CREDENTIALS
Scott Papper, GG (GIA), CMA (NAJA), RGA (ISG), AJP (GIA), CSMP (JA), CSSP (JA)
Gem & Jewelry Forensics
Gem & Jewelry Forensics
Graduate Gemologist (GG)
Graduate Gemologist is the highest credential awarded by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in the field of Gemology. GIA’s Graduate Gemologist program teaches both the technical and the practical skills needed to evaluate diamonds, colored gemstones and pearls. Topics covered in this program include diamonds and diamond grading, colored stones and colored stones grading, gem identification, equipment and instrumentation, gem treatments and imitations, as well as market and supply chains. The Graduate Gemologist credential may be earned upon completion of five (5) online courses and three (3) hands-on lab courses.
Certified Master Appraiser (CMA)
Certified Master Appraiser is the highest credential awarded by the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA). A Certified Master Appraiser must have been engaged in the practice of writing gem and jewelry appraisals for at least seven (7) years and have accumulated a minimum of nineteen (19) education points. A Certified Master Appraiser must have successfully completed the NAJA Appraisal Studies Course as well as the practical appraisal examination. A Certified Master Appraiser must have an NAJA Accredited Gem Laboratory and must complete sixteen (16) hours of continuing education each year to maintain Certified status.
Registered Gemologist Appraiser (RGA)
Registered Gemologist Appraiser is the highest credential awarded by the International School of Gemology (ISG). The ISG Registered Gemologist Appraiser for Professionals Program is designed for those who have earned gemological diplomas from other accepted schools. It is composed of four courses: Introduction to Watches, Created and Treated Gemstones, Jewelry Insurance Appraisal and Evaluating Damage Jewelry. The Introduction to Watches and Created and Treated Gemstones courses are intended to bring the student’s gemology education up to the level required for our Registered Gemologist Appraiser program. Prior completion of NAJA’s Appraisal Studies Course was credited as equivalent to the Jewelry Insurance Appraisal course. The Evaluating Damaged Jewelry course is unique in the industry and is required of all RGA candidates.
Applied Jewelry Professional (AJP)
Applied Jewelry Professional is a credential awarded by GIA upon the completion of the following three (3) courses: Jewelry Essentials, Diamond Essentials and Colored Stones Essentials. The Applied Jewelry Professional program covers topics such as jewelry designs, setting styles, jewelry care, as well as basic information about diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds.
Graduate Diamonds (GD)
The Graduate Diamonds diploma program examines the technical expertise needed to grade, buy, and sell diamonds with the insight of a seasoned professional. This diploma program explores the GIA diamond grading procedures to assess the 4Cs – color, clarity, cut and carat weight – and how they affect diamond value. Students use professional diamond grading equipment for the purposes of examining a diamond’s quality characteristics to grade and identify diamonds.
Graduate Colored Stones (GCS)
The Graduate Colored Stones diploma program explores more than 60 species of common and collector gemstones found in the marketplace. Subjects covered include the GIA Colored Stone Grading System, gemstone formation, composition, sources and how to distinguish natural, treated and laboratory-grown gemstones. Students learn how to operate gemological equipment effectively to identify gemstones, as well as learn about the different value factors of colored gems.
Graduate Pearls (GP)
The Graduate Pearls diploma program teaches GIA’s 7 Pearl Value Factors™: size, shape, color, luster, surface quality, nacre quality and matching – the essential criteria for assessing the value and beauty of pearls. The program also discusses how market factors and the supply chain affect value. The Graduate Pearls credential may be earned upon the completion of one (1) online course and one (1) hands-on lab course.
Accredited Senior Gemologist
The Accredited Senior Gemologist title is given to voting members of the Accredited Gemologists Association (AGA). This designation represents individuals who believe in excellence and are dedicated to establishing the highest ethical and professional standards of practice in the gemological profession. Requirements include professional references and an approved gemological credential.
Certified Senior Management Professional (CSMP)
The Certified Senior Sales Professional designation is awarded by Jewelers of America (JA) upon successful completion of two (2) Certified Sales Professional Exams. This certification requires moderate to advanced sales skills and knowledge of a jewelry sales professional, and at least one year’s experience.
Certified Senior Sales Professional (CSSP)
The Certified Senior Sales Professional designation is awarded by JA upon successful completion of two (2) Certified Sales Professional Exams. This certification requires moderate to advanced sales skills and knowledge of a jewelry sales professional, and at least one year’s experience.
CPAA Certified Cultured Pearl Specialist
The CPAA Certified Cultured Pearl Specialist designation is awarded by the Cultured Pearl Association of America upon the completion of the PAO Pearl Specialist Course. The course discusses the location, history, value factors, and culturing process behind many varieties of cultured pearls including akoya, freshwater, Tahitian, and South Sea.
Experience
Scott Papper is a fourth generation gem and jewelry professional with experience as an independent appraiser, gemologist, jewelry buyer, pawnbroker, and expert witness.
In addition to having performed appraisal services for both private clients and those within the trade, Scott has also been engaged as a subcontractor to assist with the valuation of jewelry and watches that have been confiscated by US government agencies, including the US Secret Service (USSS), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the US Coast Guard (USCG).
Scott has experience as an expert witness, having provided successful litigation support in multiple cases involving gems and jewelry.
Education
Accredited Gemologists Association (AGA)
2024 - Diamonds From All Angles Virtual Conference
American Gem Society (AGS)
2023 - Advanced Personal Property Appraisal Course
American Society of Appraisers (ASA)
2024 - The Daubert Standard: An In-Depth Review of the Admissibility of Expert Witness Testimony
2024 - Mistakes to Avoid in Litigation Appraisals
2023 - Appraising Gems & Jewelry for Insurance Scheduling
2023 - Appraising The Jewelry After It's Gone
2023 - Tough Talks, Difficult Discussions and Crucial Conversations
Appraisers Association of America (AAA)
2024 - USPAP 7 Hour Update (Valid through 05/31/2026)
2022 - USPAP 7 Hour Update
2021 - Working with Auction Houses
2021 - Appraising Watches in 2021
2021 - A Defensible Appraisal Report
2020 - Market Analysis: When, Where, and How Much to Write
2020 - Theory and Methodology of Appraising
2020 - Research Methods for Appraisers
2020 - Legal and Ethical Aspects of Appraising
2020 - Appraisal Writing Workshop
2020 - USPAP 15 Hour Course
Christie's Education
2024 - Watches
2023 - Jewellery: Gemstones, Metal, Fashion, Film and Objets d'art
2022 - Studio Jewelry: From Mid-Century Pioneers to Contemporary Jewelry Masters
2019 - History of Jewellery Design: 1880 to Now
Cultured Pearl Association of America (CPAA)
2023 - PAO Pearl Specialist Course
Gem Certification & Assurance Lab (GCAL)
2024 - Facts, Fiction, and FAQs - Exploring Nuances of Lab Grown vs. Natural Diamonds
Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
2023 - Gem Access
2023 - Pearl Grading Lab
2022 - Gem Access
2022 - Introduction to Gemstone and Jewelry Photography
2022 - Ruby: Country of Origin Determination
2021 - Continuing Education Program
2020 - Jewelry Forensics
2020 - Continuing Education Program
2019 - Continuing Education Program
2019 - Pearls
2017 - Gem Identification Lab
2017 - Colored Stones Lab
2017 - Diamond Grading Lab
2017 - Jewelry Essentials
2016 - Gem Identification
2012 - Colored Stones
2011 - Colored Stones Essentials
2010 - Diamonds and Diamond Grading
2010 - Diamond Essentials
International School of Gemology (ISG)
2023 - Created and Treated Gemstones
2023 - Introduction to Watches
2023 - Evaluating Damaged Jewelry
2023 - Litigation and Expert Witness for Appraisers
Jewelers of America (JA)
2023 - Management Professional Certification Exam - Level 2
2023 - Management Professional Certification Exam - Level 1
2023 - Sales Professional Certification Exam - Level 2
2023 - Sales Professional Certification Exam - Level 1
Matson & Associates
2023 - Effective Expert Witnessing
National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA)
2021 - ACE©It Virtual Winter Conference
2020 - Jewelry History, Specific Jewelry Types, Expert Witness & More
2019 - Appraisal Theory & Methodology
SEAK - The Expert Witness Training Company
2023 - How to Testify as an Expert Witness at Deposition & Trial
Trial Guides
2023 - Selecting and Presenting a Bulletproof Expert Witness
2023 - Expert Witnesses: Maximizing Impact from Yours and Minimizing Theirs
Watch Certification Services of America (Watch CSA)
2024 - The Rolex Geek Master Class
2024 - Watch Authentication: A Process For Identifying Super Fakes
Professional Affiliations
Accredited Gemologists Association (AGA)
Originally established in 1974, AGA is an independent, international, nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting excellence in gemology and upholding the highest ethical and professional standards in: gemological education, scientific gemological research, and identification and quality determination of gem material and jewelry.
- Active Member: 2023 to Present
- Membership Level: Alumni
- Credentials: Accredited Senior Gemologist
Cultured Pearl Association of America (CPAA)
Founded in 1957, the Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc. is a nonprofit group comprising the finest manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, dealers, and suppliers of cultured pearls in the United States.
- Membership Level: Alumni
- Certification: CPAA Certified Cultured Pearl Specialist
Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
Established in 1931, the Gemological Institute of America is a nonprofit institute dedicated to research and education in the field of gemology and the jewelry arts. In the 1940s, GIA established the “4Cs” and the International Diamond Grading System™ – to this day, the worldwide standard for evaluating diamond quality.
- Active Member: 2010 to Present
- Membership Level: Alumni
- Credentials: Graduate Gemologist (GG), Applied Jewelry Professional (AJP), Graduate Diamonds (GD), Graduate Colored Stones (GCS), Graduate Pearls (GP)
International School of Gemology (ISG)
Established in the late 1990s, The International School of Gemology is an independent gemology school focusing on education in gemology and appraisals, as well as providing advanced training in the areas of jewelry forensics and expert witness for appraisers. My association with ISG allows me access to advanced testing equipment including RAMAN spectroscopy, UV-VIS-NIR, and Sarine technology.
- Active Member: 2023 to Present
- Membership Level: Alumni
- Credentials: Registered Gemologist Appraiser (RGA)
Jewelers of America (JA)
Jewelers of America was founded in 1906, by jewelers for jewelers, with a desire to advance the professionalism and ethics of the jewelry industry. Today, as the leading non-profit jewelry association in the United States, Jewelers of America Members stand as the most trustworthy, informed and professional jewelry businesses in the United States and beyond.
- Active Member: 2023 to Present
- Membership Level: Member
- Certifications: Certified Senior Management Professional (CSMP), Certified Senior Sales Professional (CSSP)
National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA)
The NAJA is dedicated to promoting stringent quality standards for gem and jewelry appraisers. The association was founded in 1981 on the premise that the specialized field of gem and jewelry appraising deserved representation on a professional basis. The NAJA fulfills the need for an appraisal organization focused solely on the specific value factors inherent in gems and jewelry, that were not being addressed sufficiently by the multidisciplinary appraisal associations of the day.
- Active Member: 2018 to Present
- Membership Level: Alumni
- Credentials: Certified Master Appraiser (CMA)
- Certification: NAJA Accredited Gemological Laboratory
Lab Equipment
On January 22, 2020 Scott Papper was awarded NAJA Accredited Gemological Laboratory certification. This certification represents NAJA’s leading gemological laboratories who believe in excellence and are dedicated to establishing the highest ethical and professional standards of practice.
To qualify as an NAJA Accredited Gem Lab, the following requirements must be met:
An Accredited Lab requires that all instruments listed below must be available for use. When working, all gemological equipment must be accessible. When traveling, the lab equipment must be transportable and available. Use of lab tools must be done by an experienced gemologist and in accordance with the NAJA Code of Ethics.
Required gemological equipment:
- Diamond scales (to 0.002 carat accuracy)
- Measuring device: Presidium™, Leveridge™, Sarin, OGI, loupe (with internal scale) with at least 1 gauge block for calibration (with certificate of NIST calibration and traceability)
- 10x loupe
- Binocular microscope (10x to 45x minimum)
- Diamond grading lamps, LED or fluorescent, of proper daylight equivalent wavelength
- Refractometer with polarizing plate, monochromatic yellow light source and RI fluid
- Polariscope and conoscope ball
- Dichroscope
- Spectroscope
- Digital weight scale
- Ultraviolet light source: long wave & short wave
- Thermal probe for diamonds and also for testing for moissanite
- Diamond Type I versus diamond Type II discrimination unit
- Diamond phosphorescent determination unit
- A standardized color system for color gemstone description: GemDialogue™, Gem-e-Square™, World of Color™ or Codex™
- Filter sets - Chelsea and Hanneman complete filter kit Model 2012
- Precious metal detector: electronic tester & acid test kit for 10K, 14K, 18K, 22K, silver & platinum
- A set comprised of five (5) GIA or AGSL Master Color Grading Diamonds. Alternatively, a set of at least seven (7) 6mm or larger diameter cubic zirconia master stones accompanied by a minimum of three (3) GIA lab graded diamonds used to control the ongoing accuracy of the CZs. Diamonds allow rapid and immediate detection any color changes in CZ masters.
As an NAJA Accredited Gem Lab, a Certified Member, Certified Senior Member or Certified Master Appraiser is required to oversee this laboratory.
To qualify as an NAJA Accredited Gem Lab, the following requirements must be met:
An Accredited Lab requires that all instruments listed below must be available for use. When working, all gemological equipment must be accessible. When traveling, the lab equipment must be transportable and available. Use of lab tools must be done by an experienced gemologist and in accordance with the NAJA Code of Ethics.
Required gemological equipment:
- Diamond scales (to 0.002 carat accuracy)
- Measuring device: Presidium™, Leveridge™, Sarin, OGI, loupe (with internal scale) with at least 1 gauge block for calibration (with certificate of NIST calibration and traceability)
- 10x loupe
- Binocular microscope (10x to 45x minimum)
- Diamond grading lamps, LED or fluorescent, of proper daylight equivalent wavelength
- Refractometer with polarizing plate, monochromatic yellow light source and RI fluid
- Polariscope and conoscope ball
- Dichroscope
- Spectroscope
- Digital weight scale
- Ultraviolet light source: long wave & short wave
- Thermal probe for diamonds and also for testing for moissanite
- Diamond Type I versus diamond Type II discrimination unit
- Diamond phosphorescent determination unit
- A standardized color system for color gemstone description: GemDialogue™, Gem-e-Square™, World of Color™ or Codex™
- Filter sets - Chelsea and Hanneman complete filter kit Model 2012
- Precious metal detector: electronic tester & acid test kit for 10K, 14K, 18K, 22K, silver & platinum
- A set comprised of five (5) GIA or AGSL Master Color Grading Diamonds. Alternatively, a set of at least seven (7) 6mm or larger diameter cubic zirconia master stones accompanied by a minimum of three (3) GIA lab graded diamonds used to control the ongoing accuracy of the CZs. Diamonds allow rapid and immediate detection any color changes in CZ masters.
As an NAJA Accredited Gem Lab, a Certified Member, Certified Senior Member or Certified Master Appraiser is required to oversee this laboratory.
CONTACT
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Phone: (888) 898-6963
Fax : (888) 388-1412
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