A jewelry appraisal is a professional evaluation of your piece that determines its current market value. At Pollock's, Clay documents the details of your jewelry, the metal, the stones, the craftsmanship, and assigns a documented value that you can use for insurance, estate planning, or simply your own peace of mind.

If your jewelry is ever lost, stolen, or damaged, your insurance company will base their settlement on your appraisal document. Without one, or with an outdated one, you risk being significantly underinsured. An appraisal is not just paperwork. It is protection.

We recommend every three to five years. The value of precious metals and gemstones shifts with the market. Gold alone has seen dramatic changes in value over the past decade. What your piece was appraised for five years ago may be very different from what it is worth today.

The Gemological Institute of America is the most respected gemological authority in the world. A GIA Graduate Gemologist has completed rigorous training in identifying, grading, and evaluating gemstones and jewelry. Clay Pollock holds this credential, which means when he appraises your piece you are getting an assessment grounded in the highest standard of gemological education available.

Bring the piece itself and any documentation you already have. Previous appraisals, receipts, certificates, or any paperwork that came with the jewelry. The more context Clay has, the more thorough your appraisal will be.

It depends on the complexity of the piece. A single item is typically straightforward. An estate with multiple pieces may take longer. Clay will give you a clear timeline when you bring your jewelry in.

Absolutely. Clay appraises pieces from any source including other jewelers, estate sales, family inheritances, and antique markets. The credential matters, not where the piece came from.

These numbers are often different and that is completely normal. Retail price reflects what a store charges. Appraised value reflects current market replacement cost. In many cases the appraised value is higher than what you paid, which is a good thing when it comes to insurance coverage.

Simply stop in or give us a call at 606-324-3197. Clay will be happy to sit down with you, take a look at what you have, and walk you through the process from start to finish.