What do I look for when I hire a jewelry appraiser?

Under current laws, there are no required licenses for jewelry appraisers. Because of that, you have to do the homework yourself to make sure you are hiring a qualified appraiser. Choose an appraiser who is an accredited member of a nationally recognized appraisal organization, such as the American Society of Appraisers, as well as a Graduate Gemologist of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the Gemmological Association of Great Britain (FGA). Ask about an appraiser’s credentials and make sure they are still active. ASA accredits jewelry appraisers and grants the most advanced accreditation, the Master Gemologist Appraiser® designation. The ASA Web site lists qualified appraisers in your area.