Having gold jewelry appraised: What you need to know

You've inherited, found, or are wondering what your old jewelry is worth. A gold jewelry appraisal provides clarity – for insurance, sale, inheritance, or simply out of curiosity. This guide explains how and where to get gold jewelry appraised.

Why get jewelry appraised?

• Insurance: Valuable jewelry should be listed in your home insurance or a separate jewelry insurance. For this, an estimated value is needed.
• Sale: Anyone looking to sell old jewelry should know its true value beforehand – to avoid selling below value.
• Inheritance: When dividing estates, values must be determined.
• Personal Information: Simply knowing what you own.

Where is jewelry appraised?

State-certified goldsmith (publicly appointed expert)

The highest level of appraisal: A state-certified and sworn expert for jewelry and gemstones. The appraisal is legally binding and recognized by insurance companies, probate courts, and tax offices. Cost: €50–200 per piece depending on effort.

Goldsmith workshop (without public appointment)

Many goldsmiths offer informal appraisals – often for free or very little money. The result is not legally binding, but very reliable for personal purposes. Good for assessing whether a sale or insurance makes sense.

Jeweler / Buying station

Caution: Jewelers who also buy have an interest in the lowest price. An appraisal here is free – but it will tend to be lower than the actual value.

Online appraisal

Some platforms offer online appraisals. Send photos, send description, receive appraisal. Advantage: Fast and convenient. Disadvantage: Less accurate as no physical contact is possible.

How is gold jewelry valued?

The appraisal of a piece of gold jewelry is based on several factors:

• Material value (gold value): Weight in grams x gold content (585 = 58.5%) x current gold price/gram
• Stone value: Gemstones are valued separately by size, quality, and origin
• Craftsmanship value: Exceptionally fine craftsmanship can raise the value above the material value
• Brand value: Jewelry from renowned manufacturers (Cartier, Van Cleef) has an premium due to brand value
• Rarity value: Historical pieces or rare designs achieve collector's premiums

What to bring for the appraisal?

• The piece of jewelry itself (clean, if possible)
• Proof of purchase or original case if available
• Information on origin (When bought? Inherited from whom?)
• Existing certificates (GIA for diamonds, GRS for colored stones)

Quality jewelry as a valuable investment at Corelune Jewellery

Jewelry with clear material specifications is easiest to appraise – at Corelune Jewellery, transparency is a matter of course.

👉 Discover quality jewelry – Value that is clear!