When Buying That Romantic Gift, Make Sure to Follow the Four C’s of Gems & Jewelry.

By Patti J. Geolat, ASA

For many, it’s truly the most wonderful time of the year, a time to buy pricey romantic gifts, engagement, and wedding rings. And, whenever one is considering the purchase or sale of gems or jewelry, it’s critical to make sure the appraisal is based on the Four C’s of Gems & Jewelry, as compiled by ASA:

1. Competent–Accredited appraisers have the education, experience, and professionalism to solve whatever valuation questions a buyer may have. The training is thorough and designed to ensure that appraisers perform all necessary testing and research.
   
2. Credible–The information and value opinions an accredited appraiser provides are based on precise evaluation and market driven data that assure buyers that it is believable and supported by evidence.
   
3. Confident–The solid, ethical underpinning and expertise of an accredited appraiser provides reasons to assure confidence. Accredited appraisers are required and expected to be independent, unbiased, and ethical in every facet of their work.
   
4. Credentialed–Appraisers like those with the ASA credential are respected, educated and accredited. Those with the ASA credential are the most highly trained professionals in the industry. An appraiser with the ASA designation has an extensive background of education, experience and training. Those who also have the Master Gemologist Appraiser® (MGA®) certification communicates that the appraiser has reached the pinnacle of the Gems & Jewelry appraisal profession. The Master Gemologist Appraiser® credential requires significantly more education, testing, and gemological laboratory certification to earn and is considered the industry’s gold standard.

All too often, that special moment of picking out a Valentine’s Day gift, an engagement and wedding ring, or considering a special family heirloom to bequeath can sour if the item is based on a faulty or incomplete appraisal. Consumers can ensure that present is all it’s meant to be by making sure to follow the Four C’s of Gems & Jewelry to ensure that the appraisal is done by an accredited professional, like those with the ASA and MGA® credentials.

Find an ASA accredited appraiser today! Visit www.FindAnAppraiser.org.

Patti J. Geolat, ASA, is the founder and CEO of The Geolat Group. She began her career at a jewelry sales counter, and today is a widely known authority on the appraisal, brokerage and sale of fine jewelry.