A certified appraisal is often required by the owner of a piece or collection of jewelry for insurance purposes, in preparation for selling the jewelry, or simply for personal knowledge of the value. To become a jewelry appraiser, or gemologist, an individual must first complete a course that leads to gemologist certification. Additionally, anyone interested in becoming a jewelry appraiser should look for work in a jewelry store or at a reputable auction house where jewelry is frequently appraised and auctioned, both before and after certification.
The exact certification required to work as a jewelry appraiser varies by jurisdiction. In the United States, for example, an individual must first complete a program that leads to Graduate Gemologist certification. A Fellow of the Gemological Association is the title given to a certified gemologist in the United Kingdom. While these credentials certify a person’s knowledge of fine jewels and gems, becoming a jewelry appraiser usually necessitates additional training.
Various gemology associations around the world offer courses that can lead to a jewelry appraisal certification. Many colleges and universities also provide certification courses. Anyone interested in advancing their education to become a jewelry appraiser should find a suitable course and obtain the necessary certification.
Practical experience should be sought in addition to the coursework and certification required to appraise jewels. In most cases, a certification is not required to work as a salesperson in a jewelry store. However, the experience gained could help pave the way for a career in the jewelry industry.
Once a person has obtained the certifications required to appraise jewelry, he or she can seek work in a variety of settings. Although a fine jewelry store is an obvious choice, someone who is certified to appraise jewelry has other options. Appraisers are frequently needed by auction houses to determine the market value of jewels or jewelry that have been placed with the company for sale.
Insurance companies, as well as private individuals, frequently require appraisers, in addition to jewelry stores and auction houses. If the value of the jewelry is claimed to be over a certain dollar amount, an appraisal is frequently required when it is insured. In some cases, the jewelry will need to be appraised by the insurance company, while in others, the appraisal will be completed by an independent appraisal company.