Why Should I Get a Professional Jewellery Appraisal?

There are several fundamental reasons to obtain a professional report. The most frequent motive is to provide technical documentation of a piece's characteristics and quality to establish a replacement value for insurance purposes.

However, a report from Pelegrin Gemmological is a versatile tool. Clients often request our services for estate purposes, facilitating the equitable distribution of assets or the preparation of inheritance taxes. In other cases, the primary interest lies in gemmological identification and certification of authenticity. Furthermore, a detailed report offers an essential price guide if you are planning a private sale or require a condition and damage assessment for maintenance and repair work.

How Often Should an Appraisal Be Updated?

Market values fluctuate constantly. For insurance-related appraisals, periodic reviews are imperative. Most insurance providers recommend updating these values every five to seven years.

Maintaining an outdated report represents a financial risk: if the insured limit is lower than the actual current replacement cost, you may not be fully covered in the event of loss or damage.

Market Evolution in the Last Decade

It is a common misconception that all jewellery increases in value linearly. While the general trend is upward due to inflationary pressures, different components—metals, gemstones, and craftsmanship—move independently according to local and international market forces.

Global economic factors, shifting fashion trends, and unprecedented events influence final valuations. For instance, with gold prices reaching historic highs, solid gold pieces have increased in value significantly compared to 10 or 15 years ago. Conversely, other items, such as certain types of cultured pearl necklaces, may maintain their price or even decrease due to current supply and market demand.

Lab-Grown vs. Mined Diamonds: Pricing Trends

The lab-grown diamond sector has undergone a radical transformation over the last decade. Advancements in production technology have led to a massive supply of high-quality stones, resulting in a substantial and continuous reduction in prices, particularly in the last five years. Consequently, valuations for jewellery featuring lab-grown diamonds may be lower than their original purchase cost, even for recently acquired pieces.

In contrast, mined diamonds have historically shown greater stability. Although the market faced atypical fluctuations during and after the pandemic—with price peaks followed by a natural correction—natural diamonds tend to retain their value more effectively over the long term. At Pelegrin Gemmological, we analyze these dynamics to ensure your report accurately reflects current market realities.

Visit Our Downtown Vancouver Lab

Located in the heart of the city, Pelegrin Gemmological provides independent, expert valuations for all your fine jewellery needs. Whether you require an update for your insurance policy or a detailed estate valuation, our downtown Vancouver office is equipped to provide precise and professional gemmological services.