Independents

Copies of Altobelli’s Appraisal Book Are Available for Free

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.

20220223_Cos Altobelli.jpg
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 … 

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

Suspects in murder of father and son jewelers in Chicago
CrimeNov 17, 2025
Police Searching for 2 Suspects in Murder of Father, Son Jewelers

Faustino Alamo Dominguez and his son, 25-year-old Luis Angel Alamo, were gunned down following an armed robbery at their jewelry store.

Jeffrey Bennett
GradingNov 17, 2025
IGI Announces New President of North America

Tiffany & Co. veteran Jeffrey Bennett has stepped into the role.

Robbins Brothers Pasadena store exterior
MajorsNov 17, 2025
Look Inside Robbins Brothers Fine Jewelers’ New Pasadena Flagship

The showroom is located in a historic 1920s building in the Playhouse District.

Recipients Collage 2025 - NJ (1872 x 1050 px) (1872 x 1052 px).png
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow Today

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

Rolex Perpetual 1908 watch with 18-karat yellow gold bracelet
Policies & IssuesNov 14, 2025
U.S., Switzerland Reach Deal That Drops Tariff to 15%

The Swiss government announced the deal, which cuts the tax on Swiss imports by more than half, on social media Friday morning.

Weekly QuizNov 13, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Napoleon Bonaparte diamond brooch
AuctionsNov 14, 2025
Napoleon’s Diamond Brooch Blows Away Auction Estimates

A buyer paid $4.4 million for the piece, which Napoleon wore on his hat for special occasions and left behind when he fled Waterloo.

Buccellati Étoilée earrings
FinancialsNov 14, 2025
Richemont’s Q2 Jewelry Sales Up 12%

Plus, how tariffs and the rising price of gold are affecting its watch and jewelry brands.

roseco-catalog.png
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line Catalog

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

Silvia Furmanovich x Mellerio Butterflies in Flight Jewelry Box
CollectionsNov 14, 2025
Piece of the Week: Silvia Furmanovich’s ‘Butterflies in Flight’ Jewelry Box

Furmanovich designed the box to hold Mellerio’s “Color Queen,” a high jewelry collection consisting of 10 rings.

JCK Las Vegas trade show
Events & AwardsNov 14, 2025
JCK Names New Event Director

Jennifer Hopf, who has been with JCK since 2022, will lead the execution of the long-running jewelry trade show.

Leon V. Der Calousdian
MajorsNov 13, 2025
Vahan Jewelry Founder Leon ‘Sacha’ Der Calousdian Dies at 85

The third-generation jeweler is remembered as a passionate creative with a love of art, traveling and sailboat racing.

Father-son jewelers Faustino Alamo Dominguez and Luis Angel Alamo
CrimeNov 12, 2025
Father, Son Jewelers in Chicago Victims in Double Homicide

JSA and Cook County Crime Stoppers are both offering rewards for information leading to the arrest of the suspect or suspects involved.

Mellon Blue Diamond Christies
AuctionsNov 12, 2025
‘Mellon Blue’ Diamond Sells for $7M Less Than It Did a Decade Ago

A buyer paid $25.6 million for the diamond at Christie’s on Tuesday. In 2014, Sotheby’s sold the same stone for $32.6 million.

Mercedes Gleitze Companion Oyster
AuctionsNov 12, 2025
Historic Rolex Oyster Fetches $1.7M at Sotheby’s

Mercedes Gleitze famously wore the watch in her 1927 swim across the English Channel, a pivotal credibility moment for the watchmaker.

Gemological Institute of America logo
GradingNov 12, 2025
It’s Time: GIA’s Express Holiday Service Is Back

GIA is offering next-day services for natural, colorless diamonds submitted to its labs in New York and Carlsbad.

Tiffany & Co. Love Is a Gift Campaign and David Yurman The Joy of Extraordinary Memories campaign
MajorsNov 10, 2025
Jewelers Focus on Love, Joy In 2025 Holiday Campaigns

Tiffany & Co., David Yurman, and Pandora have launched holiday campaigns depicting their jewelry as symbols of affection and happiness.

Hand holding holiday shopping bags
SurveysNov 10, 2025
5 Things Retailers Should Know About Holiday Shoppers This Year

The National Retail Federation is bullish on the holidays, forecasting retail sales to exceed $1 trillion this year.

The Rainbow Collection Christies
AuctionsNov 10, 2025
300+ Colored Diamonds Up for Auction at Christie’s

Late collector Eddy Elzas assembled “The Rainbow Collection,” which is offered as a single lot and estimated to fetch up to $3 million.

 Sapphire tennis necklace
EditorsNov 07, 2025
Piece of the Week: An MVP’s Sapphire Tennis Necklace

At the 2025 World Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Yoshinobu Yamamoto sported a custom necklace made by California retailer Happy Jewelers.

Foundrae Palm Beach Location Exterior and Founder Beth Hutchens
IndependentsNov 07, 2025
Foundrae’s New Palm Beach Location Is a ‘Golden Solarium’

The brand’s seventh location combines Foundrae’s symbolic vocabulary with motifs from Florida’s natural surroundings.

Watches of Switzerland Mall of America store
FinancialsNov 07, 2025
Watches of Switzerland’s H1 Sales Up 8%

The retailer also shared an update on the impact of tariffs on watch customers.

AGTA Spectrum winners
SourcingNov 06, 2025
Pink Tourmaline Bracelet, Emerald Suite Take Top Spectrum Honors

Pink and purple stones were popular in the AGTA’s design competition this year, as were cameos and ocean themes.

G. St x Jewel Boxing Raffle for City Harvest Graphic
IndependentsNov 06, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Hosts Raffle Supporting Food Rescue

All proceeds from the G. St x Jewel Boxing raffle will go to City Harvest, which works to end hunger in New York City.

Courtney Cornell
IndependentsNov 06, 2025
Cornell’s Jewelers Names New President

Courtney Cornell is part of the third generation to lead the Rochester, New York-based jeweler.

Trucks at Orapa diamond mine
SourcingNov 06, 2025
De Beers’ Production, Sales Increase in Q3

De Beers also announced more changes in its upper ranks ahead of parent company Anglo American’s pending sale of the company.

Ulrich Wohn
WatchesNov 05, 2025
Shinola President Steps Down Just as He Starts

Former Signet CEO Mark Light will remain president of Shinola until a replacement for Ulrich Wohn is found.

Artifex White Diamond, Fancy Dark Yellowish Brown Diamond, and Blue Sapphire Rings
AuctionsNov 05, 2025
Taylor Swift’s Engagement Ring Designer Makes Her Auction Debut

Kindred Lubeck of Artifex has three rings she designed with Anup Jogani in Sotheby’s upcoming Gem Drop sale.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy