There’s a lot to love about the holiday season — twinkle lights, family dinners, surprise proposals, heirloom gifting… and, unfortunately, a much higher chance of jewelry being lost, stolen, or damaged.

That’s not us being dramatic — it’s just reality. Every year, the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s see a spike in jewelry claims. Travel, chaos, gifting, and even cold weather can all contribute to damage or loss. And if your jewelry hasn’t been properly appraised and insured? Well, let’s just say that sparkling surprise might come with a side of regret.

Whether you’re planning a big holiday gift, pulling out your best pieces for party season, or getting ready to pass down a family heirloom, here’s what you need to have appraised before the holiday madness begins.

1. Engagement Rings — Especially if You Haven’t Proposed Yet

If you’ve been hiding a little velvet box in the back of your sock drawer waiting for the right moment… it’s time to make sure that ring is appraised and insured before it ever sees the light of day.

Here’s why: most people think insurance kicks in once the ring is on the finger — but it doesn’t work that way. If the ring gets lost, stolen, or damaged before you pop the question, and you never got it appraised, you could be out thousands of dollars with no recourse. Plus, let’s be honest — once it’s on their hand, it’s not coming off. Getting it appraised post-proposal can be logistically tricky, and even riskier.

A proper appraisal gives you peace of mind now, and protection long after the “yes.”

2. Heirloom Jewelry and Inherited Pieces

Thinking of gifting something meaningful this year — like your grandmother’s diamond watch or a vintage cocktail ring passed down through the family? It’s a beautiful gesture. But it’s also one that comes with responsibility.

Heirloom jewelry is often steeped in family lore but rarely backed up with hard facts. Getting an appraisal helps you determine its true market value, uncover any restoration needs, and ensure that you’re not passing along a piece that’s in worse shape than it looks. It’s also essential for estate planning, insurance, and general peace of mind.

In other words: before it becomes their heirloom, make sure you know exactly what you’re gifting.

3. High-Value Holiday Gifts

You splurged. Maybe it’s a diamond bracelet, a sapphire pendant, or a custom engagement ring from a local designer. Either way — it’s gorgeous, it’s meaningful, and it’s… unappraised?

If you’re purchasing fine jewelry as a gift, especially from a secondhand dealer, estate sale, or online seller, you need a professional appraisal to confirm you got what you paid for. Not all pieces are accurately described, and even trustworthy jewelers may omit information about treatments or enhancements that affect long-term value.

Most insurance policies require an up-to-date appraisal to cover high-value items anyway — and the last thing you want is to learn after the holidays that your insurance coverage doesn’t match the actual replacement cost.

4. Jewelry You’re Taking on a Trip

Heading to a destination holiday wedding? Traveling home to see family? Jetting off for a warm-weather escape?

If you’re packing fine jewelry, it’s time to get serious about documentation. Airports are one of the most common places people lose their jewelry — whether it’s a tray left behind at TSA, a ring slipped off while washing your hands in the airport bathroom, or a tangled necklace chain that doesn’t survive the flight.

Proper insurance coverage starts with an up-to-date appraisal, and that coverage only protects you before the piece disappears.

5. Anything That Hasn’t Been Appraised in 5+ Years

Even if your jewelry isn’t brand new or travel-bound, it still deserves some seasonal attention. Why? Because the value of gold, diamonds, and gemstones fluctuates — sometimes significantly.

An appraisal from 2010 might be based on entirely outdated pricing, meaning your current insurance wouldn’t fully cover you in the event of a loss. We recommend updating your appraisals every 5 years, or sooner if you’ve made changes to the piece (like resetting stones or resizing). It’s a simple step that can save you a massive headache later on.

At DBJA, we provide independent, expert jewelry appraisals right here in the Greater Baltimore area, specializing in everything from brand-new engagement rings to antique family heirlooms. Our appraisals are thorough, fully documented, and insurance-ready — no fluff, no guesswork.

So before the season kicks off — before you wrap it, wear it, or carry it onto a plane — make sure your jewelry is protected, valued, and properly documented.

It’s one less thing to worry about when the holiday chaos kicks in.