Jewellery Appraiser is considered one of the best professions in terms of both remunerations as well as creative satisfaction. However, before you plan your career toward becoming a certified jewellery appraiser, you must know that it takes nearly five years to complete your appraisal training. Any person who owns a piece or a collection of jewellery may need a gold jewellery appraiser to know the value of the gold that is in his possession, in case he needs to sell the jewellery, or get insurance done. For this reason, there is a great demand for antique jewellery appraisers too.
What does a Jewellery Appraiser do?
An appraiser evaluates and determines the worth of a specific item or collection of jewels. The job, however, isn’t as simple as it seems. Stating the value of an antique or a contemporary piece of jewellery correctly takes some meticulous study. The appraiser has to have deep experience in his work background besides relevant educational qualifications. His passion for jewellery needs to be coupled with a high amount of focus and diligence.
In the jewellery industry, an appraiser is supposed to be highly knowledgeable, considering his expertise in establishing the value of jewels. The best jewellery appraisers of the world typically stay abreast of the latest information floating in the jewellery market. Love for jewellery is what leads them into this profession. Therefore, in the process, they gather huge data and a deep understanding of their subject.
An appraiser can tell a customer, without much effort, the exact value of a pair of sapphire earrings. He can tell a rare precious piece of jewellery from a fake one. A lot of patience is required as his job often involves extensive research, especially while evaluating an unfamiliar ornament. A lot depends on the estimate and description he gives about the product in his appraisal.
The vast knowledge that a jewellery appraiser is supposed to have, is about the cut and clarity of diamonds, pearls, and metals. An appraiser must also have extensive knowledge of trademarks and hallmarks. Another significant area is rare-colored gemstones.
The jewellery industry is dynamic and always changing. This allows the jewellery appraisers a lot of creativity and exciting challenges. Of course, these challenges appear exciting to those who are passionate about studying jewels and gems. And, as with any other industry, these passionate ones are the most successful ones.
How important is a Jewellery Appraiser?
Jewellery appraisers are equally required by private individuals, jewellery store, auction houses, and insurance companies frequently. It is the appraiser who tells the owner of a piece of jewellery that all the information about his booty is accurate and accounted for. It ensures that the owner of the jewellery is fully covered in case of a loss.
For a jewellery policy, an accurate insurance quote is very important, which can be ensured only with a quality appraisal of the jewellery. A precise appraisal plays a vital role in streamlining the insurance process by helping to generate a correct insurance quote. Complete and accurate information thus saves a lot of extra time and money. Jewellery appraisers have made the process of jewellery insurance a whole lot easier and faster.
Pay attention to insurance companies that try to write you a policy without verifying the information by getting an appraisal done. It may seem harmless outwardly but could be a disaster when it comes to laying a claim.
It is important to ensure that your newly purchased ring, bracelet, or necklace is in prime condition. If you fail to get an expert appraiser to evaluate this item on time, you may face the risk of it getting lost, damaged, or even having a defect that may not be obvious to a professionally untrained eye.
Why Appraisal is Needed?
For a new purchase, getting an appraisal done can be a way to validate your ownership. In case of a loss or damage to the piece, a detailed description of it may be required, so that your jeweler can create a replacement. A good appraisal will document the finest details of the original piece.
The cost of an appraisal is reasonable – between $75 and $125 – compared to the value of the jewellery. Getting jewellery appraised on time helps avoid a lot of disputes regarding their value when it comes to making an insurance claim later.
How to become a certified Jewellery Appraiser?
Although there are courses and certifications available for this job, most jewellery stores do not ask for certificates from those who want to work with them and learn on the job. This way, individuals can start their careers with practical experience. The experience thus gained on the job is valuable and always helps the appraiser in the long term.
For someone who wants to become a jewellery appraiser, the precise certification required may vary according to the jurisdiction of his location. For example, an individual living in the United States must begin by going through a program, which makes him a certified Gemologist or a Graduate Gemologist. The same certified gemologist, in the United Kingdom, is called a Fellow of the Gemological Association.
However, these designations only certify that an individual has been educated in fine jewels and gems. To become a jewellery appraiser, he needs an additional certification.
Many colleges and universities and gemology associations across the world offer classes for certification courses in jewellery appraisal. Anyone seeking education to become a jewellery appraiser can choose an appropriate course.
After obtaining the necessary certifications, an individual may seek employment to get more practical experience. For this, a fine jewellery store is usually a natural choice, but there are several other options for a certified jewellery appraiser. For instance, auction houses frequently need appraisers to understand the market value of jewels placed with the company for sale.
Analyzing the price of the product and setting the price for the jewelry and other items in luxury segment is very critical for any appraiser. Fast-Fix, leading Jewelry and Watch Repair service provider has more information on pricing for Jewelry and other items. Fast- Fix offers lot of services that can help Jewelry Professionals in the Industry.
Career Opportunities as Jewellery Appraiser
A career as a jewellery appraiser offers exciting opportunities in the field of gemology and valuation. Jewellery appraisers are experts in assessing the quality, authenticity, and value of various types of jewellery. It is including diamonds, gemstones, and precious metals. They play a crucial role in the industry by providing accurate and reliable assessments for insurance purposes, estate planning, buying and selling, and legal matters.
One of the main advantages of a career as a jewellery appraiser is the high demand for qualified professionals in the market. As the value of jewellery continues to rise, individuals and businesses require expert appraisals to ensure that their investments are accurately valued and protected. This demand creates a wide range of career opportunities for jewellery appraisers, including working for jewellery stores, auction houses, insurance companies, and appraisal firms.
Furthermore, jewellery appraisers have the opportunity to work with a diverse range of clients and jewellery pieces. Each piece of jewellery is unique, with its own history, craftsmanship, and value. This variety makes the job of a jewellery appraiser both challenging and rewarding. From examining rare antique pieces to assessing modern designer jewellery, every day brings new discoveries and learning experiences.
Professional Development
In addition to the diverse range of work, a career as a jewellery appraiser also offers the potential for professional growth and development. Appraisers can pursue certifications and advanced degrees in gemology and appraisal techniques to enhance their knowledge and expertise. These credentials not only increase credibility but also open doors to higher-level positions and increased earning potential.
Another aspect of a career as a jewellery appraiser is the opportunity to contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage. Appraisers often come across unique and historically significant pieces of jewellery that have cultural or historical value. You can be accurately assessing and documenting these pieces. Thus, appraisers play a vital role in preserving and protecting our cultural heritage for future generations.
Conclusion
Jewellery appraisers, as you see, are in high demand. They have a wide scope to grow as highly-paid employees as well as independent appraisers. Do you want to make a career as a jewellery appraiser?. You must sharpen your skills, and create an eye-catching portfolio for yourself. With constant learning and diligent practice, you will do a great job within the jewellery industry and earn a handsome income.
