First generation retail jewelry store owner since 1980, gems & jewelry appraiser, national speaker, author of 3 books, Spectrum award winning designer, industry board member, expert witness, and past president of various non-profit boards.

Diploma Member, Gemological Institute of America Alumni Association, 1987, Accredited Member, International Society of Appraisers, 1988, Senior Member, Master Gemologist Appraiser®, American Society of Appraisers, 1991, Certified Gemologist, American Gem Society, 1990, Certified Gemologist Appraiser, American Gem Society, 1991, Senior Member, National Association of Jewelry Appraisers, 1996, Accredited Senior Gemologist, Accredited Gemologists Association, 2006, Certified Senior Management Professional, Jewelers of America, 2017, Certified Senior Sales Professional, Jewelers of America, 2017, and Certified Pearl Specialist, Cultured Pearl Association of America, 2020

AGA, ASA, ISA, NAJA, GIA Alumni, AGTA, JVC, TJA, ANA, APS, AGS, JAPAC, JA

ASA Gems & Jewelry Treasurer and Board Member, JAPAC Board Member, ISA Membership Committee, TJA Past President and Board Member, Past President of other boards, and judge in various jewelry design competitions

TJA Award, Better Business Bureau Torch Award, Better Business Bureau Award for Ethics, AGTA Spectrum Award, America’s Best Jewelers Award, El Paso’s Best Jeweler Award, WJA Retailer of the Year, SBA Small Business Person of the Year Award, Forevermark Club Award, and various first place awards for design