IndependentsFeb 01, 2022
Longtime Industry Editor Rob Bates Releases Second Mystery Book IndependentsFeb 23, 2022
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.
The paperback version of the fourth edition of Cos Altobelli’s jewelry appraisal guide is out now. The book is based on Altobelli’s years of experience and expertise, and jeweler Pieter Andries Hye is making 80 copies available for free.
Broadalbin, N.Y.—The paperback version of the latest edition of Cos Altobelli’s jewelry appraisal guide is out now, and you can get a copy for free.
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.
Related stories will be right here …
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.”
More on Independents
The Latest
AuctionsSep 18, 2026
7.52-Carat Unheated Paraíba Tourmaline Sells for $1.3M at Sotheby’s The top lot of the auction house’s Hong Kong jewelry sale was an Art Deco Mauboussin necklace with ruby beads, which sold for $2 million.
Policies & IssuesSep 18, 2026
Tariffs, Retail Crime Top of Mind at JA’s Annual Fly-In Retailers and manufacturers headed to the Capitol this week to discuss tariff exemptions for diamonds and gemstones, among other issues.
CollectionsSep 18, 2026
Nanis Transforms Its ‘Boule’ Into a Mirror Our Piece of the Week is a pair of drop earrings from the “Sway” collection featuring Nanis’ first use of mirror-polished gold.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
GradingSep 18, 2026
De Beers Introduces Faster Version of Diamond Screening Machine SynthDetect 2 can scan a full tray in less than five minutes, De Beers said, making it six times faster than its predecessors.
Weekly QuizSep 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsSep 18, 2026
Noonans To Auction Medieval Gold Seal Ring Recovered By 2 FriendsTwo metal detectorists discovered the ring, which may have belonged to English noblewoman Matilda of Lancaster, in Suffolk.
Policies & IssuesSep 17, 2026
Tariffs on India Could Increase as Russian Sanctions Bill Heads to Trump’s DeskThe bill has a provision that allows the president to raise tariffs on countries that import Russian oil and gas to as much as 100 percent.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
Events & AwardsSep 17, 2026
This Is the Winner of the 2026 Robert M. Shipley AwardThe American Gem Society presented the annual award to a former president of its board.
CollectionsSep 17, 2026
Cynthia Erivo, Zoë Chicco’s Jewelry Collab Is an Ode to TransformationThe “Chrysalis” capsule centers butterfly motifs representing growth, transformation, and the unfolding of who you are.
Events & AwardsSep 17, 2026
Louisiana Retailer Kevin Patton Wins Lifetime Achievement AwardJewelers of Louisiana presented Patton, the third-generation president of Pattons Fine Jewelry, with the award at its annual convention.
PodcastsSep 16, 2026
Episode 9: Remembering Cindy EdelsteinTwo special guests join the podcast to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the designer advocate, mentor, and author’s untimely passing.
CollectionsSep 16, 2026
Jessica McCormack, L’Objet Collab on Homewares CollectionMcCormack brings sea-inspired motifs from her “Beaches” collection to L’Objet’s tableware, vanity pieces, and first-ever cutlery set.
CrimeSep 16, 2026
JSA Issues Warning to NJ Jewelers After Rash of Smash and GrabsNine New Jersey jewelers have been victims of smash-and-grab robberies this year, prompting JSA to circulate a list of recommendations.
MajorsSep 16, 2026
Midas Chain Releases ‘House of Midas’ Bridal CatalogThe new bridal catalog features the latest jewelry collections and designs from timeless classics to modern silhouettes.
EditorsSep 15, 2026
2026 Emmys Jewelry: An Either/Or Proposition Stars wore either a necklace or earrings at 78th Primetime Emmy Awards but rarely both, Natalie Francisco notes.
ColumnistsSep 15, 2026
The Levels Your Website Must Clear Before AI Recommends YouJennifer Shaheen compares this new era of AI-powered SEO to a video game: your website must clear one level before advancing to the next.
EditorsSep 15, 2026
Q&A: Signet Jewelers’ Joan Hilson on Diamond Demand, the HolidaysHilson, Signet’s chief operating and financial officer, discussed Q2, resurgent natural diamond demand, and why Blue Nile is a standout.
ColumnistsSep 14, 2026
Sherry Smith: Stop Waiting for December to Save Your ChristmasThe stores that have a great December are the ones that made good decisions in August, September, and October, Sherry Smith writes.
AuctionsSep 14, 2026
22 Carats of ‘Sunshine’ Are Up for AuctionThe 22.09-carat fancy yellow “Pragnell Kimberley Sunshine Diamond” is part of the fall jewelry sale at Heritage Auctions.
IndependentsSep 14, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers to Unveil Photography Exhibition“Adornos: Jewelry, Memory & What We Pass Down” honors the jewelry’s importance to New York City’s Latine communities.
SourcingSep 14, 2026
Gemfields Sells All Lots at First Emerald Auction in 9 MonthsThe company’s managing director of sales said the results demonstrate “continued strong demand for commercial-quality emeralds.”
SourcingSep 14, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Pledges Support for Eye Care ProgramThe nonprofit awarded a grant to the Gift of Sight initiative spearheaded by South African musician Black Coffee.
CollectionsSep 11, 2026
A Sapphire ‘Stardust’ Ring From Greenwich St. Jewelers The Latine-owned New York jeweler is marking two milestones this year: its 50th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
MajorsSep 11, 2026
The Wishing Place by JTV OpensThe jewelry retail broadcast network has sponsored a new space for Make-A-Wish East Tennessee on its campus in Knoxville.
Events & AwardsSep 11, 2026
The Edge Awards Scholarships to 2 Young Jewelry ProfessionalsThe recipients were recognized at the 24 Karat Club of the Southeastern United States’ annual banquet.
MajorsSep 10, 2026
Lagos Founder Steven Lagos Steps Down as CEO Keith Rolfe, CFO and COO of Lagos, is now at the jewelry brand’s helm while Steven takes on the role of executive chairman.
