Having your precious jewelry valued is an important task before you start here are a few simple questions and answers that may be of use to you


Q: How long do you take to carry out the work?

A: This depends on the number and complexity of your items, but here is a general guide: If you make an appointment and attend our store. Your items will be given a preliminary examination (this is of no charge to you). Before you leave, we are able to indicate a price to complete the appraisal process, and give you a time to collect when completed, once we have carried out the research and appraisal/valuation.


Q: Is my jewellery insured while in your possession?

A: We are insured for Items we hold on the premises by a selected Insurance Company. From the moment we take receipt of your precious pieces to the minute they are returned to you, they are fully covered. In addition, we employ extremely stringent security procedures for your protection and ours.


Q: What is an Independent Appraiser/Valuer?

A: An Independent Appraiser/Valuer is a qualified individual whose sole business is the Appraisal and Valuation of jewellery, watches and small silver pieces. We are not owned, employed by or affiliated to any Insurance company or broker or any company that may have a vested interest in the value placed on items. We are totally unbiased and independent.


Q: What about other appraisals? Insurance companies will accept any appraisal they receive, even the ones I've provided.

A: It's true that there are other appraisers and different appraisal standards and forms, some better than others. For the insurance industry the question is, 'Which standard can we truly rely on to properly insure the item of jewelry?' While some may have experienced that insurance companies do indeed take any appraisal, that is changing — and fairly quickly. You can be assured an Underwood's appraisal will always be accepted by your Insurance Company.


Q: Why do you charge to have an Appraisal / Valuation carried out?

A: There is a popular misconception that appraisals are carried out in a manner as shown on the 'Antiques Road Show'. In that instance, the hours of examining items, researching facts and compiling information for the broadcasts, are not shown, as it would make for poor entertainment. The viewer merely sees the result of the work, not the work itself. When you request the services of an appraiser you are seeking professional advice, and expect to pay a reasonable price for an expert opinion and evaluation. The fee you pay covers not only the time it takes to prepare an appraisal in which you can have confidence, but also the investment in the training, equipment and other resources that are necessary to do the job well and for the responsibility associated with the finished schedule. In this, as in most cases, the cheapest is not the best!


Q: What does it cost for my jewellery to be appraised?

A: We charge on a time basis so it is difficult without viewing the item/s to give an accurate quote. As mentioned, it costs nothing to discuss and obtain a quote. As a general rule it costs in the region of $95, per item. Specialised Gem Testing can cost more and must be quoted.


Q: My Insurance Company automatically covers items below $2,000 without an Appraisal and Valuation.

A: Most Insurance companies do cover unspecified items up to a certain figure (usually between $1,000 and $3,000). However, in the event of a claim, problems can arise in establishing where in the range of (say) $500 to $3,000 your item falls, and this is compounded, if you have no receipts, let alone never had an appraisal. This can lead to delays, more stress, and often an unsatisfactory settlement of your claim. Most insurance companies are very fair in these situations, but you must realize, that there are some policyholders that view a claim as an opportunity for betterment, or to obtain a 'cash settlement', and your Insurance Company will bear this in mind when trying to establish the value of the lost item and the validity of the claim. To ensure a swift, trouble free and fitting settlement, make sure you have an accurate and importantly, up to date Appraisal/Valuation of your unspecified items as well as specified pieces. In a Loss situation, PROOF is the best security you can have.


Q: Why have I been asked for previous documentation?

A: We usually ask clients to supply any previous Appraisals, certificates, receipts, or other documentation. The reason for this is simple. There is often information contained in these documents, that we cannot normally be expected to know. For instance, it may well be that a previous appraisal, gem or diamond certificate or a sales receipt, may state the un-mounted weight of a gemstone. We do not remove gems during our appraisals, so without 'formal' information, we measure then calculate what we would expect a gemstone of certain proportions to weigh, but an appraisal is more accurate, if we have a reliable un-mounted weight to work with. If the item has a proper Gem certificate from, for example, gem laboratories such as 'GIA' , 'AGS', or 'HRD.' these must be presented at the time of the appraisal. These certificates constitute the gemstone's 'pedigree' and should always accompany the gemstone when such work is carried out. Also we need to see the original certificate, as even these are 'faked' in the marketplace today, and we have to be able to verify the authenticity of the document. If, on occasion, we simply don't agree with previous assessments, it is better that we are aware of a potential problem, and discuss these differences of opinion with you before our documentation is prepared. Perhaps the piece has some form of 'provenance' that may affect its value, often this additional documentation will provide evidence that such provenance exists.


Q: What should I do if I am considering having my items valued by you?

A: In the first instance, you should contact us so that we can discuss your exact requirements, and set up an appointment time, to view what you may need to have appraised. We try our best to make you comfortable while you are with us. If you decide that you would like the work carried out, we will set dates for the completion of the appraisal and a time to collect your items and documentation.


Q: What does "Appraisal" and "Valuation" actually mean? What is the difference?

A: These terms can cause confusion, as some people tend to use the terms "Valuer" and "Valuation" to cover the whole area covered by an Appraisal and a Valuation. Strictly speaking, an Appraisal is the judgment, assessment and quantification of the piece of jewellery and its component parts. This is the first part you read, and will include things like the quality and weight of the gold or platinum, the workmanship, the quality of the gemstones, their weight and dimensions etc. The 'Valuation' is the calculation that you see at the end of the document/s, or, the item's financial value. It can be seen that it is impossible to have an accurate valuation without an accurate appraisal, the appraisal is the foundation on which the value is calculated. This is why we place a great importance on the appraisal part of our appraisal/valuation report.