Professional Gemologist Appraiser

Estimate Diamond Ring Value Question: Hi, this ring was purchased at Sears a few years ago.

The diamonds are real.

Diamonds–The Antoinette Matlins Buying Guide : How to Select, Buy, Care for Diamonds With Confidence and Knowledge

Price: $8.02

The ring weighs 5.2 grams.

It has the 14k stamp on it as well.

Can you please estimate the ring’s worth?

Thank you

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Shell Cameo Value Question: I have a cameo that my great aunt gave to me.

It belonged to her mother-in-law. It looks like a real shell-carved one.

Cameos: A Pocket Guide With Values (Schiffer Book for Collectors)

Price: $16.27

It has a 10kt stamp on the back. It is a pin and also can be used with a chain.

I do not know much about cameos. Maybe you could tell me how to tell if it is valuable.

From what I understand my great aunt’s mother-in-law was well off.

Thank you!

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GIA or ISG or neither?

Question: Hello, I always had an interest in gems and in the back of my mind, I always wanted to go to GIA to become a gemologist.

Gemology

$199.96 USD

I would like to work with stones, matching up with color and clarity to be set in jewelry but I don’t want to manufacture jewelry. I am more interested in the quality side if that makes sense.

My question to you is, what type of job is this called?

Does it make sense to become a gemologist?

I am not exactly sure what a gemologist does other than studing gems. Also, I have read about a school called International school of gemology (ISG). It’s suppose to way cheaper than GIA because it’s completely online but they do send you a gemlab.

I read about it on yourgemologist.com that it’s suppose to be easier to learn than GIA and they are also a member of the Better business bureau. http://schoolofgemology.com/ (that’s their website).

Does it make sense to go to school to become a gemologist?

How hard is it to get a job out of this?

I work full time so it’s easier for me to take an online course. GIA does offer distance education but I do have to go into NY for some tests. This would be difficult for me even though I live in NJ.

thank you for any advice, thoughts, opinions you can provide.

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