How to Get Certified for Jewelry Appraisal

Appraisers aim to help their clients sell or purchase jewelry at a fair price.

Jewelry appraisers evaluate the worth of jewelry for jewelry retailers, private clients and museums or galleries. They work independently, manage their own firms or work full-time for a shop or gallery. They typically cultivate an intimate familiarity with one or more styles or periods of jewelry, rather than trying to become experts in every aspect of jewelry. They often must conduct research to ensure they give accurate appraisals. At the entry level, jewelry appraisers typically earn between $18,000 and $30,000, while experienced appraisers can earn between $55,000 and $85,000 or more, according to Jewelers of America.

Individual Certification

Gaining certification typically requires candidates to already have experience as an appraiser. At least three organizations provide jewelry appraisal certification. The American Society of Appraisers provides certification for jewelry and gem appraisers. Candidates must pass a course and an ethics examination, hold a four-year college degree and have at least two years of full-time appraisal experience. They can continue increasing their credentials through the association as they further their experience and education, gaining Senior Member status and then Master Gemologist Appraiser status.

The International Society of Appraisers offers certification for its members after they have completed two courses and accumulated three years of experience.

The American Gem Society awards the title of Certified Gemologist Appraiser to experienced members who are Graduate Gemologists, a certification gained through the Gemological Institute of America. To become a Certified Gemologist Appraiser, members must also work for a firm that is a retail member of the AGS, complete an AGS course, attend an AGS seminar, pass an exam and take a color vision test.

Firm Certification

If you have a jewelry appraisal firm, gaining certification for your firm will enhance your company's image. The Independent Certified Gemologist Appraiser program of the AGS certifies jewelry and diamond appraisal firms. To gain certification, you must meet the program's education requirements and have been operating for at least two years. Additionally, you may not sell gems, diamonds or jewelry to the public, although you may serve as a broker to jewelry professionals.

You must have an American Gem Society Accredited Gem Laboratory® that follows the organization's guidelines, such as having a permanent lab space with equipment for testing diamonds and evaluating the color of gemstones. The lab must also have a Certified Gemologist or Certified Gemologist Appraiser who has been certified through the AGS.

The firm must earn at least 50 percent of its gross income from appraisals, and follow the appraisal standards of the American Gem Society. The person applying must be a Graduate Gemologist, and she must complete a course with the AGS, gain Registered Jeweler certification with the AGS, and continue fulfilling educational and annual re-certification requirements of the association.

Getting Experience

Working with an established appraiser will help you become more confident and knowledgeable, in addition to preparing you for certification. Plus, you may benefit from the appraiser's connections. Experience working in a fine jewelry store in your style of interest will also help you to become highly familiar with that style. If you enjoy antique jewelry, look for an antique shop selling high quality old jewelry in your style of choice. Alternatively, apply with a gallery or museum as an assistant or intern.

Joining Associations

Once certified, joining additional professional associations will cast you as a professional and help you to learn from more experienced appraisers. You'll benefit from trade conferences, continuing education programs, and possibly by finding a mentor. Consider joining the Jewelry Judge Network and the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers, for instance. When potential clients or employers search for appraisers, they'll find you in these associations' listings, too.

References

• Degree Finders: How to Become a Jewelry Appraiser
• State University: Appraiser Job Description
• American Gem Society: Independent Certified Gemologist Appraiser
• American Society of Appraisers: Gems and Jewelry
• American Society of Appraisers: Accreditation
• Gemological Institute of America: Appraisal Associations

Resources

• National Association of Jewelry Appraisers: A Brief History
• International Society of Appraisers: Become a Member
• Jewelers of America: The Resource for the Professional Jewelry Industry