Expert Witness

Scott Papper, GG, CMA, RGA, AJP, CSMP, CSSP is a highly credentialed and experienced, USPAP-compliant jewelry appraiser with advanced training in jewelry forensics.  His unique skillset as an expert witness will provide you with the evidence needed to win your case.

A complimentary consultation is available to attorneys and paralegals, via email or phone call, to discuss the details of the case.

Once retained, Mr. Papper handles document review, research, and report writing involving the case.  His detailed expert witness reports will contain the key evidence necessary to win your case.  Deposition and court appearances are available both in-person and through Zoom.

Attorneys and Paralegals:  Please email Scott to request a Fee Schedule.

email:  scott@globalgemology.com
 
Fax:  (888) 388-1412

CREDENTIALS

Scott Papper, GIA GG, CMA, RGA, AJP, CSMP, CSSP

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 achieve 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 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.

Services

Expert Witness & Litigation Support
We offer expert witness and litigation support to attorneys, providing them with the key evidence needed to be victorious in their case.  We handle document review, and we're available to travel for deposition and testimony appearances.

Areas of specialization include estate and probate, divorce settlement, manufacturing defects, damage evaluation, as well as gem and jewelry forensics.


Damage Evaluation
Most damage claims are due to inherent vice, preexisting conditions, or jeweler error.

We are able to determine whether the claimed damage to a diamond was actually due to an impact event or if it's simply a natural characteristic within the diamond that has been present since the diamond crystal's formation.  Through forensic examination, we can also determine whether damage was caused by the diamond cutter during the cutting process, or by jeweler error during the setting process.


Salvage Recovery
Utilize our knowledge and expertise to maximize your returns involving the re-cutting of chipped or broken diamonds and gemstones.

In the unfortunate event of a fire, many times the house and contents are considered a total loss.  However, diamonds, many gemstones and precious metals do not incinerate at the temperatures reached in most building fires.  Even if the building itself is considered a total loss, it is still possible for major salvage to be achieved by sifting through the rubble to recover diamonds, gemstones, and precious metals that others may simply discard as trash.


Forensic Gem Lab
Our NAJA Accredited Gemological Laboratory is equipped to examine diamonds, gems, and jewelry at a forensic level.  Our lab uses microscopy, spectroscopy, refractometry, and polariscopy, as well as longwave and shortwave ultraviolet light, fiber optic lighting, synthetic diamond screeners, measuring devices, scales, and optical filters.


Manufacturing Defect and Subrogation
In today's day and age where time is money, jewelers will often take shortcuts that can lead to the loss of an important diamond or gemstone.  This type of costly loss might not be covered by the insurance policy.  Through forensic examination, we are able to provide photographic evidence linking the cause of loss to a manufacturing defect using photomicrography and macro imagery.

We're able to work with the insurer to subrogate losses if required, in order to ensure that the cost of manufacturing defects are the responsibility of the manufacturer and not the insurer or the insured.

Expert Witness Experience

Mr. Papper has acted as an expert witness or litigation consultant in the following cases:

Zannat and Frittelli v. Financial Group International, LLC
Circuit Court, Palm Beach County, Florida

Professional Affiliations

Cultured Pearl Association of America (CPAA)
• Membership Level:  Alumni
• Certification:  CPAA Certified Cultured Pearl Specialist

Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
• 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)
• Active Member:  2023 to Present
• Membership Level:  Alumni
• Credentials:  Registered Gemologist Appraiser (RGA)

Jewelers of America (JA)
• 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)
• Active Member:  2018 to Present
• Membership Level:  Alumni
• Credentials:  Certified Master Appraiser (CMA)
• Certification:  NAJA Accredited Gemological Laboratory

Areas of Expertise

Modern, Vintage & Antique Jewelry

Diamonds

Colored Gems

Natural & Cultured Pearls

Watches & Pocket Watches

Coins

CONTACT

Email:  scott@globalgemology.com

Call or Text:  (888) 898-6963
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Fax :  (888) 388-1412

Facebook:  @shopglobalgemology

Instagram:  @globalgemology