Do I need an appraisal to insure my jewelry?

For pieces over $5,000, most carriers require a current appraisal from a certified gemologist or jewelry appraiser. Appraisals should be updated every 3 to 5 years as diamond and gold markets shift. An outdated appraisal that is below current replacement value means you receive less than full replacement cost on a claim. For inherited pieces without documentation, carriers can often accept a jeweler's written estimate.