This pamphlet is a basic guide to jewellery appraisals. It was designed to answer many of your questions regarding this sometimes confusing subject.

After you have read this brochure speak to your jeweller, who will be pleased to answer any further questions you may have.

It is a written professional opinion of the authenticity, quality, design and approximate value of a piece of jewellery. Since it is an opinion, there can be variations between competent appraisals.

The most common reason for obtaining an appraisal is for insurance purposes (i.e., insuring against loss, theft, or damage). This pamphlet addresses itself to this type of appraisal.

Appraisal charges vary according to the service being rendered. Generally, the more thorough and detailed (and hence the more useful) the appraisal is, the more it will cost. Therefore, don't try to save money on an appraisal.

Since many insurance companies retain the option of replacing your lost or stolen jewellery with "similar" items, an accurate and complete description of the item is essential to be sure of a proper replacement. Therefore, a complete appraisal should include the following details:

• Major (or primary) stones identified and their shape, dimensions and approximate weight given;
• The "quality" of major stones described. For diamonds this includes colour, clarity and cut. For coloured stones it includes clarity, as well as hue, tone and intensity of colour. (Superlatives such as "beautiful" ring, or "fine" diamond are not used because they do not aid in replacement.)
• Secondary stones are listed and identified, with their approximate size and total weight given. Their quality may be given as an average;
• Metal chains and mountings are described by their quality, design, workmanship, weight and any stampings on them;
• A photograph of the item may or may not accompany the written appraisal;
• The estimated retail replacement cost of the item is given.

An appraisal should also state the date it was carried out, and the price of precious metal at the time of the appraisal. An explanation of terms used should be included, to aid in the understanding of the document.

Ideally, you should have your jewellery appraised to account for current values of precious metals and gemstones. This is also an excellent opportunity for the jeweller/appraiser to inspect the condition of the jewellery.

There are not legal requirements or regulations to appraise jewellery. Therefore, it is up to you to choose a professional jewellery appraiser in whom you have confidence.

To begin, speak with a jeweller who is a member of the Canadian Jewellers Association who will either be able to do the appraisal or recommend a professional who can. Since the validity of your appraisal is largely dependent upon the ability of the appraiser, whoever appraises your jewellery should have the following qualifications:

• extensive gemological knowledge, based on special educational training or suitable experience;
• knowledge of current retail prices for jewellery such as yours, either because he/she actually sells similar pieces or is in touch with the market;
• experience in doing appraisals;
• a good reputation within the community as an ethical business person;
• membership in the Canadian Jewellers Association.

A professional jewellery appraiser will also have the gem testing equipment and instruments necessary to do a complete appraisal and will be pleased to answer any questions you may have.

The Canadian Jewellers Institute has established a set of requirements and a series of practical and theoretical examinations which test the appraising skills of qualified jewellers. Upon successful completion of all criteria these gemologists are empowered to emboss their appraisals with the following seal.

[seal]

CJI Accredited Appraisers are required to renew their seal every three years.

To go back to the beginning, a reliable appraisal is a professional written opinion based on knowledge, backed up by technical equipment and reinforced by experience. An insurance appraisal is just that, and is not meant to be used as a yardstick for buying or selling jewellery. In the event that your jewellery is lost or stolen, remember that the best way to ensure that it is replaced as closely as possible to what you had, is with a written appraisal containing a detailed description of the jewellery, as well as its approximate retail replacement value.