JNB Jewelry & Gem Appraisal

What To Look For In An Appraiser?

Unfortunately there are no state or national licensing requirements for Gemologist Appraisers. While national organizations such as NAJA (National Association of Jewelry Appraisers) and ASA (American Society of Appraisers) work towards making licensing mandatory, the current situation is... anyone who wishes to do so may call themself a Jewelry Appraiser!

It takes much more than having a background in jewelry sales or simply being a trained gemologist to be a qualified Gem & Jewelery Appraiser.

So how does one find a professional gemologist appraiser? Simply by asking a few knowledgeable questions about the appraiser's credentials. 

This makes it easy for the consumer to separate qualified appraisers from those who may be 'flying by the seat of their pants'.

Here is what to look for in a qualified appraiser of gems & jewelry:

• Do they have a Graduate Gemologists degree from GIA (Gemological Institute of America) or the Gemological Association of Great Britian? These are widely recognized as the foremost authorities in gemological education.

• Do they have Personal Property Appraisal educational credentials focusing specifically on the appraisal of gems and jewelry? Registered Master Valuers International (RMV) and the American Society of Appraisers (ASA) both offer strong personal property appraisal education focusing on gems and jewelry.

• Are they members in good standing (current on annual dues & no ethics violations) of a recognized  professional appraisal organization such as NAJA (National Association of Jewelry Appraisals) or ASA (American Society of Appraisers)?

• Are they members of AGA (Accredited Gemologists Association)? Many if not most of the industry's foremost gemologists belong to the AGA.

• Do they invest in 40 hours or more of professional appraisal and gemological educational seminars every year? (Important to be current with changing gem and jewelry appraisal practices and laws as well as changes in the gemological field.)

• Have they received first hand experience with jewelry manufacturing methods? This is needed in order to recognize the different methods of jewelry production which directly affects value.

•  Are they an Independent Gemologist Appraiser or do they work for a business that buys and sells jewelry? Independent Gemologist Appraisers neither buy nor sell jewelry... they have no conflict of interest.

• Do their appraisals state they are in compliance with USPAP (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice)?

If the appraiser you are considering can demonstrate they adhere to the above qualifications, you have found a well qualified Independent Gemologist Appraiser!