“It was a pleasure meeting you and thank you for the time you spent with me. I was so impressed with the knowledge and skills you have. The experience was so fun and very enlightening. I have been thinking about getting this done for quite a while and I am so glad I did it thanks to you. Suggesting you to others will be my pleasure!!”
Why Appraisals Matter
Documentation That Holds Up Anywhere
Every appraisal at CN Appraisals is personally researched, inspected, and written by Cara Nygren, Ph.D., a GIA Graduate Gemologist. Her background in chemistry and crystallography means every stone is evaluated with both scientific discipline and real-world market insight.
Cara began her career in the laboratory, fascinated by how structure and light reveal the identity of a gem. That curiosity led her from academic research into the jewelry industry, where she combined gemological study with hands-on retail, estate, and insurance work. Over time, she saw how thorough, unbiased documentation could protect families, estates, and collections and chose to build a practice focused entirely on that standard.
Today, she leverages advanced gemological training, AGS and GIA certifications, and calibrated lab equipment to produce clear, defensible reports that insurers, attorneys, and financial advisors can rely on. Clients trust her to translate technical findings into language that feels understandable and reassuring.
Built on trust: CN Appraisals has grown almost entirely through repeat clients, professional referrals, and word-of-mouth—a reflection of the care, confidentiality, and consistency that clients experience year after year.
Our Foundation
About CN Appraisals
Experience You Can Trust
Combining 18 years of comprehensive jewelry industry experience with a specialized foundation in chemistry and crystallography, Dr. Nygren offers scientifically informed and trustworthy evaluations of diamonds, gemstones, and high-end timepieces.
Our Mission
Dr. Nygren has advanced training in gemology, jewelry appraisal theory, and regularly attends jewelry conferences, seminars, and training sessions to remain current with constantly fluctuating world market conditions and gemological scientific progression.
At CN Appraisals, we provide expert jewelry appraisal conducted by a GIA Graduate Gemologist and Certified Gemologist Appraiser (AGS), delivering a reliable and professional assessment you can trust. We offer an unbiased and independent evaluation which is not tied to any big box store or forced retail mark-up.
Client Perspective
What Clients Appreciate Most
Professional Qualifications
Credentials & Education
A combination of advanced academic study, gemological training, and ongoing professional education underpins every appraisal we provide.
Our Professional Memberships
These affiliations reflect a commitment to ethical standards, technical accuracy, and independent valuation practice.
GIA Graduate Gemologist
NAJA Member
Ph.D. Chemistry
Ph.D., Chemistry
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Applied Jewelry Professional (AJP)
Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
Certified Sales Associate (CSA)
American Gem Society (AGS)
Graduate Diamonds (GD)
GIA · Accredited Jewelry Professional (AJP)
Graduate Gemologist (GG)
Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
Registered Jeweler (RJ)
American Gem Society (AGS)
Certified Gemologist (CG)
American Gem Society
Farnsworth-Munsell Color Vision
Hue screening & test assessment
Certified Gemologist Appraiser (CGA)
American Gem Society
Laboratory Equipment