In the world of gemstones, you’ll find that all appraisers are gemologists, but not all gemologists are appraisers. When in doubt, remember that appraisers assign value; gemologists DO NOT.
Let’s break it down: gemologist vs appraiser—what do they actually do, and how are their roles different?
What’s a Gemologist?
A gemologist is essentially someone who studies gemstones. Aside from being able to do visual inspections of stones to identify the kind of gem you bring to them, they’re also well-versed in the four “Cs” of diamonds: color, clarity, cut, and carat. They study the art and science of gemstones, earning their diplomas from certified institutions. They can tell you if your gemstones are of high quality based on a classification system followed by gemologists all over the world.
A gemologist should be able to tell you if your gemstones were naturally formed or tampered with and if they meet the standards for that particular gemstone. Being objective is of utmost importance for a gemologist, as they should never distort their findings for anyone’s advantage.
Read more: Gemologist Identification Service
What is a Jewelry Appraiser?
On the other hand, an appraiser will combine the knowledge and skills of a gemologist with staying up to date with market demands, trend forecasts, as well as government regulations and legal policies regarding gemstone ownership. They do this to be able to assign a fair price to gemstones.
In other words, while a gemologist’s job may be limited to understanding the inherent characteristics of gemstones by using scientific processes, an appraiser assigns a monetary value to these qualities. Appraisers can also help gemstone owners understand the value of their investments, the benefits of insuring them, and the advantages and disadvantages of resale.
A gemologist might have limited know-how of appraisals and the jewelry market, but it is recommended that an appraiser be a good gemologist to start.
Read more: In Need of a Good Jewelry Appraiser? Here’s How to Find One
Gemologist vs Appraiser
The similarities between the two lie in the fact that they need to constantly update their knowledge. The world of gemology and gemstone and jewelry appraisals is constantly changing, and it requires practitioners to undergo further training provided by licensed gemological institutions to refine their craft. Earning a diploma or a license is not the final stage of these careers, so when looking for a good gemologist or appraiser, feel free to ask about where and when they received their latest training. More so, gemstones that have been examined by a trusted gemologist and an appraiser may be easier to resell in the future. They are certified authentic, thus appealing to serious buyers who know what to look out for.
It would be good to stay connected with both a gemologist and a certified NAJA jewelry appraiser for you to take care of your gemstone collection as best as you can. The jobs of these individuals are different but complementary, and gathering their views can help you arrive at a more complete understanding of the value of your gemstones.
