Jewelry Appraiser Credentials & Background
Active in the jewelry industry since the mid 1970's, Thom began as a goldsmith and jewelry manufacturer. He opened San Diego Gemological Laboratory in 1978. Starting in 1981 Thom transitioned his manufacturing company into a fine jewelry store, Currie & Underwood situated in the Mission Hills community of San Diego. In 1991 Thom sold his interest in Currie & Underwood and has since focused on independent jewelry appraisal services.
Thom Underwood GG, FGA, ASA, CSM
Master Gemologist Appraiser®
Education
Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
Gemological Association of Great Britain (GAGB)
North Carolina Wesleyan College (BA Chemistry 1971)
Business
Owner, San Diego Gemological Laboratory
AGA Certified Gemological Laboratory No. 6
Owner, Quantum Leap Software Solutions
Over 35 years’ experience in the jewelry industry as goldsmith, jewelry store owner and appraiser
Expert Witness
Qualified before the Superior Court of San Diego and Ventura
Qualifications
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, 2011
- Master Gemologist Appraiser® 1984, Recertification 1997, 2001, 2007, 2011
- International Secretary, Gems and Jewelry Discipline (ASA) 1993-1994
- Board Member, Gems and Jewelry Discipline (ASA) 1994-1997
- Certified Senior Member (CSM) 2008-present
- Task Force on Appraisal Guidelines 1993-1998
- 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
Founding Member of the Association of Independent Jewelery Valuers (AIJV)
Certified Instructor and Continuing Education Provider for the California Department of Insurance (1992 -2002)Courses
ISA Core courses 101, 102, 103 1993
ASA Level courses 1, 2, 3, 4 1993 -1994, (3) 2001
AGA International Conference on Gemology 1983 - present
ASA Annual Conference 1992-1997, 2000, 02, 06, 07
ISA Annual Conference 1996, 1998 (Program Chair), 2005 (Speaker)
NAJA Annual Conference 2004, 2005 (Speaker), 2006 – present (2/year)
NAG Registered Valuers Conference 1996, 97, 03 (Speaker), 07 (Speaker), 10
Scottish Gemmological Conference 2002 – 2010
USPAP recertification 2011
Woohoo! I now have an amazing engagement ring which I got for an incredible deal and a wealth of knowledge all thanks to Thom Underwood. I originally found Thom thanks to my fellow Yelpers and took a shot and emailed him for advice on diamond shopping. He didn't have to take the time respond and offer advice, but he did and that really impressed me. I knew as soon as I got my ring I was going to take it to him to get it appraised for insurance.
Well I just officially received my ring this past weekend and saw Thom today. He is incredibly thorough, professional, knowledgeable, and most importantly he is friendly and able to communicate all his knowledge in a way that your average person can understand. Also, I was pleasantly surprised to find he provided me with an ASET image of my diamond as well as a glamour shot.
He also helped me identify the characteristics of my diamond under his microscope. He made me feel confident in his appraisal and that's important because I want to be insured for what my ring is worth as well as not overpay for premiums. Also, his appraisal price was very reasonable considering the thoroughness of his report and the time he takes.
If you need jewelry appraised, you need to see Thom! I will be back again in the future, Thom rocks! - Maria, San Diego