Jewelry, Gems, & Minerals/Expert Profile

Expertise

Questions pertaining to Diamonds and Fine Jewelry regarding Evaluation and Valuation Sciences. Questions may include Gemology, Appraisal, Identification, Issues with Jewelers, Complaint Resolution, Jewelry Insurance,Estate Settlement, Family Disputes, Marital Settlements and Unfair Jewelry Trade Practice.

Experience in the area

I have 23 Years as a self employed Diamond and Fine Jewelry Consultant, Appraiser and Court Expert Witness.

Organizations

GIA Alumni Association Former National Assoc. of Jewelry Appraisers

Publications

Online Question & Answer Forums

Education/Credentials

Berklee College BA. Gemological Institute of America (GIA) GG. American Gem Society Courses toward CG. Undergraduate Studies in Business.

Past/Present Clients

1983 - 1986 RO-AN Jewelers Taunton, Mass. Store Manager 1986 - 1989 Hyannis Jewelers, Hyannis, MA. Appraiser 3 Stores under Eugene Munn former Pres. Concord Watch. 1989 - 1991 Shreve, Crump and Low Boston Mass. Contact: Mark Aaron Marks Jewelers Wareham, MA. 1991 - Present GAB Robbins - New Hampshire Insurance Claims Consultant Appraiser. 1991 - Present AIG- American International Group Insurance Claims Springfield, Mass. Consultant 1991 - Present Aetna - Hartford Group Insurance Co. Middleboro, Mass. 1991- Present Quincy Mutual Fire Insurance Co. Quincy, Mass. 1991 - Present Hanover Insurance Co. North Dartmouth Mass. Contact Stephen Foss Consultant 1995 Founder of National Gemological Laboratories - Massachusetts Based Firm President /Owner 2004 - Boston Bar Association Legal Expert Witness 2004 - Mass. Bar Association Legal Expert Witness 2005 - Present AIG - American International Group Appraisal Client Referrals 2005 - Dept. of Financial Services - Unclaimed Property Invitation to Bid 200 East Gaines Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0360 2005- Guardsmark Security New York, NY. Appraisal Client 2005 Oscar Heyman & Brothers LLC New York, NY. Tradeshows through Bailey, Banks & Biddle Jewelers 2005 - Scott Kay Teaneck, NJ. Tradeshows through Bailey, Banks & Biddle Jewelers 2005 - Reed & Barton -Taunton, MA. Client Referrals 2006 - United States Treasury Dept. Drug Enforcement Administration New Bedford, MA 2006- Citigroup Smith Barney New York, NY

What do you like about this subject?

Rocks & Minerals always seemed to fascinate me as a child. I collected Rocks and Sea Glass on the beach here in Massachusetts where I'm from, noticing all the colors, textures and patterns always wondering if there was something more to these simple objects I was told were just rocks

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

I myself as many Mineralologists & Gemologists do, challenge information supplied to us on a day by day basis, debating and questioning information to both the solved and unsolved mysteries if you will of our profession.

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

There are many new synthetic mineral and gem materials being created every year. This year there has been much controversie as to how and if synthetic diamond will become the big hit that many are raving about. I't seems the emphasis is both pro and con depending on who you ask.