Jewelry, Gems, & Minerals/Expert Profile

Expertise

(Please do not send questions about hallmarks or stamps on jewelry. I am not an expert in identifying marks. Thank you.) Feel free to post questions about the process of one of a kind jewelry manufacturing, gemstones, diamonds, the precious metals, industry trends, purchasing, quality, care and maintenance, appraisals, insurance, stone cutting, jewelry repair, etc. I am NOT equipped to answer questions about age or value of a piece without seeing it in person, and even then, I am not an expert in antiques. Nor am I an expert in stamps or marks that are inside the jewelry. There are hundreds of thousands of manufacturer's out there and then you factor in the number of years a piece of jewelry can circulate, it becomes an enormous amount of possibilities. I am really not the right person to ask about such markings.

Experience in the area

I specialize in the design of hand carved, custom fine jewelry. I've been involved in the design and manufacturing of jewelry for over 14 years and been studying gemstones my entire life. I am a certified diamond grader by the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and have a Business Degree from Truman State University. I am the owner and designer of a retail jewelry store established in 1975 in St. Charles, MO.

Organizations

Jewelers of America, Independent Jewelers Organization (IJO), Retail Jewelers Organization (RJO), C12 Group, Board of United Services, St. Charles Chamber of Commerce.

Publications

St. Louis Business Journal, Saint Charles Magazine

Education/Credentials

Certified Diamond Grader - GIA, BS in Business/Marketing Truman State University

What do you like about this subject?

I have loved gemstones since I was just old enough to admire their sparkle. I was entranced and started to collect and learn about them since I was very young. Even after being in the industry as long as I have, I still get excited over beautiful gemstones and designs.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

There are always new things to be learned and discovered as well as advances in ways to design and build jewelry and facet gemstones. It is never dull. (no pun intended)

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

Many of the "Crown Jewels" that were thought to be rubies, are not rubies at all. They are in fact a fabulous gemstone called Spinel. It wasn't until the 19th century that the structures were recognized as different and the gem was identified with it's own physical properties. Spinels come in a wide range of colors and sizes and are a fantastic choice for jewelry.