Replacement value
What it would cost to replace the piece with something comparable at retail—useful for insurance or checking what you paid.
Independent diamond & jewelry valuation
Know what it’s really worth.
A clear, independent opinion for insurance, an estate, a sale, or before you buy—explained by a New York diamond professional, not an algorithm.
24–48 hr written report$49 starting priceNatural + lab covered
Independent value opinionCH / 0826
1.21ct Oval Brilliant
Replacement$9,400
Likely selling$4,100
VerdictFairly priced
30+ yearsin diamonds & fine jewelry
Independentpaid opinion, no sales pressure
Plain Englishno jargon, no inflated numbers
Personally reviewedevery report by C·Hersh
The most important distinction
Two values.
Two different purposes.
Confusing replacement value with selling value is the most common reason people misjudge a piece. Your report separates them clearly.
Selling value
What you could realistically receive from a dealer, trade-in, secondhand sale, or as scrap—usually well below retail.
Good to know Brand name, documentation, condition, natural or lab-grown origin, and the actual market all affect what someone will pay.
A simpler second opinion
From question to clarity
in three steps.
Send what you have
Upload your certificate, appraisal, invoice, or retailer tag, along with a few clear phone photos.
Tell me the decision
Insurance, estate, resale, or a purchase you are considering—your goal determines the right value.
Get a straight answer
Receive a clear written verdict, supporting reasoning, realistic value range, and the next step I recommend.
Inside your report
Enough detail to decide.
None to hide behind.
Every conclusion is written for a real person making a real decision—not for another gemologist.
Certificate read
The lab, its reliability, and what every grade actually means.
The 4Cs, translated
Color, clarity, cut, and carat explained against your particular stone.
A realistic value
Replacement, selling, or both—clearly labeled and never blurred together.
A bottom-line verdict
Fair price, overpriced, underpriced, or a red flag—stated up front.
Your best next move
Proceed, negotiate, insure, sell, or walk away—with a reason you can defend.
Simple, transparent pricing
Choose how much
clarity you need.
Each remote tier includes one value: replacement or selling. Add both for 50% more.
Cert Review
$49
per itemFor understanding a certificate and one clear value.
- Certificate & lab check
- Plain-English grade breakdown
- Replacement or selling value
- Written summary in 48 hours
Full Evaluation
$99
per itemThe complete remote opinion, benchmarked with photos.
- Everything in Cert Review
- Photo-based quality review
- Comparable market context
- Written verdict in 24–48 hours
Evaluation + Call
$149
per itemThe full report plus 15 minutes to talk it through.
- Everything in Full Evaluation
- Priority turnaround
- 15-minute private call
- Questions answered live
In-person inspection
Physical testing, both values & an official appraisal included.
By appointment in the New York Diamond District, or ship your piece with prior arrangement. This option includes hands-on testing—including checking natural versus lab-grown origin independently of a certificate—plus replacement and selling values and an official written appraisal. It is not a while-you-wait service; reports take a few business days.
Starting at $249 per item—final quote provided after reviewing your request.Ask about inspection
Shipping is at your cost both ways. Insured, trackable shipping is strongly recommended. If you purchase your piece through C·Hersh afterward, your evaluation fee will be credited toward it.
A note on accuracy: Remote reports rely entirely on the certificate, appraisal, retailer tag, invoice, and photographs you provide. Details such as carat weight, metal type, measurements, and natural or lab-grown origin are treated as reported unless physically tested. Choose an in-person inspection when independent verification is important.
Questions, answered
Before you
send anything.
Still unsure which option fits? Start with the form and describe the decision you are facing.
Will you pressure me to buy from you?+
No. This is a paid, standalone service. Many clients use it only to double-check a purchase they are making elsewhere.
What if I do not have a certificate?+
An appraisal, retailer tag, or invoice can often help. Photos alone still tell us something, but any unverified details will be labeled clearly in the report.
How quickly will I receive the result?+
Cert Review and Full Evaluation reports are generally delivered within 24–48 hours. Evaluation + Call requests receive priority turnaround. In-person inspections take a few business days.
What is the difference between replacement and selling value?+
Replacement value is what it would cost to buy a comparable piece today, often for insurance or checking a purchase price. Selling value is what you could realistically receive through resale, trade-in, a dealer, or scrap—and is usually substantially lower.
Do you evaluate lab-grown diamonds?+
Yes. The report notes the origin and explains the often-significant difference between lab-grown replacement and resale value.
Is this only for engagement rings?+
No. Loose diamonds, finished rings, signed pieces, and other fine jewelry can all be reviewed.
How accurate is a remote evaluation?+
It is only as accurate as the documents and photos provided. Natural versus lab-grown origin and certain physical details require hands-on testing through an in-person inspection.
Can I ship a piece for inspection?+
Yes, by prior arrangement. Shipping is at your cost both ways, and insured, trackable service is strongly recommended. This is not a while-you-wait service; whether delivered or shipped, the inspection and written report take a few business days.
Start here
Tell me what
you’re looking at.
Share only what you know. Clear phone photos are fine, and it is completely okay if some details are missing.
- Reviewed personally—not auto-generated
- Natural and lab-grown stones welcome
- Most reports delivered in 24–48 hours