Kevin Keller
Chief executive officer · GIA Graduate Diamonds · Signs our appraisals
Kevin holds the GIA Graduate Diamonds diploma, has graded diamonds since 1993, is the store’s watch specialist and signs our insurance appraisals.
Insurance Appraisals in San Diego
Written insurance appraisals, done in-house by our own appraisers · Usually same day
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WHAT IT IS
A written appraisal your insurer can use.
An insurance appraisal is a written document that describes your piece and states its replacement value: one after-tax dollar figure for what it would cost to replace it.
Measurements and other attributes are stated approximately, as ranges. That is how our appraisals are written. The single replacement value is the figure your insurance company needs to schedule the piece on your policy.
WHY INSURERS ASK FOR ONE
No appraisal on file, no documented value.
An insurer can schedule a piece for its appraised replacement value only with a written appraisal on file. Without one, a loss is settled without the piece’s documented value.
Your insurer or agent can confirm what your own policy requires.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN YOUR APPRAISAL
Everything your insurer needs to see.
Examined in-house by a team with more than 50 years of combined experience, including GIA diploma holders, diamond cutters and estate buyers.
Our tools: XRF analysis for precious-metal composition, Sigma metal verification for suitable coins and bars, diamond-screening instruments, gemological microscopes and appropriate watch tests.
- The appraisal date
- Measurements and attributes of the piece, stated approximately, as ranges
- Gemstone analysis and grading
- Photographs of the piece
- The signed expert appraisal
- A single replacement value for insurance
WHAT YOU RECEIVE
A signed appraisal, ready for your insurer.
You receive the signed written appraisal with its replacement value, ready to hand to your insurance company.
HOW LONG IT TAKES
Usually same day.
Drop-off is best: leave your piece with us and collect the finished appraisal, usually the same day. Depending on the piece, some appraisals can be done while you wait, in about 30 minutes to an hour.
On a busy day it may take a few hours or run to the next business day.
WHO SIGNS YOUR APPRAISAL
Signed by Kevin Keller.
Every insurance appraisal is written in-house at our San Diego store. Our team includes two GIA Graduate Gemologists.
AJ Leonard
GIA Graduate Gemologist · Graduate Jeweler
Gemstone identification, diamond grading, custom jewelry and stone setting.
Anthony R. Zamonis
GIA Graduate Gemologist
Diamond grading, gemstone identification and custom jewelry.
WHAT TO BRING
Bring the piece.
Bring documents you already have. Paperwork helps, but it is not required.
- The piece itself
- Any prior appraisals
- Lab reports
- Receipts
Appraisal value or selling price?
A replacement value for insurance answers a different question from a buying offer. See how the two numbers compare.
Appraisal value vs. selling priceAPPRAISALS BY CATEGORY
Watches, handbags and estates.
INSURANCE APPRAISAL QUESTIONS
Insurance appraisals, answered.
Why does my insurance company need an appraisal to schedule my jewelry?
An insurer can schedule a piece for its appraised replacement value only with a written appraisal on file. Without one, a loss is settled without the piece’s documented value. Your insurer or agent can confirm what your own policy requires.
What value goes on an insurance appraisal?
Replacement value: what it would cost to replace the piece. Our appraisals state it as a single after-tax dollar figure, which is the number your insurer uses to schedule the piece.
How is an insurance appraisal different from a free verbal evaluation?
A free verbal evaluation is a spoken estimate of what we would offer to buy your piece. An insurance appraisal is a written, signed document that describes the piece and states its replacement value for your insurer. They answer different questions.
How often should jewelry be re-appraised?
Values and markets move, so an older appraisal may understate what it would cost to replace your piece today. If yours has been on file for a while, a new appraisal brings its replacement value up to date.
Can inherited or estate pieces be appraised for insurance?
Yes. Bring the piece. Existing paperwork such as an earlier appraisal, a lab report or a receipt helps, but it is not required.
What should I bring to an appraisal appointment?
The piece itself, plus any documents you already have, such as prior appraisals, lab reports or receipts.
How long does an insurance appraisal take?
Usually same day. Drop-off is best; depending on the piece, some appraisals can be done while you wait, in about 30 minutes to an hour.
How much does an insurance appraisal cost?
It depends on the piece. Call us at (619) 236-9603 and we will talk through what you have and quote the appraisal before we begin.
YOUR NEXT STEP
Get your jewelry on your policy.
Drop off your piece at 907 Sixth Avenue. Your appraisal is usually ready the same day.