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
MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.
Events & AwardsJan 02, 2026
Jan Mohr, Couture’s ‘North Star,’ Dies at 71Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.
SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of DirectorsShekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to ResilienceThis year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail AcademyAs part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
SourcingDec 30, 2025
India Chosen as KP Chair for 2026It marks the third time the country has headed the Kimberley Process. Ghana will serve as vice chair.
WatchesDec 30, 2025
Bulova, Stetson Collab on Watches With Western FlairThe new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.
CollectionsDec 30, 2025
Rahaminov Diamonds Pops Up in FloridaIts residency at Yamron Jewelers will run through May 2026.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Tanishq Opens New Stores in Florida, VirginiaThe retailer is expanding into areas with large Indian and South Asian populations.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Nanis Opens First Flagship Store The Italian brand has opened its first flagship amid the peaks of the Dolomites in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.
SourcingDec 29, 2025
‘Unearthed: Raw Beauty’ Exhibition Opens at LA MuseumThe new curation at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County showcases rare gem and mineral specimens in their uncut, natural state.
CrimeDec 24, 2025
LA Jewelry District Couple Pleads Guilty to Hiding Millions from IRSThe couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in DecemberConsumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.
AuctionsDec 24, 2025
Bonhams to Open New U.S. Flagship in NYCIn February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.
Events & AwardsDec 24, 2025
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.
Events & AwardsDec 23, 2025
Bulgari Reimagines Costume Designers Guild AwardThe LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
Kering to Acquire Stake in Raselli Franco GroupThe luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
For Future Reference Vintage Enters Bloomingdale’sThe company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.
CrimeDec 22, 2025
Customs Seizes Hundreds of Fake Rolex, Cartier WatchesIn the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.
EditorsDec 22, 2025
How Helzberg Is Reimagining Its StoresHelzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.
Recorded WebinarsDec 22, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: Looking Back on an Eventful Year Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
MadaLuxe Group Acquires Ippolita The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
LVMH Names New Bulgari CEOLaura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.
