Robert James FGA, GG

Robert James started his career in 1971 as a janitor for Zale’s Jewelers in Denton, Texas working part time while in college. Over the years he worked for other retail jewelers and realized a love for gemstones and gemology that would lead to a career in gemology that has spanned over 50 years. During this time, he studied gemology and earned the industry’s highest educational diplomas. These include the Graduate Gemologist of the Gemological Institute of America, Certified Gemologist of the American Gem Society, and  attained the gemology world’s highest honor earning position as a Fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain. Over the years Mr. James has been island manager for Colombian Emeralds International on Sint Maarten, Netherlands Antilles overseeing 42 international employees in 4 stores doing in excess of US$5 million each. He has worked for Amsterdam Sauer of Sau Paulo, Brazil, for many years the world’s largest gemstone mining company and producer of fine gemstones. In 2000 Mr. James was hired by USAA Insurance as a Senior Gemologist and Special Investigations Unit investigator regarding jewelry related insurance fraud.

After leaving USAA, Mr. James became an Independent Property and Casualty Insurance Adjuster specializing in jewelry related claims, earning him membership in the National Association of Independent Insurance Adjusters. He continues to work as an independent Special Investigations Unit (SIU) insurance investigator handling high value claims in the United States and Europe.

Mr. James has also earned the Cornell University Business Law Certification from Cornell Law School and completed other business-related courses from Harvard Law School and the University of Pennsylvania Law School. He also holds a Higher Education Teaching Certificate from Harvard University.

In 2004, Mr. James established the International School of Gemology for the purpose of utilizing his many years of professional experience in the gemology and jewelry appraisal industry to help educate others. He brings over 50 years of experience and professional expertise to you to help you become the most successful gemologist and jewelry appraiser possible. His Certificates and Diplomas are available below for your review.

GIA Graduate Gemologist