Frequently Asked Questions
How do I Select The Right Qualified Jewelry Appraiser ?
There are many certifications jewelry appraisers can obtain, some of which require
extensive education and training from reputable accredited schools, and others with few
requirements from lesser known schools that are not accredited.
The appraiser you select, should first be a Graduate Gemologist, (GG) from the
Gemological Institute of America, (GIA). However, What most people are not aware of is
that just having the title of Graduate Gemologist does not necessarily qualify one to
appraise jewelry. The appraiser should also have studied appraising at a reputable school
and pass the various exams in appraisal science, ethics, as well as the The Uniform
Standards of Appraisal Practice, USPAP exam. It is important that the appraiser be
accredited or certified by a reputable appraisal organization.
The American Society of Appraisers is one of the largest and most respected appraisal
organizations in the world. There purpose is to establish requirements for a professional
appraisal practice and to promote and maintain a high level of public trust. An appraiser
who holds the ASA title from the American Society of Appraisers is the most advanced and
knowledgeable appraiser in his field.
Beware of appraisers that only hold a Graduate Gemologist credential and or are
supposedly certified by lesser or unknown appraisal organizations.
Always ask what education, testing and training the appraiser has undergone to achieve his
or her titles.
Always ask the appraiser to verify all titles, certifications and credentials the appraiser says
he or she has and make sure their certifications as well as USPAP are current and up to
date before choosing the appraiser.
There are many certifications jewelry appraisers can obtain, some of which require
extensive education and training from reputable accredited schools, and others with few
requirements from lesser known schools that are not accredited.
The appraiser you select, should first be a Graduate Gemologist, (GG) from the
Gemological Institute of America, (GIA). However, What most people are not aware of is
that just having the title of Graduate Gemologist does not necessarily qualify one to
appraise jewelry. The appraiser should also have studied appraising at a reputable school
and pass the various exams in appraisal science, ethics, as well as the The Uniform
Standards of Appraisal Practice, USPAP exam. It is important that the appraiser be
accredited or certified by a reputable appraisal organization.
The American Society of Appraisers is one of the largest and most respected appraisal
organizations in the world. There purpose is to establish requirements for a professional
appraisal practice and to promote and maintain a high level of public trust. An appraiser
who holds the ASA title from the American Society of Appraisers is the most advanced and
knowledgeable appraiser in his field.
Beware of appraisers that only hold a Graduate Gemologist credential and or are
supposedly certified by lesser or unknown appraisal organizations.
Always ask what education, testing and training the appraiser has undergone to achieve his
or her titles.
Always ask the appraiser to verify all titles, certifications and credentials the appraiser says
he or she has and make sure their certifications as well as USPAP are current and up to
date before choosing the appraiser.
What are the Most Respected Appraisal Credentials and Certifications ?
An Accredited Senior Member, ASA of the American Society of Appraisers and their advanced
designation in Gems and Jewelry, the highly respected Master Gemologist Appraiser, MGA.
Designated Member of the International Society of Appraisers. Their higest level of accreditation is the
Certified Appraiser of Personal Property (CAAP).
A Graduate Gemologist (GG) of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), or a graduate of the
Gemological Institute of Great Britian.
A Gemological degree assures that the individual appraising your jewelry and gems can identify and
grade gem materials.
An Accredited Senior Member, ASA of the American Society of Appraisers and their advanced
designation in Gems and Jewelry, the highly respected Master Gemologist Appraiser, MGA.
Designated Member of the International Society of Appraisers. Their higest level of accreditation is the
Certified Appraiser of Personal Property (CAAP).
A Graduate Gemologist (GG) of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), or a graduate of the
Gemological Institute of Great Britian.
A Gemological degree assures that the individual appraising your jewelry and gems can identify and
grade gem materials.
Why Should I Have My Jewelry Appraised?
1. You need an appraisal if you want to obtain insurance coverage on items worth more than $500.
2. You should have an appraisal if you plan to sell your jewelry or use it as collateral.
3. You need an appraisal to settle an estate or for fair distribution of gifts.
4. You need an appraisal to claim a casualty loss for your insurance company or the IRS.
5. You should have an appraisal for division of property in a divorce.
6. You need an appraisal for tax deduction of a charitable contribution.
7. You should have an appraisal for any dispute between you and a retailer.
How Often do I Need My Jewelry Appraised?
The Insurance Institute of America recommends that jewelry be re-appraised
every five years. If you have an outdated appraisal - Updating your appraisal
can be done relatively quickly and inexpensively.
1. You need an appraisal if you want to obtain insurance coverage on items worth more than $500.
2. You should have an appraisal if you plan to sell your jewelry or use it as collateral.
3. You need an appraisal to settle an estate or for fair distribution of gifts.
4. You need an appraisal to claim a casualty loss for your insurance company or the IRS.
5. You should have an appraisal for division of property in a divorce.
6. You need an appraisal for tax deduction of a charitable contribution.
7. You should have an appraisal for any dispute between you and a retailer.
How Often do I Need My Jewelry Appraised?
The Insurance Institute of America recommends that jewelry be re-appraised
every five years. If you have an outdated appraisal - Updating your appraisal
can be done relatively quickly and inexpensively.
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