Appraisal Services

At Beck Gemmological Laboratories, you get an in-depth look into every gem and piece of jewellery you have to leave you feeling informed and confident.

Some information you will receive when you get an appraisal:

CUT: The way a diamond is cut and polished is vital. It is the precision and the delicacy of the cut that dictates the maximum amount of light the diamond will refract and reflect. The better its cut, the greater will be its brilliance, sparkle, and fire.

COLOR: Most diamonds look colorless, but there are many subtle shade differences. The closer a diamond is to having no color, the more valuable it becomes. Diamonds with no hint of color at all are very rare. “Fancy” colored diamonds are also very rare, exhibiting a strong color that is beyond the normal D-to-Z diamond color-grading scale.

CLARITY: Thanks to nature, every diamond is unique; with each one possessing its own individuality. Minute crystals, pinpoints, feathers, and more, can all exist inside your diamond. These natural characteristics are called “inclusions” and help distinguish your diamond from any other.

CARAT (weight): A diamond’s weight is the simplest of its characteristics to measure. From the earliest times this has been used to calculate the value of a diamond. Each carat is divided into 100 points. For example, a quarter of a carat is 25, written as 0.25 carats. Weighing an unmounted diamond is simple; but once in a jewellery setting, it is only possible to estimate its weight by using special gauges and formulas.

PLOT OF INCLUSIONS: A plot of inclusions given as a “fingerprint” card to distinguish your diamond from all others. DIGITAL IMAGE OF ITEM: If requested, you will receive a computer image PDF file of your appraisal. Upon further request, a picture of the laser inscription on your diamond may be attached to the appraisal.

DIGITAL IMAGE OF ITEM: If requested, you will receive a computer image PDF file of your appraisal. Upon further request, a picture of the laser inscription on your diamond may be attached to the appraisal.

APPRAISED VALUE: At the time of your consultation, you will be given the wholesale value; as well as the estimated retail replacement value which will be used for insurance purposes.

CORPORATE SEAL: All written appraisals are finished off with a corporate seal stating that the appraisal was done by a graduate gemologist of the Canadian Gemmological Association.

Appraisals Types

Different Types of Appraisals

Insurance Appraisal

Appraisals that are required by insurance companies before they will insure a piece of jewellery beyond a certain dollar amount. Jewellery appraisals provide a safety net to the full value of your jewellery in the event of loss, damage, theft, or misplacement. Many insurance companies require a written appraisal by a certified gemologist and appraiser for proper coverage of your item. Check with your insurance company to see what your policy includes. Know your policy!

Some questions to ask your insurance provider

Is an appraisal necessary for full coverage?
What is the difference between scheduled and unscheduled coverage?
Is there a deductible? If so, how much? Do I have the option to increase the deductible and thus lower the premium?
Is my policy all-risk (partial loss, damage, mysterious disappearance, etc.)?
Am I still covered is there is negligence or carelessness involved?
Is the item covered if lost, stolen or damaged while in the possession of someone else? What if only a part is lost, stolen or damaged while in the possession of someone else?
If there is a loss, do I have a choice of a full cash-out or will I have to accept less?
Can I go to whomever I wish for the full replacement?
If a loss has been replaced through an insurance company source, will I be allowed to verify proper replacement by an independent firm or accredited appraiser?
How much will it cost per thousand for full coverage? Partial? What do I sacrifice for the limitations?
Is depreciation ever imposed? To what and how is it computed?
How often should I have an appraisal update?
Am I limited to the appraised replacement cost should there be a sizeable increase in the value?
If there is damage to a piece, can I replace it or will I be limited to repair?
What if the lost item is irreplaceable, like an antique?
Are there any security precautions required? If not, would there be a premium savings if special precautions were taken, e.g., the items were kept in a home safe or in a safety deposit box when not being worn?
What proof is needed to justify a claim?
Are there different kinds of jewellery insurance available?
Are there any exclusions?
What is the pair and set clause? Will the insurance cover an additional amount for matching a missing item in a set if it hasn’t been computed and stated?
What types of property are not covered?
Will you show me the actual language in the policy which addresses each concern I’ve expressed?

Estate Appraisal

Estate appraisal values are determined by fair market value. An estate appraisal is a comprehensive description supporting an estimate of the value to be used for tax purposes. Fair market value is “the price at which the property would change hands between a willing buyer and a willing seller, neither being under any compulsion to buy or sell and both having a reasonable knowledge of the relevant facts.”

Estate appraisals are performed for a variety of different purposes:

divorce and dissolution of property
probate and inheritance
donation

In-store Appraisals

Come in and get an appraisal done while you wait. Have our Graduate Gemmologist take a look at your jewellery and gems. Call ahead to book an appointment at our Southside location.