Benefits of Getting an Appraisal from NAJA Appraisers

You might wonder what the purpose of a jewelry appraisal is. The appraisal assigns a value to your jewelry, which is particularly important since gold, platinum, silver, and gemstone values fluctuate frequently. Being aware of the worth of your jewelry can prevent distress afterward in case it is misplaced or stolen, and you don’t have adequate coverage. 

But with many fake appraisals out there, it’s essential to get your jewelry appraised by a reliable source. That’s where NAJA comes in! 

NAJA (National Association of Jewelry Appraisers) is the most trusted international organization when it comes to appraisals of jewelry and watches. They provide detailed reports that include information such as metal content, gemstone quality, and replacement values for insurance purposes. 

Related: Different Jewelry Appraisal Organizations

With that in mind, we gather the top benefits of getting your jewelry appraised by a NAJA-certified appraiser.  Let’s get started!

The National Association of Jewelry Appraisers

 Getting your jewelry appraised by a NAJA-certified appraiser offers several advantages, but before we dive into that, let’s first give you a little background information about the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers. 

What is NAJA?

The National Association of Jewelry Appraisers was started in 1981. It was created to help people who needed appraisals for jewelry, gems, and watches. This organization wanted to make sure that there was no confusion between real estate, art, machines, equipment, and other things when it came to appraising jewelry and gems. The NAJA has been owned privately since 1981.

Member Titles and Designations / How Membership Works

Any budding appraiser can take the appraisal courses offered by NAJA however, to become a LICENSED member is another matter.  Licensed members are those who are able to generate reports that can be legally used by lawyers, auction houses, and/or insurance providers.  You need to be a Graduate Gemologist from GIA (or an equivalent to that of a Graduate Gemologist if you didn’t study in GIA) to even qualify to apply to be a Licensed member of NAJA. 

The applicant is also thoroughly vetted by the association.  After submitting documentation and completing the payment fee ($195/annually), members will receive their titles and designations based on the combination of trade experience, education, professional accomplishments, and titles achieved.

Those membership levels are: 

1. Candidate Member

A “Candidate Member” is someone who wants to join the Association but doesn’t meet the necessary membership requirements. They commit to a professional training program to achieve advanced designations. Once their membership application is accepted and they agree to pursue the required course of study, they become a “Candidate Member.” However, they can’t use any designation or display the Association’s logo until they meet all the requirements for the “Member” level and receive a written confirmation.

The “Candidate Member” status is non-advertisable and can only be mentioned in the appraiser’s qualifications section of a report.

Candidate Member Requirements:

1. A Candidate Member must have an interest in gem and jewelry appraising and may be attending a relevant course.
2. They must agree to follow the Association’s Code of Ethics, rules, regulations, and the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).
3. They must provide contact information for two references who can vouch for their character.

2. Member

To become a “Member,” an applicant must have been a Candidate or met the requirements for Candidate Membership. Members can use the designation to indicate their membership level and enjoy the associated rights and privileges.

Member Requirements:

1. A Member must earn a total of seven points: five from education and two from experience.
2. They must submit two appraisal reports they wrote within the past two years that meet the NAJA Report Writing Standards. If a report is found lacking, it must be revised to meet the minimum standards before advancing to Member status.
3. They must have at least two years of appraisal experience.
4. They must provide contact information for two trade or business references who can confirm their appraisal and gemological knowledge.
5. They must submit a comprehensive resume detailing their gem, jewelry, and appraisal background and experience. A short CV, like those found in appraisal reports, will not be considered sufficient.

3. Certified Member (CM)

To become a Certified Member, you must already be a Member and pass the Certified Member Examination. This exam covers appraisal theory and methodology from the first five lessons of the Appraisal Studies Course. 

After passing the exam, you have 30 days to write an Insurance Replacement Value appraisal report for one jewelry item, meeting the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers Report Writing Standards and USPAP guidelines. To maintain Certified Member status, you need to earn at least two education points per year.

4. Senior Member (SM)

A Senior Member enjoys the rights and privileges of the Association and can use the designation to show their membership level.

Senior Member Requirements:

1. Earn a total of 22 points: 17 from education and five from experience.
2. Have a minimum of 17 education points, including a Graduate Gemologist Diploma or equivalent (5 points) and appraisal-related training (12 points); 6 of these 12 points must come from National Association of Jewelry Appraisers courses or conferences.
3. Have at least 5 points from the Experience Requirements category.
4. Have been appraising for a minimum of five years.
5. Submit two sample appraisal reports – one Fair Market Value and one Insurance Replacement Report – meeting NAJA Report Writing Standards and USPAP standards.
6. One submitted report should be between two and five years old; if it doesn’t meet NAJA standards, submit a more recent report as well.
7. Provide a comprehensive resume detailing your gem and jewelry appraisal experience.

5. Certified Senior Member (CSM)

To become a Certified Senior Member, you must already be a Senior Member and pass the Certified Senior Member Examination.

The exam covers the first five lessons of the Appraisal Studies Course, focusing on appraisal theory and methodology. After passing the exam, you have 30 days to write an Insurance Replacement appraisal report for one jewelry item that meets the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers Report Writing Standards and USPAP guidelines. If you’ve already passed the exam and had a sample report accepted, the theory portion of the exam and the insurance appraisal report requirement are waived.

You must submit two appraisal reports – one for Insurance Replacement and one for Fair Market Value – meeting the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers Report Writing Standards and USPAP guidelines, along with the appropriate IRS documentation for the specific type of Fair Market Value. To maintain Certified Senior Member status, you need to earn at least two education points per year.

6. Certified Master Appraiser (CMA)

To become a Certified Master Appraiser, you need to meet the requirements for Senior Member and have at least seven years of experience in writing gem and jewelry appraisals.

Certified Master Appraiser Requirements

1. Complete the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers Appraisal Studies Course.
2. Pass the NAJA Final Examination in Appraisal/Value Theory based on the material covered in the Appraisal Studies Course.
3. Pass the NAJA practical appraisal examination by appraising one jewelry item according to the guidelines in the Appraisal Studies Course’s Final Assignment. The appraisal report should follow the applicant’s format and meet the standards set by NAJA, Code of Ethics, and USPAP.
4. Hold a Graduate Gemologist (GG) or equivalent diploma.
5. Have an NAJA-accredited “Gem Laboratory.”
6. Earn a minimum of two education points per year to maintain CMA status.

Educational Requirements

• Attend NAJA, ISA, ASA, AGA, GIA, FGA, or other trade-related appraisal or gemological training courses: 1 point per day.
• Hold a GG (GIA), FGA, CG, or CGA designation: 5 points (submit photocopies of diplomas).
• Complete GIA Diamond, Colored Stone, Gem Identification, or Colored Stone Grading In-Residence or Home Study Courses: 1 point each.
• Fractional points can be awarded for trade-related courses based on the Admission Committee’s accreditation listing.

Applicants may submit other equivalent or trade-related courses for educational credit consideration. It is the applicant’s responsibility to provide Membership with copies of all necessary documentation.

Experience points are based on time spent working in the jewelry appraisal field and/or other fields related to the gem and jewelry industry. Proof of experience can be provided through letters from employers, state licenses, or other documentation.

Additional Requirements

Every member needs to take a color vision test, which includes the Munsell Color Hue Discrimination and Ishihara tests, once every five years. They must send the results to NAJA for their records.

Also, to keep their certified status, Certified Members, Certified Senior Members, and Certified Master Appraisers need 16 hours (equal to two points) of continuing education each year. One point is equivalent to eight hours of education.

Jewelry Appraisal Benefits from NAJA Appraisers

Getting your jewelry appraised by an appraiser from the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA) has several benefits.

Accurate Valuation

An accurate valuation is one of the most important benefits that come with getting your jewelry appraised by a NAJA-certified appraiser. NAJA-certified appraisers use their extensive knowledge and experience within the jewelry industry to provide detailed, accurate assessments of the value of your jewelry. These appraisals consider factors such as the current market value of precious gems and metals, the craftsmanship of a piece, the rarity or uniqueness of a piece, and more.

Documentation

Documentation is an invaluable benefit of getting your jewelry appraised by a NAJA-certified appraiser. The documentation provided will include a thorough assessment of a piece’s condition and craftsmanship and the estimated market value. This makes it easier to identify pieces that have been damaged or modified over time. It also helps provide the information needed to insure your jewelry in case of theft, loss, or damage.

Unbiased Opinion

NAJA-certified appraisers are unbiased and independent, meaning they can provide a fair assessment of the value of your jewelry. This ensures you receive an accurate valuation free from bias or influence. You can make informed decisions about buying, selling, insuring, and protecting your jewelry pieces with an unbiased opinion. 

How to Find NAJA Appraisers Near You

The best way to find NAJA appraisers near you is to use the NAJA website. The website provides a list of NAJA-certified appraisers in your area, making it easier to find an appraiser with the expertise and qualifications required to provide accurate valuations. 

At Willyn Villarica Jewelry, you can trust that our certified NAJA appraiser has the expertise and qualifications to provide accurate and unbiased valuations for all your precious jewelry. 

Willyn Villarica is your trusted partner for jewelry appraisal services, catering to clients around the globe. Our expertise and commitment to excellence ensure accurate and reliable assessments of your precious gemstones. It’s important to note that while we offer our services worldwide, clients are responsible for covering all travel expenses. 

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to have your diamonds expertly graded by Willyn Villarica.

To request information or schedule appointments, please feel free to contact us via email at admin@willynvillaricajewelry.com. Additionally, you may connect with us through our official Facebook (Willyn Villarica Jewelry) and Instagram (@willynvillarica_jewelry) accounts. Should you require immediate assistance, we are also accessible for direct communication at +63279497547.

NAJA Appraisers FAQs

How do you know if the jewelry appraiser is trustworthy?

The best way to ensure a trustworthy appraiser is to look for one that is certified by the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA) or another titled by a respected national appraisal organization. 

Are NAJA appraisals accepted by insurance companies?

Yes, NAJA appraisals are accepted by most insurance companies. 

Can NAJA appraisers provide online jewelry appraisal services?

Yes, NAJA appraisers can provide online jewelry appraisal services in certain cases. However, these appraisals are subject to the same standards of accuracy and integrity as those done in person. 

Can NAJA appraisers appraise diamonds certified by GIA?               

Yes, NAJA appraisers can appraise diamonds certified by GIA and other respected organizations. 

GIA won’t give you a certificate or appraisal for your diamond. They will give you a report that tells you how big it is, what quality it is, and other special features about it. You can use this report to figure out the value of your diamond, but GIA won’t tell you what its exact value is.