SERVICES FOR INSURANCE COMPANIES

Global Gemology & Appraisals is a dual​-certified gemological laboratory owned and operated by:

The World's Most Credentialed Jewelry Appraiser™
​Scott Papper, GG, ASA, ARM, CMA, RMV, ISA AM, RGA, AJP, CSMP, CSSP

We offer a variety of services to insurance companies, including damage evaluation, salvage recovery, USPAP-compliant Appraisal and Appraisal Review Reports, litigation support and expert witness testimony.

SERVICES

DAMAGE EVALUATION
Most damage claims stem from inherent vice, preexisting conditions, or jeweler error.  Through forensic examination, we can determine whether the reported damage to a diamond was caused by an actual impact event or if it is a natural characteristic that has existed since the diamond’s formation.  Additionally, we can assess whether the damage resulted from the cutting process by the diamond cutter or occurred during the setting process due to jeweler error.

SALVAGE RECOVERY
Leverage our expertise to maximize your returns by re-cutting chipped or broken diamonds and gemstones.

In the unfortunate event of a fire, while the building and its contents may be deemed a total loss, diamonds, many gemstones, and precious metals can often survive the high temperatures typically reached in such events.  Even when a structure is destroyed, significant salvage opportunities remain.  By carefully sifting through the rubble, diamonds, gemstones, and precious metals can often be recovered—valuable assets that might otherwise be overlooked or discarded.

FORENSIC GEM LAB
Our NAJA Accredited and AGA Certified Gemological Laboratory is fully equipped for forensic-level examination of diamonds, gemstones, and jewelry.  We utilize advanced equipment including microscopy, spectroscopy, refractometry, and polariscopy, as well as longwave and shortwave ultraviolet light, fiber optic lighting, synthetic diamond screeners, precision measuring devices, scales, and optical filters, ensuring thorough and accurate examinations.

MANUFACTURING DEFECT AND SUBROGATION
In today’s fast-paced world, jewelers may take shortcuts that ultimately result in the loss of valuable diamonds or gemstones—losses that may not be covered under standard insurance policies.  Through forensic examination, we can provide detailed photographic evidence, using photomicrography and macro imagery, to link the cause of loss to a manufacturing defect.
We also collaborate with insurers to facilitate subrogation when necessary, ensuring that the manufacturer, not the insurer or the policyholder, is held accountable for losses caused by manufacturing defects.

EXPERT WITNESS & LITIGATION SUPPORT
We offer specialized expert witness and litigation support services to insurance companies.  Backed by extensive credentials and experience in gemology, jewelry valuation, and appraisal methodology, we provide forensic-level analysis and data interpretation to develop a credible, well-supported opinion that can be defended in a court of law.

We are available for on-site inspections, depositions, and expert witness testimony and can accommodate travel, as needed.

CREDENTIALS

GIA - 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.

ASA - ACCREDITED SENIOR APPRAISER, GEMS & JEWELRY (ASA)
To become an Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA) in the Gems & Jewelry (GJ) discipline of the American Society of Appraisers (ASA), one must have an approved gemological diploma, a college degree or meet educational equivalency requirements, have at least five (5) years of full-time appraisal experience, must be current with USPAP requirements, must have completed the ASA Ethics Exam, the ASA GJ Principles of Value courses, and the GJ Discipline Exam.  An Accredited Senior Appraiser must complete at least one hundred (100) hours of continuing education every five (5) years for reaccreditation.

ASA - ACCREDITED SENIOR APPRAISER, APPRAISAL REVIEW & MANAGEMENT (ARM)
The Accredited Senior Appraiser designation in Appraisal Review and Management (ARM)  is awarded to Accredited Members of the ASA who've complete courses focused on appraisal review methodology, and who submit a graded Appraisal Review Report demonstrating competency in the discipline.

NAJA - CERTIFIED MASTER APPRAISER (CMA #21814)
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.

MASTER VALUER INTERNATIONAL - REGISTERED MASTER VALUER (RMV)
The Registered Master Valuer credential is a distinguished designation awarded by Master Valuer International, recognizing individuals who have achieved advanced expertise in gem and jewelry appraisal.  This prestigious credential is awarded upon successful completion of the rigorous Master Valuer Program.  Eligibility requires candidates to hold a gemological diploma from a recognized educational institution, ensuring a strong foundational knowledge in gemology prior to specializing in valuation.
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ISA - ACCREDITED MEMBER (ISA AM)
To earn the Accredited Member designation from the International Society of Appraisers (ISA), one must complete training in appraisal theory, methodology, ethics, and report-writing standards, USPAP coursework, have three or more years of market-related experience, 700 documented hours of appraisal-related experience, and submit a sample Appraisal Report for peer review.

ISG - 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 (4) 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.

GIA - 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.  The Applied Jewelry Professional (formerly Accredited Jewelry Professional) credential may be earned upon the completion of three (3) online courses.

GIA - GRADUATE DIAMONDS
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.  The Graduate Diamonds credential may be earned upon the completion of two (2) online courses and one (1) hands-on lab course.

GIA - GRADUATE COLORED STONES
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.  The Graduate Colored Stones credential may be earned upon the completion of three (3) online courses, one (1) practical gem identification course, and one (1) hands-on lab course.

GIA - GRADUATE PEARLS
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.

AGA - ACCREDITED SENIOR GEMOLOGIST
The Accredited Senior Gemologist title is awarded 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.  Professional references and educational requirements must be met, as well as having an approved gemological credential .

JA - 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 exams.  This certification requires moderate to advanced sales skills and knowledge of a jewelry sales professional, and at least one (1) year’s experience.

JA - CERTIFIED SENIOR SALES PROFESSIONAL (CSSP)
The Certified Senior Sales Professional designation is awarded by JA upon successful completion of two (2) certified exams.  This certification requires moderate to advanced sales skills and knowledge of a jewelry sales professional, and at least one (1) 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.

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

ACCREDITED GEMOLOGISTS ASSOCIATION (AGA)
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:  Voting Member

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AMERICAN SOCIETY OF APPRAISERS (ASA)
​Originally founded in 1936 and later incorporated in 1952, ASA is the world’s largest and oldest multi-disciplinary appraiser organization.  ASA’s purpose is to equip its members with the knowledge and professionalism to meet the highest standards of professional appraisal practice.

• Active Member:  2024 to Present
• Membership Level:  Accredited Member

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

INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF APPRAISERS (ISA)
Founded in 1979, the International Society of Appraisers (ISA) is a leading professional personal property appraisal association, representing the most highly trained and rigorously tested independent appraisers in the United States and Canada.  ISA is a not-for-profit, member-driven association, formed to support member needs and enhance public trust by producing qualified and ethical appraisers who are recognized authorities in personal property appraising.

• Active Member:  2024 to Present
• Membership Level:  Accredited Member

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.

• Active Member:  2023 to Present
• Membership Level:  Alumni

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:  Certified Member

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:  Certified Member

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

JEWELRY

• Gold, Platinum, and Silver Jewelry
  
• ​Diamond and Colored Gemstone Jewelry
  
• ​Designer Jewelry (Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels, David Webb, etc.)
  
• Vintage and Antique Jewelry (Victorian, Edwardian, Art Nouveau, Art Déco, Retro, Mid Century, and Late 20th Century)
  
• Identification of Antique/Vintage Reproductions

WATCHES

• Rolex
  
• ​Audemars Piguet
  
• Patek Philippe
  
• Cartier
  
• Omega
  
• Vintage and Antique Pocket Watches
  
• Detection of Replica Watches (Not Authentication)
  

DIAMONDS

• Natural, Earth-Mined Diamonds
  
• Detection of Synthetic, Lab-Created Diamonds (Both CVD and HPHT)
  
• Detection of Imitation Diamonds / Diamond Simulants

COLORED GEMS

• Rubies
  
• ​Sapphires
  
• Emeralds
  
• Opals
  
• Tourmaline
  
• Cultured Pearls
  
• Natural Pearls (Conch Pearls, Melo Pearls, etc.)

COINS

• U.S. Numismatic Coins
  
• Gold, Silver, and Platinum Bullion

CONTACT

EMAIL
​​​[email protected]

PHONE
​​(888) 898-6963

FAX
​​​(888) 388-1412

FACEBOOK
​​​@shopglobalgemology

INSTAGRAM
​​​​@globalgemology