Supplier News: Oct. 8

By Brittany Siminitz | October 07, 2026

Instappraise Integrates Jewelers Mutual Insurance Quotes Into Appraisal Workflow

Instappraise announced its integration with Jewelers Mutual Group, allowing jewelers and appraisers to connect completed appraisal documents directly to Jewelers Mutual’s personal jewelry insurance quote system. Once an appraisal is finalized in Instappraise, the customer can receive a personalized insurance quote using the valuation and item-description data already entered in the appraisal.

The integration is designed to reduce duplicate data entry and make the transition from appraisal to insurance more seamless for customers. “By embedding instant insurance quoting directly from Jewelers Mutual into our platform, we are helping jewelers and appraisers create a more complete experience for their clients,” said Instappraise founder Raphael Boivin in a statement.

The integration is rolling out first through an early-access program for select Instappraise users, with a broader release planned for later this year. Jewelers Mutual president Mike Alexander said the goal is to make coverage easier to access “right at the moment it’s most relevant.”

For more information, visit instappraise.com.

Chris Ploof handmade bicycle chain — *Handmade bicycle chain bracelet in mixed metals, price on request; Chris Ploof*

Chris Ploof Designs Named Best Artisan Jewelry Design Studio by LUXLife

Chris Ploof Designs has been named Best Artisan Jewelry Design Studio in the USA for 2026 by LUXlife magazine, the jeweler announced. The publication’s research team evaluated the Massachusetts studio’s work and artistry, website and social media presence, professional associations, press coverage, and other materials in selecting this year’s honoree.

“We are extremely honored to have our design studio designated as a leader in luxury,” said founder and designer Chris Ploof in a statement. “My team and I strive for excellence in all that we do. We work hard and we pay attention to every possible detail, including the sustainability and ethics of our process.”

For retailers seeking distinctive, craft-driven product, the studio is known for hand-fabricated jewelry incorporating materials such as meteorite, Modern Electrum, hand-forged mokume gane, and Damascus steel. Chris Ploof Designs also emphasizes sustainability in its production, using solar power and recycled precious metals at its central Massachusetts workshop.

For more on the brand, visit chrisploof.com.

(Image via Jewelers Mutual)