Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Gemology?
Gemology is the scientific study of gemstones—beautiful, durable, and desirable minerals including diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphires, opals, and pearls. A professional gemologist uses advanced tools to identify stones and assess enhancements such as dyes, heat treatments, fracture filling, laser drilling, coatings, and more. They can also distinguish between natural and lab-created stones, ensuring transparency in all assessments.
What Is a Graduate Gemologist (G.G.)?
A Graduate Gemologist (G.G.) is someone who has completed the rigorous gemology curriculum at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). This respected qualification reflects deep expertise in gemstone science, though the GIA does not certify appraisers or determine value—it focuses solely on education and scientific standards.
What’s the Difference Between a Gemologist and an Appraiser?
A gemologist specializes in identifying and analyzing gemstones scientifically. An appraiser, on the other hand, determines the monetary value of jewelry based on market trends. For the most accurate valuations, it's ideal when one professional holds both qualifications—gemologist and appraiser. That way, you get precise identification paired with informed valuation.
What Is an Appraisal, and Why Do I Need One?
An appraisal is a detailed, purpose-specific document that describes your item and assigns a value. Common appraisal types include:
Insurance Replacement Value – Reflects the cost of replacing the item with a new, comparable piece from a retail jeweler—typically higher than fair market value.
Fair Market Value – Used for gift tax reporting or donations; reflects what a comparable item might sell for in estate or secondhand markets.
Always clarify your appraisal purpose upfront—whether for insurance, tax, donation, or other needs—so the report can be correctly tailored.
What Qualifications Should My Appraiser Have?
Professional credentials – Look for appraisers who clearly indicate adherence to USPAP (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice), the industry benchmark for ethics and methodology. Transparent fee structure – Appraisers should charge by time or flat rate—not as a percentage of the appraised value—to avoid conflicts of interest and comply with IRS guidelines.
What About Jewelry Appraiser Regulation?
There are currently no federal or state licensing laws governing who may call themselves a jewelry appraiser. As such, it's your responsibility to verify the appraiser's credentials, experience, and trustworthiness before proceeding.
How Much Does a Jewelry Appraisal Cost?
Appraisal fees generally range from $100 per item to $300+ per hour, depending on complexity and report detail. Costs vary but remember quality and accuracy matter most.
Why Choose Jewelry Appraisers of Portland?
On-site, transparent service – All appraisals are performed while you watch, eliminating uncertainty about your item’s handling.
Highly qualified team – We are Graduate Gemologists (GIA G.G.) with over 40 years of experience.
Independent and unbiased – We don’t buy or sell jewelry, which ensures a conflict-free, objective valuation.
Convenient appointments – Services by appointment only, with free parking and easy scheduling.