A new and comprehensive jewellery appraisal program has been developed to provide the consumer with a standardized, ethical and professional means to accurately evaluate their jewellery. It was widely believed that if a person was trained as a gemmologist, he or she is also qualified as an appraiser. Some gemmologists are, but most are not. Gemmology involves only the identification of gems and is based on scientifically analysed, factual information. Competency in gemmology is acquired after a few years of technical experience. Since there is no governing body to ensure ethics and integrity of gemmologists, 60-75% of the reports are inaccurate, mostly due to inflated claims of quality and/or values. Appraising jewellery is far more complex as it requires the gemmologist to make a valid assessment of the current and local marketplace. It requires an understanding of the high and low prices in retail locations, wholesalers to the public, manufacturers to the public, home shopping channels, and the internet. We then formulate a median replacement value, or fair market value for antique jewellery. Appraising also requires an ongoing knowledge of political and social changes in the world as it applies to the sources of supply. Professional appraising requires years of dedicated research to gain competence. NEXT PAGE | Gemmology and Appraisal Credentials 1, 2, 3, 4