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.

OUR HISTORY

Deb Pro

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

Deborah has been involved with New York State Courts for almost 20 years as a private contractor and an Independent Jewelry Appraiser. As one of the world’s most qualified appraisers with numerous credentials, some held by only a select few globally, Deborah is an expert in gemstones, precious metals, diamonds, pearls and certain other personal property. Holding the prestigious title of Independent Certified Gemologist Appraiser (ICGA), is passionate about fighting the illegal aspects of conflict diamonds, also known as blood diamonds, and grading rough diamonds, rough gemstones, gold and other metals. Having been awarded the title of Advanced Personal Property Appraiser (APPA), she commonly appraises non-jewelry items for estate valuation or commercial purposes. The Bar Association and other public entities often contract with Deborah for educational lectures on purchasing, selling, liquidating or donating gems and jewelry. Being held to the highest standards by memberships and certifications such as USPAP, The Jewelry Appraiser, Inc’s work is accepted with reputable rapport by the IRS, U.S. Customs, the justice system, insurance companies, auction houses and more.

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.

 
Knot 2019
The Knot Awards 2022
Knot Hall of Fame
The Knot Awards 2021
The Knot Awards 2022
BOLI Award

OUR TEAM

DEBORAH VILLEPIGUE

CEO, Head Appraiser

LOUis

Manager

services

pERSONAL

Are you shopping for high-end jewelry in New York? Our Manhasset location serves all of Long Island as well as the entire New York City metropolitan area. Before you buy, get an appraisal to make sure you know what you are buying. Deborah A. Villepigue GIA-GG, RMV, AGA, APPA, CGA, AGS-ICGA has assisted judges, celebrities, collectors and individuals in their diamond, jewel and gemological valuation needs. Whether you need an appraisal for insurance purposes, need help with the valuation of an estate or want to determine the true value of your jewelry, we will make the process simple for you.

PROFESSIONAL

The Jewelry Appraiser, Inc. appraisals are accepted by all courts, the US Government, the IRS, US Customs, Law Enforcement Agencies, major insurance companies, as well as by jewelers, auction houses nationwide and other businesses. Our appraisals are used to determine the identification and value for all jewelry (estate and modern) and metals (precious and base). Appraisal data files are maintained for a period of seven years. Our extensive library includes authoritative appraisal manuals and past and current price indexes, as well as reference books and trade periodicals.

LEGAL/FORENSIC

Deborah A. Villepigue GIA-GG, RMV, AGA, APPA, CGA, AGS-ICGA is a member of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC), which helps to maintain honesty and integrity in the jewelry industry. We have a great passion for upholding the law in this industry. Various courts throughout New York have retained The Jewelry Appraiser Inc., on numerous occasions for expert witness testimony. Additionally, we work with district attorneys on the forensics of jewelry for the purpose of determining value for prosecution or defense, criminal matters and civil matters, such as state and federal inheritance tax basis.

Get In Touch

For a faster response, please reach us by phone at 516-365-0888 or on WhatsApp at 516-413-4502. Otherwise, we’ll get back to you within 24 to 72 hours. Thank you!