What to Do Before a Jewelry Appraisal in Scottsdale, AZ
A jewelry appraiser always checks for the following:
- Authenticity
- Gemstone quality
- Craftsmanship
- Brand
- Current market demand
These factors determine your item’s worth in the lending or resale space. However, even if you have a high-value piece, but its overall condition (e.g., appearance, cleanliness) is poor, the appraiser may offer you less money.
Avoid lowball offers with these tips and tricks:
Step 1: Know What You Own
Before visiting a local jewelry appraiser, do some research and gather the following information about your piece:
- Brand, collection, and/or model
- Hallmarks or serial numbers
- Type of precious metal used
- Type of stone used
- Typical resale ranges for similar items
At Biltmore Loan and Jewelry, most clients bring signed designer pieces, inherited heirlooms, or custom-made jewelry. Each category has different valuation criteria. If you know what category your item belongs to, you can ask more specific questions and interpret the results more accurately.
Step 2: Inspect for Damage or Loose Stones
If prongs bend or stones loosen, the appraiser must factor the structural flaw into the appraisal value. Even high-value materials lose resale power if they’re worn, fragile, or require restoration.
Inspect your item before moving on to step three. Check for:
- Loose or lifted prongs
- Bent or warped settings
- Chipped or cracked gemstones
- Tarnishing or dents
If you plan to sell your jewelry, minor repairs may help, as restored structural integrity can raise the payout. For loans, Biltmore documents the item’s condition and secures it during the loan term. If you detect damage but do not feel confident assessing it, have a jeweler examine the piece before selling or using it as collateral.
Step 3: Clean the Jewelry Carefully
Grime, body oils, and dust can obstruct the sparkle of diamonds or cloud hallmark stamps on the setting. When gemstones appear dull or metalwork looks blurry, the item loses visual and structural cues that help confirm its quality.
To clean your jewelry safely:
- Fill a small bowl or cup with lukewarm water. Add 2-3 drops of mild dish soap.
- Submerge your jewelry for a few minutes to loosen debris.
- Remove the jewelry from the solution, then use a soft toothbrush to scrub around stones and metal details.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry with a lint-free cloth. Never air-dry your jewelry, especially if you live somewhere with hard water, as it can cause mineral buildup and potential damage.
Do not use ultrasonic cleaners or ammonia-based solutions unless a jeweler confirms they are safe for your piece. Some stones, like opals and pearls, absorb moisture and may crack or discolor during cleaning. Antique jewelry may contain delicate prongs or worn metal that cannot handle scrubbing.
If you’re unsure about the condition of your jewelry or notice signs of damage, avoid cleaning it yourself. Scrubbing or soaking a compromised piece can worsen the problem, especially with antique settings or delicate gemstones. In these cases, it’s safer to bring the item as-is and let a professional evaluate its structure and cleaning needs.
Related articles:
- Non-Toxic Ways to Clean Jewelry
- Simple Tips for Cleaning Your Diamond
- Step-By-Step Guide to Pavé Jewelry Maintenance
Here at Biltmore Loan and Jewelry, our GIA-accredited gemologists have no problem evaluating uncleaned pieces. However, the cleaner your jewelry is, the less time we’ll spend verifying details that should already be visible.
Step 4: Gather All Documentation
Appraisers use documents to confirm provenance, brand, and prior value. Even if the evaluator can verify these factors on their own, paperwork saves time and raises the estimated value.
Gather the following documents if available:
- Original sales receipts
- Prior appraisals from certified sources
- GIA or AGS grading reports
- Warranty cards or brand certificates from high-end jewelry houses
- Service or repair records for resizing, resetting, or stone replacement
These papers support the jewelry’s authenticity and history. At Biltmore, we can validate most claims in-house, but documentation reduces back-and-forth. It also helps when your goal is a faster loan approval or a higher initial purchase offer.
What Sets Biltmore Loan and Jewelry Apart
You will not find generic handling or vague estimates here. Biltmore Loan and Jewelry conducts evaluations in a secure, private, luxury setting led by trained professionals, including GIA-certified gemologists with decades of combined experience.
We serve both types of clients:
- Sellers who want the highest possible return on their investment
- Borrowers who want discreet, fast access to funds without losing ownership
Unlike pawnshops or retail jewelers, we specialize in the following high-value pieces. We’ll walk you through your options and explain the figures in plain terms.
- Diamond engagement rings
- Antique, estate, or heirloom jewelry
- Signed designer pieces (such as Bulgari, Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston, etc.)
- Colored diamonds and other gemstones in necklaces, bracelets, and earrings
Clients across Phoenix choose Biltmore because we value discretion and professionalism. The service is structured, respectful, and built to protect your assets during and after the evaluation. If you want to sell or borrow against your jewelry, you will find a thorough and more credible process here than in a typical retail setting.
Final Reminders About Jewelry Appraisal Preparation
Before you leave home, review this checklist one more time. Ensure your jewelry is clean and kept in its original box or a padded case to protect it from scratches or impact, and you have all the necessary documents in an envelope.
If you schedule an appointment, arrive on time and request a written copy of the appraisal. Don’t hesitate to ask questions if you need more clarification, especially regarding a loan’s terms and conditions. Biltmore encourages transparency, always.
If you live in the Phoenix-Metropolitan area, bring your fine jewelry to Biltmore Loan and Jewelry for a confidential evaluation. After which, you can decide whether to sell or secure a loan. We do it all under one roof. Walk-ins are also welcome.