About Steven W. Jarvis and Jarvis Gems and Jewelry Appraisals LLC

Steve Jarvis, G.G.

Steven Jarvis is a Graduate Gemologist (G.G.), which is long regarded as the jewelry industry's most prestigious academic credential. Graduates from the Gemological Institute of America are awarded this degree after completing extensive required courses, laboratory training, and exams. This world-renowned program provides jewelry appraisers with the science and technical knowledge needed to deal in the entire spectrum of diamonds and colored stones.

Mr. Jarvis has been employed in the jewelry industry since 1979. He started his career in a jewelry store in Champaign, IL, at the age of 16. After finding his "niche" he decided to make it a life-long career and enrolled in the Jewelry Management program at Parkland College, where he earned an A.A.S. degree. This extensive 2 year degree included courses in diamonds, colored stones, and jewelry, watch and clock repair, as well as other aspects of jewelry training. He continued his education by enrolling in the Graduate Gemologist program at GIA.

Steven Jarvis is always looking for opportunities to stay informed and educated in all aspects of gemology and appraisal sciences by continuing his education and training whenever possible.

Since 1979, Mr. Jarvis has worked for such fine jewelers as:

• Frank Jewelers Inc. (Illinois)
• Best Products Co (Colorado and Wyoming)
• Whitehall Co. Jewelers (Colorado, Minnesota and Texas)
• Village Jewelers (Texas)

Since 1979, Steven Jarvis’ jewelry expertise includes eighteen years of experience in management, earning numerous sales and management awards such as Whitehall Jewellers' President's Circle. Mr. Jarvis did jewelry appraising for each one of these companies, leading to the opening of his own jewelry appraisal business -- Jarvis Gems and Jewelry Appraisals.

Joyann Cooke, G.G.

Joyann Cooke is the newest member of the staff at Jarvis Gems and Jewelry Appraisals. She accepted the position of Jewelry Appraiser and Assistant to Mr. Jarvis in July 2010. With over ten years in Marketing, she brings business experience along with her gemological training. Mrs. Cooke's lifelong passion for jewelry and gemstones compelled her to pursue and earn her Graduate Gemologist degree from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in November 2004.

Joyann Cooke began a career in the jewelry industry in 2002 when she began working as an Advertising Project Manager for Zale Corporation in Irving, TX. The environment inspired her to move to California to attend GIA. Once completed, Mrs. Cooke moved to Houston where she worked as a Diamond Expert for the highly-successful jewelry retailer Robbins Bros. Soon after, she was offered a position with the American Gem Trade Association in Dallas, TX where she handled the organization's marketing efforts for two years.

"I have always wanted to learn more about appraising jewelry. What better way could one spend her day than visiting with clients while looking at unique, beautiful jewelry in the north Dallas office? It's the perfect position!" Joyann Cooke.

About the Jarvis Gems and Jewelry Appraisals' Gemological Laboratory 

Jarvis Gems and Jewelry Appraisals maintains an extensive gemological laboratory. The north Dallas office location utilizes the following equipment:
	Binocular gemscope with dark field illumination Colorimeter Master grading stones Polariscope Refractometer Polarizing filter Dichroscope Leverage gauge and tables Electronic gem scale Electronic gram scale	Ultra-violet light (long- and short-wave) 10X hand loupe Electronic thermal tester Chelsea filter Refractometer liquid Metal testing liquids Ultrasonic jewelry cleaner Steam jewelry cleaner Digital camera Spectrascope

Jarvis Gems and Jewelry Appraisals also maintains a complete portable gem laboratory, including a portable gemscope and the gem identification equipment necessary to perform appraisals in the convenience of your home, office, store, or bank vault. We have an extensive library of gemological and valuation reference books and periodicals

Member of The National Association of Jewelry Appraisers

The National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA), which has members throughout the United States, is dedicated to the maintenance of professional standards, professional ethics and education in the field of jewelry appraising. Steven Jarvis must adhere to the professional Code of Ethics of the Association and all appraisal assignments must be performed under the constraints of this Code. Having met all the necessary requirements and having been qualified, Steven Jarvis has been granted accreditation with this highly respected association.  NAJA -- National Educational Conference Attendance: Tucson, AZ, February, 2005 Cincinnati, OH, August, 2005 San Diego, CA, August, 2006 Atlanta, GA, August, 2007 Chicago, IL, August, 2008 San Diego, CA, August 2009

GIA (Gemological Institute of America) Continuing Education and Alumni program

Open only to GIA Graduate Gemologists - GIA's Continuing Education Recognition Program helps GIA Graduate Gemologists stay current on the latest trends in gemology and the jewelry industry. This ensures they both stay abreast of all gemology updates and treatments. It also shows their commitment to life-long learning and professional development. Both Steven and Joyann are registered in this very informative program.

	Steven Javis' GIA Alumni verification
	Joyann Cooke's GIA Alumni verification

Jewelers Board of Appraisal Review

Mr. Jarvis has completed and passed the Assessment Course and Exam. This course is administer by JVC (Jewelers Vigilance Committee) and covers such areas as legal liabilities associated with appraising jewelry, types of appraisals, methods of valuation, elements of an appraisal, language to include on appraisals and a thorough discussion of sound business ethics as applied to jewelry appraisals. This basic education provides a starting point from which jewelry professionals can build towards more technical education.