When Diane Sawyer wanted to do shows on national television about diamond and gemstone scams, she needed to have an authority who was honest, professional and beyond reproach. The only choice was a certified gemmologist appraiser (CGA) from the American Gem society. They were the honest experts that she used to nail the bad guys. In fact, the American Gem Society's mandate is "dedicated to proven ethics, knowledge and consumer protection." CGA appraisals are recognized worldwide as being the best of the best.
And now we have one in Sarnia-Lambton. Reg Grandis of Grandis Jewellers in Petrolia has long been recognized for his professionalism and integrity. Now he is recognized internationally as one of the best. Grandis was among the top 10 per cent of this year's applicants and has been awarded the prestigious title of certified gemmologist appraiser by the AGS. He is one of only 13 in all of Canada.

How do you become a CGA? First of all you must be a graduate gemmologist. Then you must be a member of the AGS. This in itself is a major hurdle because the AGS routinely accepts only about 20 per cent of all applicants. After further testing, the applicant then becomes a certified gemmologist by AGS standards. The applicant must then keep an accredited gem lab ( once again, to AGS standards). This includes keeping certified master comparison diamonds, a gem microscope, special lighting, a computerized database and a current gem library…. Then the applicant qualifies to write the exams. The exam itself consists of three parts. First, there is a Colour vision test. This identifies any shortcomings or variations in the applicant's vision. Secondly, there is a written examination. Testing includes such topics as insurance policy, proper expert witness procedure (should their expertise be needed in court), estate laws, valuation techniques, gemmological oddities and market variables. Third comes the hard part. There is a six-hour exam in the lab. Each applicant is given nine pieces of jewellery for appraisal. Each piece has to be exactly identified and evaluated for different market uses (i.e. Insurance, probate or estate purposes). Each market has to be researched thoroughly. The lab notes are then taken home where the applicant generates the proper appraisal documentation. Even the documentation is graded for accuracy, legality and professionalism.

To maintain the title, there is a yearly meeting of all the CGA's in North America where new research and legalities are discussed. Each CGA is also tested each and every year to maintain their title and to keep their knowledge and skills current. Appraising fine jewellery is not something that should be trusted to travelling appraisal shows, or by less qualified gemmologists with questionable appraisal skills. A gemmologist and an appraiser are not the same thing. True, you have to be a gemmologist to identify a piece and for that there should be an accredited lab, but that has nothing to do with evaluating or verifying a piece. Appraisal skill requires a far greater depth of knowledge.

Most of the appraisals at the Grandis labs are done while you wait. All appraisals are kept in the Grandis database, making updates simple and inexpensive. The Grandis lab is linked to the other labs around North America as well. CGAs often confer with each other on exotic items. Grandis Jewellers have proven once again why they are the leading personal jewellers in Sarnia-Lambton. If you need your fine jewellery appraised, you can be safe in the knowledge that Grandis Jewellers are among the best of the best!