necessary to pass through customs when traveling to another country.
Appraisals are done by certified inspectors. However, they should not be affiliated with any store owners or dealers where the jewelry was bought. In most cases, their estimations can become biased. This is not good for buyers who are serious about their jewelry’s worth. True worth should be based on the independent inspection, setting, and other characteristics. After an appraisal, a buyer may opt to return them to the jeweler where they were bought if the results do not meet his standards. Other jewelers, however, may not be as agreeable.
It is also important not to give any background information about the jewelry, particularly the stone. An inspector might not be affiliated with store owners but still they might have their own presuppositions on a certain dealer or jewelry store. Therefore it is best not to divulge information about where it was bought and how much it costs. This way one can be assured that the outcome is one that is valid and more reliable.
For the novice who wants to purchase genuine jewelry, it is best to always consult a reputable expert jeweler or jewelry specialist. He cannot afford to lose the deal by purchasing a synthetic or cheap imitation for the price of a real one. Others however, may want to buy jewelry for fashion, or purely decorative purposes. There are many good-looking jewelry that are not as expensive but still possess the same optical qualities as the genuine. It is just a matter of preference and lifestyle.