At the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) I completed the following courses in order to obtain the Graduate Gemologist Diploma:

Diamonds and Diamond Grading

Colored Stones and Colored Stone Grading

Gem Identification

Equipment & Instrumentation

Treatments, Laboratory-Grown & Imitations

Market & Supply Chain

I then worked to obtain the Graduate Jeweler Diploma which includes the following courses:

Jewelry Repair

Metalworking and Craftsmanship

Jewelry Design

Quality Control

Stone Setting

Upon completion of the Graduate Gemologist and Graduate Jeweler course work, I received the Graduate Jeweler Gemologist Diploma in 1996.

I also studied Jewelry Appraising with the American Gem Society (AGS) and received my Certified Gemologist Appraiser (CGA) certification in 2002. This title requires ongoing education, a yearly recertification exam and employment at a AGS retail firm that has an Accredited Gem Laboratory designation. I am currently an affiliate member with the American Gem Society, I am working toward an Independent Certified Gemologist Appraiser certification and am also enrolled in the Advanced Personal Property Appraiser course.