Nancy Stacy is an independent jewelry appraiser serving the San Francisco Bay Area. She operates the Contra Costa Gem Lab, an accredited gemological laboratory located in Walnut Creek, California, where she specializes in appraisal of modern and antique fine jewelry, diamonds, gemstones and watches.
Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
I entered the jewelry industry in 1980. I had a fine jewelry store in Morro Bay, CA for 10 years, and earned my appraisal credentials during that time. I closed my retail business in 1990 and relocated to the Bay area to open a professional appraisal practice.
What is your primary product or service?
I am a professionally trained jewelry appraiser. I perform all the various types of appraisals, and also assist clients who are buying new jewelry or are thinking of selling jewelry they no longer need.
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
My background is in education, and my first profession was teaching. I dd post-graduated work in Measurement and Evaluation. I became interest in gemology, and studied the subject with the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Gemology became a hobby that got out of control! After I opened my jewelry store in Morro Bay, CA, I began appraisal studies, and was surprised to learn how complicated the subject actually is.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
By my training and experience. I am solely a professional appraiser, not a retail jeweler. I am a Senior Member of the American Society of Appraisers (ASA), a credential earned after much formal training. I also attained their Master Gemologist Appraiser certification (one of about 60 in the U.S.) and maintain it with continual study and recertification every five years. I have developed jewelry appraisal courses, and have taught the subject in several universities across the country and in China.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
I am a sole practitioner, and am located in Walnut Creek, CA.
Provide detailed directions to your location
I am located in north Walnut Creek, near the intersection of Treat and Bancroft. I work by appointment only, and provide my physical address to clients once they have an appointment.
What type of payments do you accept?
I accept cash and checks.
Which areas do you service?
Most of my clients come from a 75-mile radius around Walnut Creek, but occasionally I have out-of-state clients wo book appointments for when they will be in the Bay area.
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
I am a sole proprietor, and my husband assists me with photographing the the jewelry, keeping the books and providing tech support! Occasionally I enlist the help of a colleague.
What are your hours of operation?
I see clients by appointment from 10:00 to 5:30.
What is the best compliment anyone can give you?
That they have a new appreciation for what an appraisal should be
What is your favorite quote or Bible verse?
Trust but verify.
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