The Certified Gemologist^® Appraiser Program is required for the prestigious title of Certified Gemologist^® Appraiser and is available to retail members who hold the Certified Gemologist^® title.

Program Details

The CGA Program is a day-and-a-half program in three parts: The first half of day one will be the Appraisals I lecture, followed by the practical appraisal of jewelry items in the second half of the day. Day two begins with the Appraisals II lecture, followed by the CGA Theory exam test.

Appraisals I gives you the basics of appraisal methodology, a must for any jeweler offering appraisal services. Learn about the take-in procedure, the appraisal form, lighting, disclaimers, updates, value declaration, narratives, descriptions, and the finished document.

In Appraisals II, you’ll learn how to build your appraisal business. Interested entrepreneurs can learn about multiple markets and how they apply to appraisal services. This session explores all types of appraisal reports, hypothetical, and Fair Market Value. Both sessions deliver up-to-date information critical for any professional appraiser.

Registration Requirements

CGA Program candidates must hold the CG title (or have a GG diploma from GIA and be nearing completion of the RJ program) and be employed by an eligible (active or elected retail or ICGA) member firm that has an Accredited Gem Lab^® (AGL). If the individual is employed by an ICGA member firm, they must complete the Advanced Personal Property Appraisal (APPA) Certificate prior to enrollment.

To take the CGA Exam during Conclave, the candidate must successfully complete Appraisals I & II during that same Conclave.

Individuals must also complete a color vision screening. The HRR Pseudoisochromatic Plate Test for color vision is offered complimentary during the program.

For more questions on eligibility, please contact AGS Director of Gemology, Wade Abel, CG at wabel@ags.org for more information. 

Required Reading

Registrants will receive a complimentary copy of The Practical Guide to Jewelry Appraising, 4th Edition, by Cos Altobelli, ECGA thanks to the generosity of Pieter Hye, CGA, Pieter Andries Jewelers, while supplies last. Please visit http://ags.org/the-practical-guide-to-jewelry-appraising to learn more about the book as it is the required reading for the exam.

Take the Next Step

The registration for the 2024 CGA Program is currently closed. The CGA Program will be offered again in 2025. Please contact AGS Director of Gemology, Wade Abel, CG at wabel@ags.org for more information and to express your interest.

Questions? Please contact AGS Director of Gemology, Wade Abel, CG at wabel@ags.org.