Gemological Institute of America

2026 jewelry appraisal guide Best Advice

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2026 Jewelry Appraisal Guide

The 2026 Jewelry Appraisal Guide: Protecting Your Assets in a Volatile Global Market authored by @jamesdumar.com | Identity: did:plc:7vknci6jk2jqfwsq6gkzu The global jewelry landscape has undergone a tectonic shift in 2026. As we navigate a post-scarcity environment for laboratory-grown materials and a hyper-volatile market for “Big Three” colored gemstones, traditional methods of valuation are no longer … Read more

How to Read a Diamond Grading Report

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Contact American Gem Registry with your questions, and to schedule an appointment in Arvada or onsite at your location
[sc_fs_multi_faq headline-0=”h2″ question-0=”Why is the date on a GIA grading report important to buyers?” answer-0=”The date is crucial because it indicates when the diamond was last inspected. Most shoppers look for a report issued within the last one to two years. An older report raises concerns about potential damage (like chips or scratches) that may have occurred since the inspection. Additionally, GIA report formats have changed over time; for example, reports issued before 2006 do not include a cut grade.” image-0=”” headline-1=”h2″ question-1=”2. Does GIA provide a “Cut Grade” for all diamond shapes?” answer-1=”No. GIA currently only provides an official cut grade for Modern Round Brilliant diamonds. For any other shape (like Pear, Princess, or Marquise), this line will be omitted from the report. If you need a cut grade for a non-round diamond, the article suggests consulting an independent appraiser or an alternative lab like IGI.” image-1=”” headline-2=”h2″ question-2=”3. What is the difference between the “Proportion Diagram” and the “Plotting Diagram”?” answer-2=”Proportion Diagram: Shows the physical measurements and angles of the diamond, such as crown and pavilion angles and culet size. Plotting Diagram: Acts as a “map” of the diamond from both the top and bottom views. It marks the specific clarity characteristics (inclusions or blemishes) used to determine the diamond’s grade and helps in identifying the specific stone.” image-2=”” headline-3=”h2″ question-3=”4. What should I look for in the “Comments” section of the report?” answer-3=”The comments section contains important notes from the grader that aren’t captured in the diagrams. This includes mentions of treatments (like laser drill holes), special phenomena like phosphorescence, or clarity characteristics that weren’t large enough to plot, such as “clouds not shown.”” image-3=”” headline-4=”h2″ question-4=”5. How can I verify that a GIA report is authentic and matches the diamond?” answer-4=”Every GIA report has a unique report number that can be looked up in the GIA online database. Most stones also have a QR code on the report that links directly to the digital record. Additionally, check the Inscription section; many diamonds have their report number laser-inscribed on the girdle, which can be matched to the physical document.” image-4=”” count=”5″ html=”false” css_class=””]

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The 4C’s: How to Use the Traditional GIA Grading Scale to Buy Diamonds

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Cover art for the article "The 4C's: How To Use the Traditional GIA Grading Scale to Buy Diamonds" which depicts several decorative borders centered around a silver ring with a round-shape diamond center-piece.

[sc_fs_multi_faq headline-0=”h2″ question-0=”1. What is the most important tool for a diamond shopper to have?” answer-0=”The GIA Grading Report is the number one tool for any shopper. For any major diamond purchase (specifically those over a few thousand dollars), a lab report is essential. If a stone does not have a reputable lab report, the … Read more

Jewelry Insurance

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Cover art for the article, "jewelry insurance," depicting a ring and the articles title in victorian style

[sc_fs_multi_faq headline-0=”h2″ question-0=”1. Why do I need a professional appraisal to get jewelry insurance? I” answer-0=”Insurance companies require a detailed appraisal because it defines exactly what they are insuring. Without a professional description, the insurer wouldn’t have the necessary specifications to provide accurate coverage or replace the item correctly in the event of a loss.” … Read more

What is Fair Market Value?

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Cover art that depicts the title of the article in a Victorian Era Banner

Any statement of value must contain the elements of what something is worth, to whom, when and under what circumstances. An unexplained number is at best useless, and quite possibly misleading. That’s just fundamental to the concept of value and nearly every discussion of value ends up with someone talking about ‘fair market value’ as … Read more