What does a jewelry appraisal cost?
Most independents charge a flat fee per item or an hourly rate. The fee depends on the deliverable and how deep the appraisal goes. Nobody here charges a percentage of the value because that pays the appraiser more for a higher number.
The usual fee
A flat fee per item is the most common, less for each additional piece in the same visit. The fee depends on the deliverable and depth: a quick signed document is one job, a full report with photos and comparables for a sale is another. Hourly rates are typical for estates, litigation and anything that needs research.
A verbal opinion with no document is cheaper and is sometimes charged by the hour.
Why percentage-of-value is a red flag
If the fee is a percentage of the appraised value the appraiser earns more by writing a bigger number. Insurers know this and many will not accept a report written that way.
What changes the price
The number of stones, whether they are mounted, whether the piece needs to be unmounted or tested for treatment and how much market research the value requires.