Copies of Altobelli’s Appraisal Book Are Available for Free
Eighty copies of the fourth edition of “The Practical Guide to Jewelry Appraising” are up for grabs.

Altobelli announced Monday that AGS jeweler Pieter Andries Hye has purchased 80 copies of “The Practical Guide to Jewelry Appraising, Fourth Edition” ($159.95 retail) and will be giving them away to interested members of the industry.
An industry standard since it was first published in 1986, Altobelli’s book is based on his expertise and decades of experience in the jewelry industry.
Altobelli is the creator of AGS’s Certified Gemologist Appraiser (CGA) program—the first formal appraisal education program in the United States—and became a CGA himself in 1983. He’s also appraised donations for the IRS and been called upon to testify in court cases involving jewelry.
The latest round of changes to his appraisal guide includes a review of every page, an expansion of gender descriptions, revised charts and updated nomenclature.
Altobelli, who retired and relocated to Las Vegas last year, said this will be his final round of updates and revisions to the book.
“Hopefully, a master appraiser will reach out to update my book in the distant future,” he noted.
The fourth edition of “The Practical Guide to Jewelry Appraising” is available on Altobelli’s website for shipping in the United States and Canada. Internationally, it is available digitally on Kindle.
To apply for a complimentary copy of “The Practical Guide to Jewelry Appraising, Fourth Edition,” fill out the form on Altobelli’s website.
The book giveaway is open to anyone working in the jewelry industry whether in retail, wholesale, manufacturing, auctions, insurance and/or appraising.
Entrants must provide their information and write a short essay on what professionalism means to them. Altobelli said they want applicants to express their desire to raise the bar in their businesses and as professionals in the jewelry industry. He will judge the essays.
The deadline to enter is June 30 and applications will be processed within 30 days of receipt.
“Pieter has been talking about this for many years, and we finally had the time to collaborate,” Altobelli said. “Please take advantage of this opportunity and Pieter’s generosity as this opportunity will end in June.”
The Latest

Their partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.

Respondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.

Our Piece of the Week, the “Butterfly” necklace, showcases a 7.02-carat oval diamond set between diamond, platinum, and 18-karat gold wings.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.


“A Girl SMR at Claire’s” celebrates girlhood through the five senses with stacked jewelry, slime toys, scented accessories, and ASMR.

Believed to be one of three made in 1987, the Cartier London Crash was hot at the “Shapes of Cartier” sale at Sotheby’s Hong Kong.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Officials are looking for a group that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers at an outlet mall in Round Rock, Texas, in broad daylight on April 21.

Sponsored by OROAREZZO International Jewelry Exhibition

Some retailers are taking a nuanced approach to marketing what can be a difficult holiday for many.

De Beers’ diamond production was up 17 percent in Q1, boosted by increased output at its mines in South Africa and Canada.

A signet ring belonging to the Western film star of Hollywood’s Golden Age will be up for auction at Elmwood’s next month.

Importers can submit claims now to receive money back for the IEEPA tariffs they’ve paid, with refunds expected to take up to 90 days.

The colored gemstone industry leader is heading into retirement after four years as the association’s CEO.

Susie Dewey joins the Natural Diamond Council as its new chief marketing officer.

The largest known fancy vivid blue-green diamond could fetch more than $12 million at its second auction appearance.

Emmanuel Raheb says jewelers need to start marketing early and make it easy for customers to pick a gift for mom.

In honor of the milestone, the Nebraska jeweler has debuted Leslie & Co., its new in-house jewelry brand.

The trade organization, which held its annual elections earlier this year, also added five new board members.

NRF’s annual survey found that 45 percent of consumers plan to purchase jewelry for a loved one this Mother’s Day.

The “Vault” charm, our Piece of the Week, expands on the memories that can be stored in a locket by connecting to your phone.

The open-to-the-public luxury jewelry and timepiece show, in its second year, is slated for July 23-26.

The jeweler’s Mother’s Day campaign highlights the women who work there—mothers, grandmothers, women who want to be mothers, and dog moms.

Sponsored by Jewelers Mutual

The proposed agreement follows the moissanite maker’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection filing last month.

The Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co. timepiece Astor brought aboard the ill-fated ship sold for double its estimate at a Freeman’s auction.























