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

Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.

Billed as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.

Don’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

The new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.


A choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.

The manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

The man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.

Sponsored by De Beers Group

The classic 5600 series G-Shock has been scaled down to about a tenth of its size, becoming a fully functioning watch ring.

The association’s annual conference and gala will take place Feb. 4, 2026, during the Tucson gem shows.

The January show will include a workshop for jewelry retailers on implementing AI to strengthen their businesses.

Fellow musician Maxx Morando proposed to the star with a chunky, cushion-cut diamond ring designed by Jacquie Aiche.

The retailer, which sells billions in fine jewelry and watches, is suing the Trump administration and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.

Black Friday is still the most popular shopping day over the five-day holiday weekend, as per the National Retail Federation’s survey.

The historic egg, crafted for Russia's ruling family prior to the revolution, was the star of Christie’s recent auction of works by Fabergé.

The retailer offered more fashion jewelry priced under $1,000, including lab-grown diamond and men’s jewelry.

The eau de parfum is held in a fluted glass bottle that mirrors the decor of the brand’s atelier, and its cap is a nod to its “Sloan” ring.

Vivek Gadodia and Juan Kemp, who’ve been serving as interim co-CEOs since February, will continue to lead the diamond mining company.

In addition, a slate of new officers and trustees were appointed to the board.

Laurs is the editor-in-chief of Gem-A’s The Journal of Gemmology and an expert on the formation of colored gemstone deposits.

The man, who has a criminal history, is suspected of being the fourth member of the four-man crew that carried out the heist.

The single-owner collection includes one of the largest offerings of Verdura jewels ever to appear at auction, said Christie’s.

Michael Helfer has taken the reins, bringing together two historic Chicago jewelry names.

The guide features all-new platinum designs for the holiday season by brands like Harwell Godfrey, Ritani, and Suna.

During its Q3 call, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed the deal to lower tariffs on Swiss-made watches, watch market trends, and more.























