Appraiser

Position Summary

 An Appraiser at Hamilton plays the important role of evaluating loose stones, jewelry, and watches for both internal needs and external clients. The Appraiser is primarily responsible for assessing fine jewelry and timepieces to verify authenticity, including all stones, metals, markings, applicable certificates and packaging, and documenting pertinent authentication details and condition of the items. The Appraiser plays a role that blurs the lines between traditional “back-of-house” and “front-of-house” responsibilities, as parts of the day are spent interacting with clients for appointments and other parts are spent evaluating items without clients present. Hamilton’s Appraiser also contributes greatly to Hamilton’s training programs, utilizing their skills and expertise to present training modules at Hamilton University and introduce associates to the magic of gemstones. Based in our landmark Princeton flagship store, on the corner of Nassau and Witherspoon Streets in the heart of downtown Princeton, an Appraiser at Hamilton has the opportunity to come to work every day in an exciting, fast-paced luxury environment.

Position Responsibilities:
• Attend to all internal and external appraisal needs of the company, including grading of gemstones, diamonds, jewelry, and timepieces, writing detailed appraisal descriptions that meet professional, legal, and company requirements and ensuring they are in accordance with GIA, FGA, AGS, and industry standards.
• Record and complete certificate of sales for new client purchases.
• Assist in entering of detailed product descriptions for stock items in all locations to ensure appropriate information is available to associates and for completion of future sales certificates.
• Determine pricing, replacement value (wholesale and retail), or liquidation value for appraised items.
• As needed, consult with banks, attorneys, and executors for client estate services; establish values and furnish documents to substantiate values and tax liabilities.
• Maintain, or inform the appropriate parties to maintain, equipment and programs needed to perform all tasks described above.
• Keep up to date on industry trends and knowledge through seminars and written publications.
• Assist with Hamilton training and coaching programs, presenting at Hamilton Jewelers University and contributing to store meetings and informational sessions.
• Provide an exceptional Hamilton experience to all clients, assisting with client needs in a prompt and courteous manner.
• Meet or exceed established productivity goals.
• Complete special projects and tasks (as needed or directed by the store director).
Essential Skills and Experience:
• Graduate Gemologist degree
• AGS Certified Gemologist Appraiser
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in jewelry appraisals: extensive knowledge of diamonds, colored stones, and finished jewelry
• Ability to build relationships and rapport with customers in a face-to-face environment, over the phone, and via email
• Ability to read and react to different situations
• Ability to work with a diverse client base
• Willingness to learn and constantly better oneself
• Ability to work as part of a larger store team to create the best possible experience for both clients and coworkers
• Willingness to represent our brand and our core values in our community
• Proficiency with various industry-specific and non-specific computer programs, or ability to easily learn programs and systems

Valued but Nonessential Skills and Experience:
• Previous experience in high-end jewelry industry or luxury environment
• Experience in a training capacity
• Service on industry or community boards, committees, and organizations

Physical demands and work environment

 The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to read; write; walk; walk up and down stairs; stand; sit; use hands and fingers, handle objects and tools; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; talk; hear. The employees must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to work non-traditional business hours including nights, weekends, some holidays, and peak sales periods.