A jewelry appraiser assesses a piece of jewelry and determines its value. It’s not as easy as looking at a piece of contemporary or antique jewelry and estimating its value. In addition to a passion for jewelry, the appraiser should have a long educational and work history as well as experience. He or she should be detail-oriented, patient, and focused.
Because jewelry appraisers determine the value of jewelry, they are frequently used to gather information for wills, insurance policies, or simply for the owners’ own knowledge. A jewelry appraiser is usually well-versed in the current state of the jewelry market. He or she may begin the process of becoming an appraiser because of a strong interest in jewelry, so it’s common for him or her to know every nook and cranny of a piece, as well as what it takes to make one rare and whether it’s a fake.
A jewelry appraiser typically attends a technical school or college in addition to self-education. A bachelor’s degree in gemology, for example, is one of many types of degrees, certificates, or diplomas available. Appraisers may also seek membership in an appraisal organization, such as the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers or the International Society of Appraisers, both of which are based in the United States. Appraisers must complete an application process and keep their skills up to date in order to maintain membership. The appraisers are also likely to have had several years of retail experience in the jewelry industry, sometimes even prior to beginning their advanced education.
It is necessary to be meticulous, patient, and, in many cases, determined in order to work as a jewelry appraiser. When it comes to an unfamiliar piece, research is almost always required. In an appraisal, it’s critical to provide the correct estimate and description of the product. Antiques are more difficult to research than modern pieces.
Among the many skills a jewelry appraiser must possess, some of the most useful are knowledge of diamond cut and clarity, as well as pearls and metals. An appraiser should also be well-versed in trademarks and hallmarks. Gemstones, particularly rare colored gemstones and whether or not they have been enhanced, are another useful area of knowledge.
Being a jewelry appraiser allows people to express their creativity while also being a part of a dynamic industry. Jewelry has a long history, so it bridges the gap between the past and the present. Those who are most successful and stand out are often those who are most passionate about the field they are in, as is the case in most industries.