How do I become an Appraiser??

[hdiamond]

I work with a small company who sell diamonds. When selling diamonds the most common questions are "Can I get an Appraisal or Certificate of Authenticity?" First off, what are technical differences between the two? And how would I become certified to issue on or the other? I have heard of AGA before.
Thank you for your help and advice.

 

[denverappraiser]

hdiamond,

An appraisal is a description of an item and a marketplace. A certificate of authenticity is just a description of an item. Neither one requires a license, which is part of why there are so many bad examples of each available.

There are quite a few schools that teach appraising. The two biggest are: International Society of Appraisers and American Society of Appraisers. Neither of these is teaching product knowledge, it’s about valuation theory. More information at:

www.isa-appraisers.org
www.appraisers.org

There are also several schools that teach gemological knowledge. GIA, Gem-A, and AIGS come to mind but there are quite a few others..

http://www.gia.edu
http://gem-a-shop.hostinguk.com/
http://www.aigsthailand.com

In both cases it's helpful to add a decade or two of experience in at least one aspect of the industry, preferably more than one.
I don’t think AGA actually teaches either sort of program but perhaps he’s expanding his offerings.

Neil Beaty, GG ISA
Independent Appraisals in Denver

 

[oldminer]

http://www.najaappraisers.com/




The above leads to NAJA's website. NAJA offers a lot of appraisal education as do the other mentioned organizations above. All have excellent programs of education.




AGA does not have offer an education program. I had a diamond dealer friend some years ago that begged me to open a school. He wanted to be my backer. I even have the room for it, but I never went for his suggestion. I spent a good deal of my time teaching for ASA and now teach for NAJA. It is easier to let the organizations put together the logistics of getting the classrooms, supplies, and texts.




Of course, I haven't given up educating, but with the Internet, we no longer need such a formal classroom.

 

[denverappraiser]

Dave,

Sorry to omit NAJA. I didn't know you had a website. I"ll add it to my list for when people ask this question.

Neil