How to Find an Independent Certified Gemologist Appraiser Near You

How to Find an Independent Certified Gemologist Appraiser Near You

If you’re in the Denver Metro area, you’re in luck. We provide independent jewelry appraisals; you can click here to schedule an appointment.

But what if you don’t live in colorful Colorado? This article is about what, where, who, how, and why to seek an ICGA, with a few recommendations for colleagues in other states.

Summary

• If you’re in Denver, click here to schedule an appointment. <3
• There are many types of jewelry appraisers out there with a literal pile of certifications, but the number of “Independent” appraisers is competitively small.
• Check out the AGS Search Option for Appraisers.
• Check out a list of colleagues (below).
• Watch the video below to learn more about the certifications you should look for in an Independent Jewelry Appraiser.

The most likely reason you will need your jewelry appraised is for insurance purposes. One way or another, most people seeking a jewelry appraisal are looking for an unbiased opinion that is a true reflection of the current value of the object. But what does it mean to be “independent” and why is it so important?

An independent appraiser, as explained by Neil Beatty in his video What Makes A Good Jewelry Appraiser? is someone who is not a buyer or seller of the property they are appraising, and who does not work for a buyer or seller. This separation is critical to ensure that the appraisal is not an advertisement or a way to either inflate or deflate the value of an item for a third party’s gain. An unbiased appraisal stands up in court and provides an honest valuation, which is exactly what you need for insurance, estate planning, or any other legal or financial purpose.

Why Do You Need an Unbiased Appraisal?

Think of it like this: Say you wanted to get a diamond ring insured. It is in the insurance company’s interest to insure the piece at the lowest possible rate to minimize their risk and potential payout. It is, however, in your interest to insure the piece of jewelry at a value that would allow you to replace it with a comparable item in the event of loss or damage. Similarly, it is in the interest of the jeweler who created the object to inflate the value of that object to make the sale look more impressive. It is because of all of these conflicting interests that it is best for everyone involved to get an independent and unbiased appraisal. The kind of appraisal that can stand up in court.

What Appraisal Certification Should You Look For?

As a potential client, it can be confusing to navigate the alphabet soup of certifications that appraisers often display. To simplify things, Neil Beaty recommends two primary credentials for a good jewelry appraiser: one in gemology and one in appraising [00:57].

1. Gemology Certification

Gemology is the scientific study of gems, minerals, and jewelry. A gemologist is trained to identify and analyze characteristics such as mineralogical type, weight, dimensions, and the famous four Cs (color, cut, clarity, and carat) of diamonds and other precious stones [01:35]. The most recognized credential for this in the U.S. is the Graduate Gemologist (GG) diploma from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). It is a prerequisite for almost all appraisal credentials in the country [02:00]. An appraiser with a solid gemology background can accurately describe and identify the properties of your jewelry, providing a foundational layer of trust and expertise.

2. Appraising Certification

While gemology is about the item’s characteristics, appraising is about assigning a value to it. This involves not only understanding the item but also the market, its history, and the purpose of the appraisal. A key standard in the appraisal world is the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), which was created by Congress to ensure consistent valuation of all types of property [02:37]. An appraiser who is compliant with USPAP is trained to follow a strict set of rules and ethical guidelines, ensuring their valuation is fair and defensible. The American Gem Society’s (AGS) Independent Certified Gemologist Appraiser (ICGA) is one such credential that requires USPAP compliance.

An Independent Certified Gemologist Appraiser by the American Gem Society, (AGS), is one of the certifications I consider necessary to be a truly qualified “Independent” Jewelry Appraiser. There are many different AGS certifications, and I caution you that this highest awarded cert is the only one that counts when it comes to being an “independent jewelry appraiser.” The other AGS qualifications are prerequisites as well so an ICGA is also a CGA and also a CG, but are still not enough on their own.

Video: What Makes A Good Jewelry Appraiser?

https://youtu.be/4VcME7jVefk

How to Find an Independent Certified Gemologist Appraiser Near You

If you’re not near me in Denver, Colorado, or the surrounding cities, then there are a few handy resources you can find that will help you. (Though, actually, I am one of two independent gemologists for several hundred miles in any direction.)

Find An Appraiser — The AGS Search Option

The American Gem Society (AGS) provides a robust online tool for finding qualified jewelers and appraisers. By using their search function, you can filter for professionals with the specific certifications you are looking for, such as the Independent Certified Gemologist Appraiser (ICGA). This is an excellent starting point for your search, as it provides a curated list of professionals who have already met the AGS’s high standards.

How to Vet a Potential Appraiser

Once you have a list of potential appraisers, it’s important to do your own research to ensure they are the right fit for your needs. Here are some questions you should consider asking:

• Are they truly independent? Confirm that they do not buy or sell jewelry. This is the most crucial step to ensuring an unbiased appraisal.
• What are their credentials? Ask about their gemology and appraisal certifications. Look for a GIA Graduate Gemologist (GG) diploma and an appraisal certification that requires USPAP compliance, such as the AGS ICGA.
• Do they have a laboratory? A dedicated gemological lab with the necessary equipment (microscopes, refractometers, etc.) shows that the appraiser is serious about their work and has the tools to perform accurate analysis.
• What is their fee structure? A professional appraiser should charge a flat fee or an hourly rate, not a percentage of the appraised value. Charging a percentage creates a conflict of interest, as it incentivizes the appraiser to inflate the value.
• Can they provide references? Reputable appraisers should have a good reputation and be able to provide references from past clients or other professionals in the industry.

By asking these questions, you can ensure you are working with a qualified, ethical, and truly independent professional.

A List of Independent Certified Gemologist Appraisers By State

The number of certified gemologists in the US is relatively small. Here is a list of a few of my colleagues in other states whom I wholeheartedly recommend, organized by state.

• First Name: Marvin
• Last Name: Greer
• Company Name: Keystone Jewelry Appraisals
• City: Gadsden
• State: AL
• Website: keystoneappraisals.net
• Phone: 256-295-788
• First Name: Neil
• Last Name: Beaty
• Company Name: American Gem Registry
• City: Arvada
• State: CO
• Website: americangemregistry.com
• Phone: 303-223-4944
• First Name: Warren
• Last Name: Pressler
• Company Name: AIGR
• City: Littleton
• State: CO
• Website: aigrinc.com
• Phone: 303-420-2329
• First Name: Cynthia
• Last Name: Konney
• Company Name: New England Gem Laboratory
• City: Old Saybrook
• State: CT
• Website: negemlab.com
• Phone: 860-434-8885
• First Name: Davia
• Last Name: Kramer
• Company Name: Jewelry Appraisal Laboratory
• City: Tallahassee
• State: FL
• Website: jewelryappraisallab.com
• Phone: 850-222-4367
• First Name: Virginia
• Last Name: Utley
• Company Name: Palm Beach Jewelry Appraisals
• City: North Palm Beach
• State: FL
• Website: palmbeachjewelryappraisals.com
• Phone: 561-691-4649
• First Name: Grace
• Last Name: Alter
• Company Name: Grace Alter Independent Jewelry Appraisal
• City: Bonita Springs
• State: FL
• Website: N/A
• Phone: 239-287-0488
• First Name: Brian
• Last Name: Denney
• Company Name: BD Luxury
• City: Naples
• State: FL
• Website: bdluxury.com
• Phone: 217-370-5795
• First Name: Ira
• Last Name: Savoie, Jr.
• Company Name: Savoie Fine jewelry Appraisers
• City: Metairie
• State: LA
• Website: neworleansjewelryappraisers.com
• Phone: 504-834-0017
• First Name: Richard
• Last Name: Huntington
• Company Name: HGL Certified Jewelry Appraisers
• City: Las Vegas
• State: NV
• Website: huntingtongemlab.com
• Phone: 702-810-6103
• First Name: Deborah
• Last Name: Villepigue
• Company Name: The Jewelry Appraiser, Inc.
• City: Manhasset
• State: NY
• Website: thejewelryappraiser.com
• Phone: 516-365-0888
• First Name: James
• Last Name: O’Bryant
• Company Name: Gem Appraisal Laboratory, Ltd.
• City: Maumee
• State: OH
• Website: N/A
• Phone: 419-897-2138
• First Name: Mitch
• Last Name: Dustin
• Company Name: Northern Appraisal Services
• City: Worthington
• State: OH
• Website: northernappraisal.com
• Phone: 614-898-7927
• First Name: Kara
• Last Name: Huddleston
• Company Name: Huddleston Fine Jewelry Appraisals
• City: Wyoming
• State: OH
• Website: huddlestonappraisals.com
• Phone: 513-393-9195
• First Name: Anne
• Last Name: Neumann
• Company Name: Harold Weinstein Limited
• City: Toronto
• State: ON
• Website: hwgem.com
• Phone: 416-366-6518
• First Name: Mona
• Last Name: Miller
• Company Name: Pacific Gem Lab
• City: Portland
• State: OR
• Website: pacificgemlab.net
• Phone: 503-274-7022
• First Name: Mary Beth
• Last Name: Kroh
• Company Name: MB Kroh, LLC
• City: Charleston
• State: SC
• Website: mbkroh.com
• Phone: 609-313-3289
• First Name: Michaux
• Last Name: Chopski
• Company Name: Octagon Gemological Services, LLC
• City: Roanoke
• State: VA
• Website: octagongem.com
• Phone: 540-342-6144
• First Name: Jani
• Last Name: Livingston
• Company Name: Janie Livingston Appraisers
• City: Williamsburg
• State: VA
• Website: N/A
• Phone: 804-539-6585
• First Name: Joel
• Last Name: Hassler
• Company Name: Von Hasle Jewelry Advisers
• City: Racine
• State: WI
• Website: vonhasle.com
• Phone: 262-498-0074

A list of Independent Certified Gemologist Appraisers in the United States and Canada.