Jewelry Appraiser Qualifications & Background

Thom Underwood GG, FGA, CSM
ASA Master Gemologist Appraiser®

Gemological Institute of America (GIA)

Gemological Association of Great Britain (GAGB)

North Carolina Wesleyan College (BA Chemistry 1971)

Owner, San Diego Gemological Laboratory

AGA Certified Gemological Laboratory No. 6

Owner, Quantum Leap Software Solutions

Over 30 years experience in the jewelry industry as goldsmith, jewelry store owner and appraiser

Qualified before the Superior Court of San Diego and Ventura

Graduate Gemologist (GIA) 1981

Fellow of Gemmological Association of Great Britain (FGA) 2004 - present

American Society of Appraisers (ASA)

Senior Member 1986-present

Re-certification 1993, 1997, 2002, 2007

Master Gemologist Appraiser® 1984, Recertification 1997, 2001, 2007

International Secretary, Gems and Jewelry Discipline (ASA) 1993-1994

Board Member, Gems and Jewelry Discipline (ASA) 1994-1997

National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA) 1994-present

Certified Senior Member (CSM) 2008-present

Member, Jewelers Vigilance Committee

Task Force on Appraisal Guidelines 1993-1998

Member, Accredited Gemologists Association (AGA) 1983 - present

President, Accredited Gemologists Association (AGA) 1997-2001

Editor, Cornerstone (AGA) 1992-1993, 1997-2001

Chair, Computer Technology Committee (AGA) 1988-1997

Chair, Certified Gemological Laboratory Program (AGA) 2006-present

Computer Technologies Editor for National Jeweler 1992-1996

International Lecturer

Computer applications in the jewelry industry

Appraisal and Insurance Documentation

Certified Instructor and Continuing Education Provider for the California Department of Insurance

Attended ISA Core courses 101, 102, 103 1993

Audited ASA Level courses 1, 2, 3, 4 1993 -1994, (3) 2001

Attended AGA International Conference on Gemology 1983 - present

Attended ASA Annual Conference 1992-1997, 2000 – 2002, 2006, 07

Attended ISA Annual Conference 1996, 1998 (Program Chair), 2005 (Speaker)

Attended NAJA Annual Conference 2004, 2005 (Speaker), 2006 – present (2/year)

Attended NAG Registered Valuers Conference 1996, 97, 03 (Speaker), 07 (Speaker)

Attended Scottish Gemmological Conference 2002 - present