I have 7 years experience in retail sales and management, 19 years experience working as a diamond grader for a diamond importer, and 13 years experience appraising jewelry. I'm an independent appraiser of jewelry, and I rent an office in a jewelry store that buys, sells, and restores antique and estate jewelry. So not only do I know diamonds inside and out, I have a unique continuing education that other independent appraisers don't have because of where my office is located. My education is more than having completed the most prestigious gemology course offered. It also encompasses thirty-five years of varied experiences in the jewelry industry.

I was one of the earlier graduates in the history of GIA's residency program and the final exam was a six-hour essay format. At that time GIA thought it was more important to find out just what the student had learned than to be able to quickly grade the final exam. Once GIA began to graduate several thousand students every year, they adopted a multiple-choice format for the final exam. GIA's home study program happens to be one of the most successful programs in the country, and you can earn a graduate gemologist diploma that way also.

While I am certainly not suggesting that today's graduate gemologists aren't qualified, I am saying it takes more than a recent diploma and an office to be a good appraiser. If you have been using another appraiser, and you're not completely satisfied with that person, or the process, next time make an appointment to see me. You will see a difference, and you will be glad you made the change. And if you have never had anything appraised you will enjoy the experience of learning about your jewelry. The motto, "Out of sight, out of mind" doesn't apply, because you won't have to leave your jewelry, since I will do the appraisal "While you wait".