What should I bring to a jewelry appraisal?

The piece and any paperwork you already have: the original receipt, a lab report, a previous appraisal. Bring the box too if the maker is marked on it.

The paperwork helps

A lab report saves the appraiser from re-establishing what a stone is. A receipt shows what was paid and when. A previous appraisal shows how the value has moved.

The piece itself

Bring it clean but do not have it repaired first. Damage and wear are part of what is being valued and a repair before the appraisal can change the piece.

Say what it is for

Insurance, an estate, a divorce and a sale need different values. Say so at the start so the document uses the value you need.