Choosing A Jewelry Appraiser
By · CommentsChoosing a jewelry appraiser is not complicated……But caution is required.
Why ? Well the fact of the matter is………..ANYONE can hold themselves out to the public as a personal property jewelry appraiser. Only real estate appraisers are licensed, and that leaves it up to you to qualify the appraiser you retain.
Let’s start up front where you bought the jewelry.
JEWELERS
Jewelers are the fine people who sell jewelry, gems, and watches to the public. For the most part though, jewelers are not trained gemologists or trained appraisers.
NOTE: The JVC (Jeweler’s Vigilance Committee) has reported in National Jewelry trade magazines that there are more than 20,000 jewelers routinely performing appraisals every day. Of these 20,000 JVC believes that only about 750 to 1,000 are trained as jewelry appraisers by a professional appraisal organization now offering in-depth education in the preparation of jewelry, diamond, and gem appraisals.
A jeweler can be a gemologist, but it is not necessary to be a gemologist to be a jeweler. Just because someone has been in the business for 19 or 20 years, doesn’t make them a qualified gemologist or qualified appraiser.
GEMOLOGISTS
Gemologists study gemstone identification and grading. A good gemologist is not necessarily a good appraiser. But…….a good appraiser must be a good gemologist. A good gemologist is one who is constantly involved in the study of gemstones long after he/she has received their gemologist diploma. Good gemologists continue their studies throughout their entire career.
A qualified gemologist will have graduated from one of the below gemological institutes or organizations:
Gemological Institute of America
Gemological Association of Great Britain
American Gem Society
Paris Junior College
APPRAISERS
Appraisers study the practical theory of appraisals, market valuation, as well as studying jewelry past and present.
Professional appraisers always write their appraisals to USPAP standards. That’s the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice.
A professional appraiser will provide you with a written opinion of value, on which you and others involved can base your decisions.
And Remember………………………….
A GOOD APPRAISER MUST ALSO BE A GOOD GEMOLOGIST.
A qualified appraiser will have been educated by one the below professional organizations.
ISA International Society of Appraisers
ASA American Society of Appraisers
NAJA National Association of Jewelry Appraisers
AGS American Gem Society
An independent gemologist/appraiser should be your first choice to have your jewelry appraised.
Why…well there are three reasons:
1) Because an independent gemologist/appraiser usually has no interest in your jewelry.
2) It is a conflict of interest if the person you bought the jewelry from also provides you with the appraisal for that jewelry.
3) An independent gemologist/appraiser is skilled in both gemology and appraising.
Until next time remember…..all that glitters is not gold,
Tom Ryan
Gemologist/Appraiser
Appraisals for Jewelry, Watches, Silver, Diamonds and Gemstones
For Your Personal Appointment: Just Call: 214-912-4544
Jewelry Resources
By · CommentsBelow you’ll find some great resources for the jewelry industry. I believe you’ll find them quite informative.
Caring For Your Fine jewelry
By · CommentsFine jewelry is kept that way by caring for it.
Gold, platinum, and diamonds are very hard. So are many gems. However, they are not indestructible. Did you know that diamonds can be scratched by other diamonds.
Because of that, I recommend keeping all jewelry separated in your jewelry case. If it is overloaded, try soft pouches. They add a lot of protection and are great for traveling.
Avoid subjecting your fine jewelry, diamonds and color gems to harsh chemicals, salt water, and especially chlorine. And don’t forget………remove your jewelry before swimming, bathing, and cleaning. Chemicals and detergents can not only break down the metal, it can damage your color gems.
Taking care of jewelry also applies to men. Men will wear jewelry cutting the lawn, gardening, digging, working on the car, and playing sports. Not only can that be a hazard to the jewelry, but what happens if a ring or neckchain gets caught on something. Enough said.
It’s a good idea to have your local jeweler check your fine jewelry every once in a while. They will check for cracks, loose gems, and weak settings. They might detect a problem long before you actually see it.
Until next time remember…..all that glitters is not gold,
Tom Ryan
Gemologist/Appraiser
Appraisals for Jewelry, Watches, Silver, Diamonds and Gemstones
Visit our Choosing A Jewelry Appraiser article.
For Your Personal Appointment: Just Call: 214-912-4544
Cleaning Your Fine Jewelry
By · CommentsCleaning your fine jewelry keeps it that way.
The residue from dirt, soap, and hand creams will build up on your fine jewelry and gemstones, requiring periodic cleaning. The good news is………you can clean your fine jewelry right in your own home. And it doesn’t take long.
All you need is a bowl of warm soapy water. Be sure to use one of those non-detergent liquid soaps. Let your jewelry soak in the solution for five to ten minutes.
Then, use a soft toothbrush for cleaning. Be sure to loosen any dirt under the settings and around the prongs. Lastly, rinse your jewelry in a clean bowl of warm water.
CAUTION: Do not clean or rinse your jewelry in the sink. You might just see a ring or loose gem go right down the drain, never to return. If that doesn’t convince you, then at least plug up the drain or make sure there’s a bowl beneath the jewelry while you clean it.
You know, somewhere I heard that dipping diamond jewelry in vodka before soaking helped to reduce grease build-up. Personally, I’ve never tried it and think it’s a waste of good vodka.
Pearls require special care because they are so delicate. Make sure you put your perfume on first ladies. Then put on your pearl jewelry. Nothing will dull the luster of pearls like alcohol. Clean your pearls with a soft polishing cloth. If you wear your pearls often, its wise to have them restrung every year or two.
Sterling silver jewelry will tarnish even with good care. However, it will clean up easily with just a jewelry polishing cloth. Also, try storing it in a cool, dry place.
Until next time remember…..all that glitters is not gold,
Tom Ryan
Gemologist/Appraiser
Appraisals for Jewelry, Watches, Silver, Diamonds and Gemstones
Visit our Caring For Your Fine Jewelry article.
For Your Personal Appointment: Just Call: 214-912-4544