Only a few years ago, if you needed an appraisal of The revolution in the personal property appraisals gems and jewelry for any reason, you asked your local field (of which jewelry is a part) is a little more than a jeweler, who hastily scribbled a one-line handwritten decade old. There now exist uniform standards and note. He or she usually performed the appraisal for procedures for personal property appraisers, classes free, and did so with reluctance, accommodating you in valuation techniques, and degree programs in the only because as a customer you held the promise of a valuation sciences. future sale. The price your jeweler may have assigned Professional jewelry appraisers are on the edge of to the jewelry was granted without the least regard a new vocation. Banks, insurance companies, and for market research, legalities, or ethics. In most in governmental agencies have all helped bring about stances, the estimate was no more than a properly the changes and contribute to the birth of the profes completed sales receipt. sion; they have realized that they can demand and Gemologists were usually pushed into the role of get high standards of performance and integrity from appraiser by their jeweler employers, who were eager jewelry appraisers, as they can from appraisers of real to gain an advantage over their competitors by adver property.

The premier book of its kind, revised, updated and expanded. A comprehensive guide to the standards, procedures and ethics of appraising gems, jewelry and other valuables, Gems & Jewelry Appraising, 3rd Edition, contains expert practical guidance, combined with detailed descriptions, photos, case studies, pricing data, key documents and more. This guide offers all the information that practicing or aspiring appraisal professionals will need to establish an appraisal business, handle various kinds of appraisals--for insurance, divorce, inheritance, liquidation, collateral and tax donation--and provide an accurate, verifiable estimate of value.

"A complete reference for goldsmiths, collectors, and jewellery makers, this book is a comprehensive guide to identifying, buying, using and caring for a dazzling array of jewels and gems." "Discover the origins of gemstones and understand the process of selecting the raw material. Includes practical advice on how to assess the quality, rarity, grade, durability, and cut of precious and semi-precious stones." "Learn how gems are calibrated, using the industry standard measurements of carats and points, and how they can be treated to improve both colour and clarity. A glossary section clearly explains all of the key terminology used." "Illustrations and colour photographs help you to identify the gemstones available to jewellery makers, from amethysts and diamonds to tourmaline and quartz, and demonstrate how they can be used in different designs and settings."--Jacket

There is more to appraising jewelry than just being parable sales and a value determination. Then, all this able to put a dollar value on an item. The title of ap information, with clear jewelry descriptions, must be praiser distinguishes the individual who is able to iden succinctly put together with photographs and deliv tify, witness, estimate status, excellence, or potential ered to the client. ity, and to determine the authenticity of an article. Today's jewelry appraiser should also be cognizant Many factors impact on a thorough appraisal, espe of the vicissitudes of fashion, how changes impact the cially on estate and period jewelry. jewelry market in a substantial and vital manner in both design and style. A careful look must be given to Developing all this expertise is a lot to ask of practi tioners who only a decade ago were barely making a study of color psychology with an awareness of why specific gemstones and their colors and enamels of cer distinction between a well-written sales receipt and a professional appraisal report. tain colors were used in different periods. Industrial In the past few years bold changes have taken place developments, from machine stamped jewelry, the use in this field. It is now understood that standard ap of aniline dyes in clothing, and development of the praisal concepts and principles can be applied to the electric light, have influenced design and use of gem stones.

The premier book of its kind and a comprehensive guide to the standards, procedures and ethics of appraising gems, jewelry and other valuables. Gems & Jewelry Appraising offers all the information that jewelers, gemologists and students of jewelry appraisal will need to establish an appraisal business, handle various kinds of appraisals-for insurance, divorce, inheritance, liquidation, collateral and tax donation-and provide an accurate, verifiable estimate of value.

The Secret Teachings of Gemcutting is a collection of classic gemstone designs spanning 500 years. The designs are presented with full color photos, historical information, cutting advice, and design information. These are industry standard designs for the gem and jewelry trade for all the major gemstone cutting centers around the world. This collection marks the first time the designs have been compiled for public consumption. This volume will prove useful to both gemcutters who want to cut these essential designs and to jewelers who would like a visual aid to present different gemstone styles to their customers. Aside from the designs, the introductory chapters of the book contain invaluable information about gemstone design, optics, gem physics, modifying designs, pairing rough gems with an appropriate design, and more.

A thorough reference to antique and period jewelry created over a 200-year period in Canada, Europe, the United Kingdom, and the United States. From the Georgian to Modern periods, the fascinating story of jewelry evolving with women's fashions is told. Great designers' findings, fittings, and maker's marks are fully explained.

Jewellery styles were influenced by wars, the economy, events like the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, and the growth of industrialisation. Sentiment was reflected in hair jewellery made from a loved one's hair, lockets containing family pictures, and pins bearing names and catch-phrases of importance to their period. This book gives you the historical background, the periods' fashion trends, and detailed descriptions of popular jewels, so you can have an even greater appreciation for the pieces in your collection. The book also includes information about: How jewellery is manufactured; How to determine what kind of metal an item is made from; Determining whether a stone is synthetic; A listing of maker's marks to help you identify and date pieces.

What is a cabochon? What are the various types of gilding? What is vermeil? This accessible book—the first of its kind—offers concise explanations of key jewelry terms. The fascination with personal adornment is universal. It is a preoccupation that is primal, instinctive, and uniquely human. Jewelry encompasses a seemingly endless number of ornaments produced across time and in all cultures. The range of materials and techniques used in its construction is extraordinary, even revolutionary, with new substances and methods of fabrication added with every generation. In any given society, master artisans have devoted their time, energy, and talent to the fine art of jewelry making, creating some of the most spectacular objects known to humankind. This volume, geared toward jewelry makers, scholars, scientists, students, and fashionistas alike, begins with a lively introduction that offers a cultural history of jewelry and its production. The main text provides information on the most common, iconic, and culturally significant forms of jewelry and also covers materials, techniques, and manufacturing processes. Containing more than eighty color illustrations, this guide will be invaluable to all those wishing to increase their understanding and enjoyment of the art of jewelry.