Should I get a second appraisal on my ring?

Question

I have a family antique heirloom ring (huge sapphire in the middle, diamonds all around it) that was made in the early 1900's (over 100 years old now) that my fiancee used to propose to me with.

In 2000, it was appraised at 12,500 and in 2004, it was appraised for 15,000 by an extremely reputable jeweler my family has ALWAYS used but in order to get it insured, we need an up-to-date (within 365 days) appraisal, and cannot use that one. We took the ring today to a jeweler (supposedly reputable) in our new area (far from the old jeweler) and was told the ring would be appraised at 2,500. The ring has not left the box since 2004, only been worn a week. No wear, no tear, no damage.

I am so frustrated that we paid 100.00 to have this jeweler under-appraise my ring. I do not want to send this appraisal to my insurance company because this will, in turn, under-insure my ring, by close to 10k!

Should I go to another jeweler and get it re-appraised? Any suggestions would be great!

Answer 1

I think you should go to another appraiser, this time research the appraiser and ask for customer reviews first before taking in your ring.  That is such a hugh difference in appraisals.

Answer 2

if you feel its worth more then yes get it reappraised.....

Answer 3

Wow that's a tough one.  I used to be a goldsmith in a jewelry store.  I'd take it to another jeweler and get a second appraisal.  Too bad about the one you got being so drastically different.  I'd make sure that you find an appraiser who is familiar with valuation of antiques, and that the appraisal would cover an exact replacement, not just a similar ring out of a catalog.  It could be that the sapphire's cut is an older style, and the low-ball appraisal only reflected measurements of the stone, not to mention any of the unique details of the gold ring and diamonds.  I'd assume there is a lot of filigree, or hand worked details that just couldn't be replicated other than by hand, a dying art.

I'd also ask the appraiser to explain what type of replacement value the appraisal you received would cover in the event of loss or damage.

good luck

Answer 4

I would have it reappraised.  Obviously one of these jewlers is wrong (unless the bottom has fallen out of the saphire market), and it would be worth $100 to me to find out which of them is.