What you’ll learn in this episode:   How the internet has changed the way people research and shop for jewelry  Why even antique jewelry should be appraised with today’s market in mind Why lab-grown diamonds are becoming increasingly popular, even if they aren’t necessarily a good financial investment How to tell if you’re working with a qualified appraiser, and what techniques they use to determine a piece’s value Ed’s advice for purchasing jewelry at auction, online and while traveling   About Ed Lewand  Edward A. Lewand, GG, ASA, AAA, is a professional, independent appraiser of fine and antique jewelry. He has earned a Graduate Gemologist degree from the Gemological Institute of America, is a Certified Member of the Appraisers Association of America and a Senior Accredit Member in Gems and Jewelry from the American Society of Appraisers.   Mr. Lewand also teaches a course that he developed on appraising jewelry called the Art of Appraising Jewelry at the NYU School of Continuing and Professional Studies. He lectures on appraising and antique jewelry. He maintains his insurance brokerage license in P&C and has a certificate in Paralegal studies from Adelphi University.   He specializes in antique jewelry appraisals and works with attorneys on estates, trusts, insurance matters, and copyright issues as well as appraisal theories and concepts. He is also an outside expert for the IRS and consults with numerous galleries and dealers in New York on antique jewelry.   Mr. Lewand is also the director of Jewelry Camp (JewelryCamp.org), now in its 43rd year, held at PHILLIPS Auction House in New York, an international conference on antique jewelry and art pertaining to jewelry.    He does work for international accounting firms as well as appraisals for the sale of major companies.  Additional Resources: Jewelry Camp Website Consultant Appraisal Service, LLC Website www.independentlychecked.com   Instagram Facebook Twitter Photos available on TheJewelryJourney.com Transcript: A good jewelry appraiser can give you much more than just an estimate of what your jewelry is worth. As a professional, independent appraiser of fine and antique jewelry, Ed Lewand draws on his historical knowledge of jewelry and his connections in the industry to give his clients a deeper understanding of what they have in their collections. He joined the Jewelry Journey Podcast to talk about how to know you’re working with a qualified appraiser; why less expensive jewelry, like lab-grown diamonds and art jewelry, is on the rise; and why you should always read the fine print when making a purchase. Read the episode transcript here.    Sharon: Hello, everyone. Welcome to the Jewelry Journey Podcast. This is the first part of a two-part episode. Please make sure you subscribe so you can hear part two as soon as it’s released later this week.    Welcome back to the Jewelry Journey everybody. We’ve had about a month-long spring break. It’s really good to be here again. Even though I missed all of you, I’m always hearing your suggestions. I also want to know who you want to hear, the speakers that would be of interest to you or whatever ideas you have. Please write me at Sharon@ArtsandJewelry.com, or you can send your ideas to me via Instagram @Arts and Jewelry.   Today, our guest is Ed Lewand, who was one of our first podcast guests several years ago. He’s a professional independent appraiser, and he’s had a lot of experience. He’s worked for banks. He’s worked for all the big houses. He’s travelled, I would say the world, but I know he’s gone to New York. Today he’s going to be talking about the importance of appraising. I think that’s something we all want to hear about. I know it’s so important; especially living in California, you have wildfires when you wake up in the morning or you have a mudslide in the backyard. Whether it’s fire, theft or something else, appraising is important, especially when you have to prove to somebody else what something is wor