Independent Certified Gemologist Appraiser your # 1 best Choice

An Independent Certified Gemologist Appraiser is the top qualification in the industry.

The word “certified” is a hot-button issue in the gemological world. It is important to you as a consumer of jewelry to ensure the items are appraised by an expert. But where do you go, and what do you look for?

Appraisers are not all the same.

The initial appraisal is an important part of the quality control process.

Independent Certified Gemologist Appraisers—meaning appraisers who don’t work for the selling jeweler—are an important check and balance.

An Independent Certified Gemologist Appraiser (ICGA) is a professional who appraises jewelry, specifically diamonds and other gemstones.

They are considered highly regarded in the jewelry industry due to their expertise and impartiality. Unlike a typical jeweler who may have a vested interest in selling you an item of jewelry, an ICGA works independently and provides an objective assessment of a gemstone’s value.

The Independent Certified Gemologist Appraiser certification is provided by the American Gem Society, “a nonprofit trade association of fine jewelry professionals dedicated to setting, maintaining and promoting the highest standards of ethical conduct and professional behavior through education, accreditation, recertification of its membership, gemological standards, and gemological research.” Their top mission is to protect the consumer.

The AGS was founded in 1934 by Robert M. Shipley. The jewelry scene in the States at the time was a mess. Shipley made it his business to help standardize the appraisal industry. The jewelers and appraisers he trained would form the foundation of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the American Gem Society. The AGS would also innovate and develop its own cut, color, and clarity standards. It invented the industry’s first scientifically reviewed, objective, and repeatable Cut Grade Method.

It is the American Gem Society’s goal to go beyond governing law to ensure consumers are buying jewelry from those with the knowledge and skill to make sure they are making the best possible decisions.

In order to maintain membership, jewelers in the American Gem Society agree to:

• Provide full disclosure of all facts pertaining to the products they sell.
• Never intentionally deceive their employees, consumers, vendors, or business partners.
• Compete fairly and never speak unprofessionally about their competitors. Likewise, encourage their colleagues in the jewelry industry to embrace these principals.
• Resolve any customer complaints relating to the sale of a product.
• Not sell conflict diamonds. AGS jewelers must make every effort to fully comply with the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme and the World Diamond Council System of Warranties.
• Continue their gemological and jewelry education, always improving their knowledge and keeping up with trends in jewelry and ethical business practices.
• Adhere to the Anti-money Laundering (AML) program, which is designed to comply with the USA Patriot Act.

The Role of an Independent Certified Gemologist Appraiser

An ICGA plays a vital role in ensuring the fair and accurate valuation of gemstones. They are entrusted with appraising jewelry for a variety of purposes, including:

Insurance: When insuring jewelry, an accurate appraisal is necessary to determine the appropriate coverage amount. An ICGA’s appraisal can serve as reliable documentation for insurance companies.
Estate Planning: ICGAs are valuable assets when it comes to dividing jewelry among heirs. Their appraisals ensure a fair distribution of jewelry based on its market value.
Selling Jewelry: If you are considering selling your jewelry, an ICGA’s appraisal can provide you with a realistic asking price. This can help you avoid selling your prized possessions for a fraction of their true worth.
Buying Jewelry: For those looking to purchase a valuable gemstone, an ICGA’s appraisal can give you peace of mind knowing you are paying a fair price.
The Importance of Independent Certification

The process of becoming an ICGA is rigorous and requires extensive training and experience. To earn their designation, gemologists must complete coursework and pass exams from a reputable organization like the American Gem Society (AGS). The AGS is a nonprofit organization that sets standards for ethical conduct and professional behavior in the jewelry industry. By obtaining certification from the AGS, ICGAs demonstrate their commitment to upholding these standards and providing consumers with trustworthy appraisals.

What to Look for in an Independent Certified Gemologist Appraiser

When seeking the services of an ICGA, it is important to consider their qualifications and experience. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

Certification: Ensure the appraiser holds a valid certification from a reputable organization like the AGS.
Experience: Look for an appraiser with a proven track record in the industry.
Reputation: Ask for recommendations or research the appraiser’s online reviews to get a sense of their reputation.
Area of Expertise: Not all ICGAs specialize in appraising all types of gemstones. Choose an appraiser with experience in evaluating the specific type of gemstone you have.
By understanding the role of an Independent Certified Gemologist Appraiser and the importance of their qualifications, you can ensure you are getting a fair and accurate appraisal of your jewelry.

The American Gem Registry has been an independent certified gemologist appraiser (ICGA) since 2006, and has been renewing that certification annually since then. We are Colorado’s oldest Independent Certified Gemologist Appraiser!

This guide examines the world of gem and jewelry appraisals, equipping you with the knowledge to navigate this process with confidence. We’ll explore:

• The Purpose of Appraisals: Understanding the different reasons why you might need an appraisal.
• Gemstone Identification and Valuation: Delving into the factors that determine a gem’s value.
• Understanding Provenance: Exploring how a piece’s history can add value.
• The Appraisal Process: What to expect from a professional appraisal.
• Finding a Qualified Appraiser: Identifying reputable appraisers with the necessary expertise.
• Types of Appraisals: Distinguishing between replacement value, fair market value, and others.
• Beyond Diamonds: Appraising colored gemstones, pearls, and other materials.

Schedule an Appointment

By Appointment Only.
5610 Ward Rd #300
Arvada, CO 80002

neil@gemlab.us
303-223-4944

Your use of this email constitutes agreement to be contacted by American Gem Registry regarding your query only.