Finding a Qualified Appraiser

Qualifications

Appraising is not regulated in most states and provinces. Therefore, appraisers are not required to have formal education or belong to appraisal organizations. Many jewelers perform appraisals, and while they might know the cost of their own jewelry, they are not "qualified" to do appraisals. At the Jewelry Judge, we require full qualifications to become a member. Every licensed Jewelry Judge is qualified so you, the consumer, do not have to search for the right appraiser.

Gemological Training

Every Jewelry Judge appraiser must be a graduate gemologist (GG title) from the Gemological Institute of America or an FGA (Fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain). This insures knowledge in the gemological identification procedure that is a part of every appraisal. In addition, our gemologists continue to further their education through update classes and seminars. Please note that gemological training should never be equated to appraisal training, a reason why not all gemologists are qualified to be appraisers.

Appraisal Training

Every Jewelry Judge appraiser must enroll in appraisal science training through any of a number of recognized organizations. You can individually check with each appraiser to learn more about what programs each may have completed.

Appraisal Titles

Many organizations offer credentials that the appraiser may use after their name. So, in addition to the GG title or FGA title, you may see other initials that appear. Some titles follow but are not inclusive of every title offered.

• MGA–Master Gemologist Appraiser–offered through the American Society of Appraisers. Requirements include years of experience, gemological degree, comprehensive examination, and background evaluation.
  
• CAPP–Certified Appraiser of Personal Property–offered through the International Society of Appraisers. Requirements include years of experience, gemological degree, comprehensive examination, and background evaluation.
  
• NGJA–National Gem and Jewelry Appraiser–offered through the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers. Requirements include years of experience, gemological degree, and background evaluation.
• Registered Master Valuer–offered through a recognized appraisal educational program developed by the late Anna Miller. Requirements include gemological degree and comprehensive examination.

A professional appraiser will ALWAYS list his/her qualification with their signature. If you do not see their qualifications after their name, it is most likely that they are NOT professional appraisers. The "Graduate Gemologist" title from the Gemological Institute of America is NOT an appraiser's title!