Melissa has been an active gemologist who has worked in the retail market for more than 20 years. While working for top credentialed jewelers belonging to the American Gem Society (AGS), Melissa gained her first-hand experience with world-famous brands like Rolex, Breitling, David Yurman, David Webb, and many others. She also worked with fine antique jewelry for more than a decade, becoming knowledgeable about the different periods of jewelry and brands such as Tiffany, Mauboussin, Boucheron, Giuliano, Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, Buccellati, et als.

Melissa’s passion for gems drives her to seek new knowledge continuously. Although she was already a GIA Graduate Gemologist, she expanded her expertise by earning the FGA title from the Gemological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A). As a result of her travels abroad, in particular her visits to mines in Thailand and Vietnam, she has gained even practical skills about gems and their origins and treatment.

Gemological Institute of America (GIA)

• Diamond Grading and Evaluation (1998)
• Colored Stone and Gem Identification (1998)
• Graduate Gemologist (diploma in residence 1998)

Gemological Association of Great Britain ( Gem-A)

• Certificate in Gemmology (2018)
• Diploma in Gemmology (2019)
• Fellow, The Gemmological Association of Great Britain (2019 – current)

American Society of Appraisers

• Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice 15-Hour Course (2022)
• GJ201 Foundation I: Core Principles of Appraising Gems and Jewelry (2023)
• GJ202 Foundation II: Appraising Gems & Jewelry for Insurance Scheduling (2023)

Member: Gemological Institute of America Alumni Association (GIA)

Accredited Senior Gemologist: Accredited Gemologists Association (AGA)

Certified Member: National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA)

Accredited Gemological Laboratory: National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA)

Candidate, American Society of Appraisers (ASA)