Appraisals & Certification

Every piece of jewelry you purchase from USA Jewels is an investment. We provide multiple appraisal and certification options so you can protect that investment with proper insurance coverage, verify quality through independent grading, and have complete confidence in your purchase.

USA Jewels Appraisal Report

Included complimentary with every diamond and gemstone purchase

When you buy from USA Jewels, you are getting a piece of jewelry worth more than you paid for because we import and manufacture everything ourselves. To help you protect that value, we include a detailed appraisal report with every order at no additional cost.

Our appraisal document states the approximate retail replacement value of your item, calculated using current market data that reflects typical retail prices. It includes detailed information about your purchase: the metal type and weight, and for diamonds the cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. For gemstone pieces, we include millimeter dimensions and quality characteristics. The more detailed the appraisal, the better your chances of receiving an equal replacement from your insurance company in the case of loss, theft, or damage.

Your insurance agency will use this appraisal to calculate your coverage rate. Professional jewelry insurance typically costs just 1 to 2 percent of the appraised value per year, a small price for complete peace of mind.

Click to view sample report

IGI Independent Appraisal

Available as an add-on at checkout

The International Gemological Institute (IGI), founded in 1975 in Antwerp, Belgium, is one of the world's largest independent grading and accreditation service providers. An IGI appraisal is a third-party valuation performed by certified gemologists who have no connection to the sale, giving you a fully independent assessment of your jewelry's value.

IGI appraisals are accepted by insurance companies worldwide and are suitable for insurance coverage, estate tax valuation, equitable distribution, marketable cash value, and financial auditing purposes. This makes them particularly valuable for high-value pieces or when a fully independent valuation is required.

IGI appraisals are priced based on the total carat weight of your purchase and can be added directly from any product page. Please allow an additional 5 business days for your order to be processed through IGI and returned with their appraisal.

Learn more about gemological labs in our Diamond Certification Guide.

GIA Diamond Grading Reports

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is the world's most trusted name in diamond grading and gem identification. Founded in 1931, GIA created the 4 C's grading system used industry-wide. Every diamond submitted to GIA is examined by multiple independent gemologists using blind grading to ensure objectivity and accuracy. GIA tests every stone to determine whether it is natural and discloses any treatments discovered during examination.

GIA Diamond Grading Report

Full 4 C's assessment with a plotted clarity diagram. For loose, D-to-Z color diamonds weighing 0.15 carats or more.

GIA Diamond Dossier

Full 4 C's assessment with GIA report number laser inscription included. For loose, D-to-Z color diamonds weighing 0.15 to 1.99 carats.

GIA Diamond eReport

Online report only. Full 4 C's assessment and face-up diamond image. For loose, D-to-Z color diamonds weighing 0.15 to 2.99 carats.

GIA Diamond Focus Report

Online report only. Full 4 C's assessment with GIA report number laser inscription. A streamlined digital-first option.

Appraisal vs. Certification: What's the Difference?

Appraisal Report

An appraisal is a document that states the estimated retail replacement value of your jewelry. Its primary purpose is insurance. Your insurance company uses the appraisal to determine how much coverage you need and what it would cost to replace the item at current retail prices. Both the complimentary USA Jewels appraisal and the independent IGI appraisal serve this purpose.

Appraisals should be updated every few years as market values change, especially for pieces containing diamonds or precious gemstones whose prices may fluctuate over time.

Certification (Grading Report)

A certification, or grading report, is an independent laboratory assessment of a diamond's quality characteristics: the 4 C's (cut, color, clarity, and carat weight). It does not state a dollar value. Labs like GIA and AGS grade diamonds objectively so you can compare stones from different sellers on a level playing field.

A grading report is permanent and does not need to be updated. It is your diamond's identity document, confirming exactly what you purchased.

Related Resources

Our Education Center has in-depth guides to help you understand diamonds, gemstones, and jewelry before you buy.

Diamond Buying Guide

Diamond Certification

Diamond Pricing

Diamond Shapes

Jewelry Care & Insurance

Gemstones Guide

Colored Diamonds

Lab vs Natural

Gold Guide

Metals Guide

Explore the Full Education Center