United States Gemological Institute

08/11/2026

JOB OPPORTUNITY FOR USGI GRADUATES!

I am pleased to announce that I recently had the opportunity to meet with some outstanding members of The RealReal team, who have expressed interest in hiring qualified USGI graduates—particularly those holding our Registered Gemologist Appraiser (RGA) and Certified Watch Professional (CWP) diplomas.

These positions will require relocation to either Phoenix, Arizona, or New Jersey, but they represent an outstanding opportunity for USGI graduates looking to advance their careers in the jewelry and watch industry.

Even more exciting, USGI and The RealReal have agreed to meet monthly to discuss their current staffing needs and identify potential USGI candidates for available positions.

This is a tremendous opportunity for our graduates—not only to take the next step in their professional careers, but to work with the world's leading luxury resale organization.

USGI graduates interested in being considered for future opportunities with The RealReal are encouraged to contact me directly. Use the Contact Us form on the website only for inquiries: https://usgemology.com/contact-us/

07/30/2026

USGI Certified Watch Professional Course
We Take the Fear Out of Watch Appraisals

For many jewelry appraisers, luxury watches are the one item that creates uncertainty. Brand identification, model recognition, authentication, condition assessment, and valuation all require specialized knowledge.

The USGI Certified Watch Professional (CWP) program was designed to give you the confidence to accurately identify, evaluate, and appraise today's most important watch brands. Stop turning away watch assignments—and start accepting them with confidence.

This is the only professional watch sales training course that covers all aspects of watch movements, technology, sales, and appraisal as part of a complete professional watch education program. To learn more click the link below to visit the Certified Watch Professional Syllabus page.

Take the Fear Out of Watch Appraisals. Become a USGI Certified Watch Professional today.
This complete program is only: $695.00!

Visit the Certified Watch Professional Page: https://usgemology.com/course/certified-watch-professional/

07/21/2026

I'm honored to share that I have been awarded the designation of Accredited Senior Gemologist (ASG) by the Accredited Gemologists Association (AGA).

Professional education is a lifelong journey, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to continue growing while serving consumers, attorneys, insurance professionals, and the jewelry industry. I look forward to contributing to the AGA and working alongside so many respected professionals dedicated to excellence in gemology.

Thank you to everyone who was a part of my application and membership process.

07/11/2026

USGI Webinar Now Available on Video: Who Should Be Writing Jewelry Insurance Appraisals?

Would you trust the value of your home, business, or retirement account to someone with no recognized qualifications? Then why would you trust a jewelry insurance appraisal?

The qualifications of the person writing an appraisal can directly affect claim settlements, replacement decisions, litigation, and consumer protection. In this eye-opening USGI webinar, we examine the current state of the jewelry appraisal industry, who is writing insurance appraisals, and why qualifications matter.

Whether you're a jeweler, insurance professional, attorney, appraiser, or consumer, this presentation offers valuable insight into one of the most overlooked issues in the jewelry industry today.

▶️ The webinar is now available to watch on the USGI website.

Watch here:
https://usgemology.com/video-lectures-and-learning/

07/09/2026

Tonight! USGI Free Webinar: Who Should Be Writing Jewelry Insurance Appraisals?

Credentials, Competency, and Risk Management for Today's Jewelry Industry

Join the United States Gemological Institute (USGI) for an eye-opening webinar examining the role of credentials, competency, and risk management in today's jewelry industry.

Topics Include:

✔ Why credentials matter
✔ Education vs. competency
✔ What insurance companies really need
✔ The cost of poor appraisals
✔ Building confidence through professional standards

📅 Thursday, July 9
🕗 8:00 PM CDT
⏱ 90 Minutes
💻 Live via Zoom
🎓 Free Registration

Whether you are a jewelry professional, appraiser, insurance professional, or claims representative, this webinar will provide practical insight into one of the industry's most important—and often misunderstood—topics.

Reserve your seat today! Click the link below

Who Should Be Writing Jewelry Insurance Appraisals?

Robert James RGA, FGA, GG
United States Gemological Institute
Certified Continuing Education Providers, Texas Dept. of Insurance
Property and Casualty Adjuster, Texas Dept. of Insurance #1300433
Member: National Association of Independent Insurance Adjusters
Member: Insurance Appraisal and Umpire Association
Associate Member: American Bar Association

Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Who Should Be Writing Insurance Jewelry Appraisals?. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.