My experience in the jewelry, industry is extensive. I purchased over $200 million of diamonds, gemstones, and gold over my 30-year career in all the overseas and domestic markets. I was vice president of merchandising for Reeds Jewelers, Friedman Jewelers, and Jewelway Inc. I was a senior diamond buyer for Kay Jewelers and Osterman Jewelers.
My undergrad degree is a BS degree in geology and chemistry, with an emphasis on mineralogy and crystallography. I have completed the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) courses necessary to become a Gemologist.
I attend the various jewelry conventions, (Las Vegas Jewelry convention, New York Manufacturing Show, and Atlanta’s Jewelry Trade Show), and work closely with several of the local jewelry stores and wholesale venders to ensure I stay current on values and techniques.
All appraisals completed on mounted jewelry are estimates based on measurements for determining the approximate weight of gemstones and diamonds. When appraising jewelry that is mounted, it requires years of experience to determine the approximate weight and quality. Appraisals done on mounted items are never as accurate as when done on the parts, such as loose stones. However, with over 30 years of experience in buying and manufacturing jewelry, I certainly pride myself on my accuracy, even on mounted items.
Many local appraisers purchase or sell jewelry items and are often biased in their evaluations; devaluing the item hoping to purchase it cheaply or inflating items, trying to make the client feel that they have given them a wonderful value. I do not. I neither buy nor sell any jewelry making the appraisal as unbiased as possible. It is my practical, hands on experience that separate someone that can identify a gemstone or grade a diamond from some that can establish its true value.
Donald Wright
GIA Gemologist, Geologist
Member NAJA National Association of Jewelry Appraisers
CPAA Certified Pearl Specialist