ABOUT US
OUR CREDENTIALS
When you work with The Jewelry Appraiser, Inc., you can expect more than just discerning the value of your property. Thanks to our commitment to continuing education and many advanced certifications, our method of appraising is far more in depth than industry standards require. You will quickly recognize our passion for making your appraisal experience nothing but the very best. We have offices in NY, NJ, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, PA, MD and globally in person or through virtual appraising.
Deborah Villepigue GIA-GG, RMV, AGA, APPA, CGA, AGS-ICGA
CEO and Head Appraiser of The Jewelry Appraiser, Inc.
- Independent Certified Gemologist Appraiser from the American Gem Society
- Accredited Senior Gemologist from the Accredited Gemologists Association
- Advanced Personal Property Appraiser from American Gem Society
- Graduate Gemologist from the Gemological Institute of America
- Certified Mobile Lab, accredited by The American Gem Society
- Accredited Gem Laboratory from the American Gem Society
- Member of The American Society of Appraisers
- Master Jeweler from the Joseph Bulova School
- Jeweler from Studio Jewelers Ltd
- Registered Master Valuer
- USPAP Certified
OUR HISTORY
Deborah Villepigue has been working in the jewelry industry since 1986. After studying Business at the University of Bridgeport and Jewelry, Earth Science, Gemology, Music and Film at Hofstra University (then Nassau University), Deborah began her career as an Appraiser and Gemologist. Not long after, she was hired as JCPenney’s first Gemologist, eventually becoming Head Gemologist.
From there, she advanced to a position as Head Buyer and Designer at Jewel America, where she purchased gemstones, pearls, and diamonds for television productions, including QVC, the Home Shopping network, and others, as well as well-known retailers. She also designed and manufactured jewelry for American Express’ Fine Jewelry Department, where she directed the buying, sorting, and selling of all natural and treated gemstones and diamonds, and their synthetic counterparts.
In 1995, she opened The Jewelry Appraiser and began practicing independently, which afforded her the opportunity to educate and advocate for her clients and for justice and integrity in an industry where many are taken advantage of.
WHAT SETS US APART
CLIENT EDUCATION & ADVOCACY
An appraisal done without the proper training will misinform you, affecting the return policy, warranty, the value of an heirloom, insurance coverage, etc. Most insurance companies will not cover the workmanship that goes into making a piece of jewelry. The qualified appraiser’s ability to know whether a particular piece is or isn’t made correctly can mean the difference between feeling 100% secure and 100% sorry. Not very many jewelers are qualified appraisers, so they can do nothing more than write a glorified receipt that won’t be considered a valid appraisal when it comes time for an insurance claim or legal matter.
We have often had to advocate for our clients in order to correct losses or circumstances created by invalid appraisals. You can know you’re in good hands with The Jewelry Appraiser! While we’re more than happy to speak with your insurance company, attorney, or other professionals on your behalf, we require written permission to do so. All of our client interactions are kept confidential.
SUPERIOR EXPERTISE
When we aren’t taking care of the needs of our clients, we spend our time conducting research, including current marketing, pricing and consumer trends for diamonds, colored gemstones, precious metals and fine jewelry. With 30+ years of diverse experience and a relentless pursuit of education, Deborah uses her knowledge as a forensic scientist to break open and study the composition of the pieces she works with, then shares her findings with the industry.
Our facility contains only the most modern on-site and mobile laboratories for analysis of diamonds, colored gems, metals, fine jewelry and other personal property. All appraisals and services rendered by The Jewelry Appraiser, Inc., are governed by the industry’s leading diamond grading system of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the Code of Ethics of The National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA), the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practices (USPAP) and The American Society Of Appraisers (ASA).
EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE
We don’t simply give you an appraisal document; we take the time to go over your item’s details with you, including how it was made and how to clean and take care of it.
Our mission is to ensure that our clients are well informed about the quality, value, pricing and long-term care of their assets. Protecting clients by doing what we can to reduce fake jewelry crimes is a huge goal of ours. Many people simply don’t understand that stones can be easily swapped, or that an items stamped as ___ karats doesn’t necessarily guarantee its authenticity. We love to help our clients understand what to watch out for and make sure they don’t have any surprises down the road.
Though our rates are a bit higher than average, you’ll be getting more
than your money’s worth from our technical proficiency and unusually
broad background. We offer a discount for multiple pieces and adjust our rates based on your needs (i.e. – court services vs. an appraisal).
OUR EXPERIENCE
GEMOLOGIST, APPRAISER, EDUCATOR
GEM LABORATORY
As an Independent Certified and Accredited Gem Laboratory, our appraisals are identify the value of jewelry, metals, gem stones and diamonds, rough and polished, silverware, flatware, watches including table-top and pocket watches, clocks, micro mosaic pictures and jewelry, wall hangings, tables, antiques and vintage valuables.
HISTORIAN, FORENSIC EXPERT
Deborah’s unique expertise includes new contemporary jewelry, for which she conducts forensics testing on real or fraudulent goods being sold to determine a value for prosecution or defense. Alongside district attorneys, she often assists with details for criminal and civil matters, inheritance taxes, divorces and estate appraisals.
DESIGNER, MANUFACTURER
She also was a designer and manufacturer of jewelry for major catalogs that have circulated in the U.S. and internationally. Her expertise in colored gemstones and pearls was greatly enhanced during her employment as a consultant for American Express in the Fine Jewelry Department.
purchaser, advisor
Previously, Deborah was a buyer of colored gemstones, pearls, and diamonds for television productions and major retailers. As an advisor to members and organizations of the jewelry industry, Deborah works hard to promote and maintain honesty and integrity in jewelry wholesale, manufacture and retail sectors.
EQUIPMENT CONSULTANT
As a consultant in gemological equipment departments, Deborah helped to develop the GMK Microscope and many other tools that are used worldwide by the jewelry industry. Her contributions have also led to improvements in LED lighting.
NATIVE AMERICAN TIES
For decades, Deborah has been active with many Native American organizations and works closely with the Native American Councils as a designer and creator of art and jewelry. She also lectures on Native American Jewelry, stones, artwork and culture.
GEM LABORATORY
As an Independent Certified and Accredited Gem Laboratory, our appraisals are identify the value of jewelry, metals, gem stones and diamonds, rough and polished, silverware, flatware, watches including table-top and pocket watches, clocks, micro mosaic pictures and jewelry, wall hangings, tables, antiques and vintage valuables.
HISTORIAN, FORENSIC EXPERT
Deborah’s unique expertise includes new contemporary jewelry, for which she conducts forensics testing on real or fraudulent goods being sold to determine a value for prosecution or defense. Alongside district attorneys, she often assists with details for criminal and civil matters, inheritance taxes, divorces and estate appraisals.
DESIGNER, MANUFACTURER
She also was a designer and manufacturer of jewelry for major catalogs that have circulated in the U.S. and internationally. Her expertise in colored gemstones and pearls was greatly enhanced during her employment as a consultant for American Express in the Fine Jewelry Department.
purchaser, advisor
Previously, Deborah was a buyer of colored gemstones, pearls, and diamonds for television productions and major retailers. As an advisor to members and organizations of the jewelry industry, Deborah works hard to promote and maintain honesty and integrity in jewelry wholesale, manufacture and retail sectors.
EQUIPMENT CONSULTANT
As a consultant in gemological equipment departments, Deborah helped to develop the GMK Microscope and many other tools that are used worldwide by the jewelry industry. Her contributions have also led to improvements in LED lighting.
NATIVE AMERICAN TIES
For decades, Deborah has been active with many Native American organizations and works closely with the Native American Councils as a designer and creator of art and jewelry. She also lectures on Native American Jewelry, stones, artwork and culture.
HONORS & AWARDS
Deborah’s work has been recognized by Cambridge’s Who’s Who in 2010 and awarded the title of VIP Business and Accomplished Gemologist Appraiser in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014. Deborah has also been awarded by her community from the Chambers Of Commerce, Hall Of Fame Business 2014, 2016, 2018 & 2019. Additionally, she’s received The Knot’s Best of Weddings and Hall of Fame awards in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and was named the Best Jewelry Appraiser by the Best of Long Island in 2021 and 2022, based on the votes of citizens.
OUR TEAM
DEBORAH VILLEPIGUE
CEO, Head Appraiser
LOUis
Manager