Website: https://chrisjamesappraisals.com/
Chris James Co. is an independent jewelry appraisal practice based in Nashville, Tennessee, serving Nashville and Middle Tennessee. The practice is led by Chris James, a GIA-trained Graduate Gemologist who provides appraisal and gemstone identification services for fine jewelry and gemstones. The practice emphasizes that “client satisfaction begins and ends with open, honest communication,” with an appraiser who guides clients through every step of the process.
Services
The practice offers three main services. Insurance appraisals are detailed reports describing the quality and condition of an item, the cut, color, clarity, and carat weight of diamonds or colored stones, along with photographs and other identifying information, and they calculate current retail replacement cost for insurance coverage. Estate appraisals are less detailed and consist of an itemized list of personal property with photos, abbreviated descriptions, and an estimated Fair Market Value for each item, supporting tax purposes and equitable distribution among heirs. Gemstone identification consultations provide third-party confirmation that a gemstone or jewelry item is what the seller advertised it to be; these cost less than full appraisals and do not include valuation estimates.
The practice specializes in all fine jewelry and gemstones, with particular focus on colored stones, diamonds, and opal. Appraisal reports include a cover page, scope of work, detailed descriptions with photographs, assumptions and limiting conditions, a confidentiality statement, a privacy statement, and a certification of appraisal practice.
About
Chris James earned his Graduate Gemologist diploma from the Gemological Institute of America in May 2021 and has been a candidate member of the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA) since 2022. He has worked in the jewelry industry since 2018, initially as a consultant overseeing a jewelry business acquisition that he then managed for two years, and he was sponsored by Tiffany & Co. for his gemological studies at GIA. He currently works as a jewelry appraiser and private jeweler and shares jewelry and gemology content with a large following on Instagram.
Location & Contact
The practice is based in Nashville and serves Middle Tennessee. Appointments take place at the client’s home, office, bank, or attorney’s office. Clients can reach the practice by email at [email protected].
Additional Information
The process begins with scheduling an appointment, after which the appraiser meets the client to examine the jewelry using gemological equipment, confirm authenticity, and take measurements and photographs before delivering a PDF report. Setup takes roughly ten minutes; insurance examinations run about 20 to 45 minutes per item, while estate reviews cover roughly 10 to 20 items per hour. Reports for individual items are typically delivered in 1 to 3 days, while estate or multiple-item reports may take up to 1 to 2 weeks. The practice recommends updating appraisals every two to three years, since the value of precious metals and gemstones can change over time, and clients are welcome to observe the examination.
Profile compiled from the company’s official website (chrisjamesappraisals.com).