About CN Appraisals

Lead Appraiser
Owner Photo
Name & Credentials Cara Nygren, Ph.D., GIA GG, CGA (AGS)
Designation Independent Jewelry Appraiser
Location Chelsea, Michigan

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.

GIA Graduate Gemologist Certified Gemologist Appraiser (AGS) Ph.D. Chemistry

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

“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!!”

C.R., Estate Client

Estate Valuation

“It's a shame, but a fact, that nowadays very few businesses or service providers leave their clients thoroughly pleased, much less impressed, with the quality of the treatment they have received -- so in such a rare instance, I am happy to add my voice to the chorus of those singing your praises.”

S.B., Estate Client

Estate Valuation

“Cara walked me through every step of the appraisal process and explained her findings in a way that made sense. The final report made my insurance company's job easy, and I felt completely confident in the values assigned.”

S.B., Insurance Appraisal Client

Single-owner jewelry collection • Scheduling and insurance coverage

“For our family estate, Cara's documentation became the roadmap for a fair and calm settlement. Her independence and clear communication helped everyone feel respected and informed.”

J.M., Estate Client

Multi-heir estate • Fair market value reporting

“Cara combines deep technical expertise with genuine empathy. She treated my heirloom pieces with the same care I do and provided practical guidance for future insurance and gifting decisions.”

A.R., Private Client

Heirloom review • Long-term planning and documentation

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.

2005

Ph.D., Chemistry

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

2014

Applied Jewelry Professional (AJP)

Gemological Institute of America (GIA)

2014

Certified Sales Associate (CSA)

American Gem Society (AGS)

2015

Graduate Diamonds (GD)

GIA · Accredited Jewelry Professional (AJP)

2022

Graduate Gemologist (GG)

Gemological Institute of America (GIA)

2023

Registered Jeweler (RJ)

American Gem Society (AGS)

2024

Certified Gemologist (CG)

American Gem Society

2024

Farnsworth-Munsell Color Vision

Hue screening & test assessment

2024

Certified Gemologist Appraiser (CGA)

American Gem Society

Laboratory Equipment

Gemological Laboratory Equipment List

Presidium Pdmt-C Diamond Mate Diamond Tester
Gemological Dark-Field Binocular Microscope
Electronic Scale
GemOro AuRACLE PRO Gold Tester
SW & LW Ultraviolet Lamp
Millimeter Gauge
Dichroscope
Refractometer
Chelsea Color Filter
Leverage Gauge
Fiberoptic Light
Spectroscope
Polariscope
GIA Diamond Dock® light source
Heavy Liquids
Diamond Master Set
Gemological library of reference materials
Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner
Olympus SZ61 Microscope fitted with Olympus EP50 camera

Ready to Organize Your Jewelry?

Start Your Asset Documentation Today

Contact us to discuss your jewelry inventory needs and get a customized proposal for cataloging and valuation services.