Accredited. Experienced. Trusted Since 1921.
Jewelry Appraisals at Lewis Jewelers
When it comes to your fine jewelry, trust matters. At Lewis Jewelers, we’ve earned trust through generations of hands-on expertise, industry-leading credentials, and a commitment to integrity that spans over 100 years.
We’re proud to be Washtenaw County’s only American Gem Society (AGS) Accredited Gem Lab
A distinction held by fewer than 5% of jewelers nationwide. This accreditation reflects our unwavering commitment to ethics, education, and consumer protection.
Our Credentials Include
- Four Graduate Gemologists (GIA)
- Four Master Goldsmiths
- One Certified Gemologist
- One Certified Gemologist Appraiser (AGS)
These are more than just titles. They represent years of rigorous study, continuing education, and a deep responsibility to deliver precise, trustworthy evaluations, whether you’re insuring an engagement, settling an estate or dividing assets.
All appraisals are conducted on-site in our secure, fully accredited gem lab.
Types of Jewelry Appraisals We Offer
Insurance Appraisal
(Retail Replacement Value) This is the most common type of appraisal. It provides a detailed description of your item and its replacement value—what it would cost to recreate or replace the piece with something of similar quality if it were lost, stolen, or damaged. We recommend updating this appraisal every 3–5 years to make sure valuations in your insurance policy remain accurate.
Liquidation Appraisal
(Resale Value) If you’re looking to sell your jewelry quickly—due to downsizing, financial need, or other circumstances—this type of appraisal gives you a realistic idea of what you could expect in today’s secondhand market. It’s often used for auctions, private sales, or trade-ins.
Estate or Probate Appraisal
For estate planning or settling a loved one’s estate, this appraisal assigns a fair market value to each piece of jewelry. It includes all the required legal details and comparable sales data to meet probate or tax reporting requirements.
Divorce Settlement Appraisal
If you’re dividing property in a divorce, we provide unbiased, accurate reports to help assign fair market value to your shared jewelry assets. These appraisals are often used during mediation or as part of legal documentation.
What to Expect During Your Appointment
• Full inspection of each piece
• Professional cleaning (if needed)
• Stone measurements and grading
• Photographs and full documentation
• A printed and/or digital report for your records
Appointments typically take 1-2 hours depending on the number of items.
Why Choose Lewis Jewelers for Appraisals?
• Locally owned, independent, and family-run since 1921
• Highest gemological credentials in the region
• Fully accredited AGS gem lab on-site
• Personalized service from credentialed professionals, never outsourced
• Secure, trustworthy handing of your most valuable pieces
You deserve an appraisal you can trust. We’re here to provide that peace of mind.
Schedule Your Appraisal Today
Give us a call at 734-994-5111 or email us at LewisA2@lewisjewelers.com to schedule your appointment. Our gemology team looks forward to meeting you and helping you protect your fine jewelry & heirlooms.
Frequently asked questions about appraisals
What is a Jewelry Appraisal?
A formal document describing your jewelry (usually with accompanying photographs) that contains an opinion on the quality and value of your jewelry.
Do you provide jewelry appraisals for insurance?
Yes! Many insurance companies require current appraisals to have jewelry independently scheduled on insurance polices, and having an updated appraisal can assist customers with settling insurance claims when their jewelry is lost, damaged or stolen.
What is the best way to get jewelry appraised?
We recommend updating your jewelry appraisals every three to five years. The best way to get jewelry appraised is to stop in and let our experienced appraisers help!
Does my jewelry leave the store?
No. All appraisals are performed on-site at our AGS Accredited Gem Lab. Your pieces remain in our care throughout the process.
How long does a jewelry appraisal take?
Most appointments take about 1–2 hours, depending on the number and complexity of pieces (sometimes longer during the holidays!).
What should I bring with me to my initial appointment?
Please bring the jewelry, receipts, prior appraisals, and any laboratory reports, all of which will be helpful in preparing your appraisal.
