How to Become a Jewelry Appraiser

It takes more than a love of jewelry and an affinity for beautiful gemstones and settings to become a jewelry appraiser. Start out by taking a diploma or certificate course from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). During your on-campus or online training, you become familiar with the use of the microscope, polariscope and other equipment frequently used by gemologists. Fulfill all of the educational requirements to earn the GIA titles.

Once you graduate, you have the knowledge needed to differentiate authentic gems from those that have been heat-treated or synthetically produced. You will have an understanding of grading diamonds in D to Z color ranges. Gem lingo and the science behind mining will be clear. You should feel comfortable evaluating gemstones and writing detailed descriptions on the pieces as you prepare a valuation determination. If at all possible, complete an internship with a certified appraiser. Paid or not, the ability to work hands-on with an established firm is a valuable experience that you cannot do without.

With this type of training completed, you should seek out a career in the field. Ideally, you should try to find work with a certified appraiser. In the alternative, work for a jeweler, a jewelry auction house or a gem buyer. Work on setting up your very own gemologist appraiser firm in the meantime. As an entrepreneur who is heading up a small business, you need to get certified with the American Gem Society. Take classes at the society’s Las Vegas campus, which are frequently held by GIA experts. If you have already taken these courses, be sure to note it on your application.

Next, get professionally accredited with the American Society of Appraisers (ASA). Start out by passing the organization’s ethics exam and the Uniform Standards of Professional appraisal Practice (USPAP) test. You must also submit at least two professional appraisal reports that conform to the standards upheld by ASA. Joining the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA) is important as well. Professionally a necessity because of the possibility for networking, membership in this organization also ensures that you have access to continuing education courses.

As you transition from being employed in the field to heading up your appraisal business, maintain your memberships and become active in the organizations. Attend seminars and conferences. Do not neglect continuing education courses. Not only are they frequently a requirement for re-certification, but the continuing education classes also help you stay on top of the changing aspects of the jewelry business. Make sure that you adhere to the rules set forth by all of the accrediting organizations. In most cases, this means that your appraisal firm cannot be involved in the trade or sale of gemstones or jewelry.

Peter Suchy is a GIA graduate and also the appraiser for the State of Connecticut’s Attorney General’s Office—so he’s an expert on vintage, antique and estate gems of all kinds. Stop by our showroom at 1137 High Ridge Road in Stamford Connecticut to see our amazing inventory of gems including some of Peter Suchy's own designs (we've featured some of his designs right in this blog post)! Or, if you love shopping for vintage or estate jewelry, head on over to our eBay store—we are a top-rated PowerSeller with over 5,000 transactions to date!

Like our Facebook Page and you’ll get a preview of all our eBay store listings each week before they go live—and of course check out our amazing—and ever-growing, Pinterest Boards!