Meet Your Jewelers
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Graduate Gemologist, AJP (GIA)
National Association of Jewelry Appraisers, Member
BUSINESS
Owner, Paragon Gemological Services
Twenty plus years experience in the gem and fine jewelry trade encompassing: fine diamond and gemstone sourcing and buying, retail jewelry sales and operations, jewelry design, extensive New York ‘diamond district’ and trade show travel, gem and diamond sourcing and evaluation, in-store continuing education directorship, product development and quality control, general consultation for law enforcement and legal proceedings, jewelry related insurance claim estimates and replacements, estate evaluation services and appraising.
EDUCATION
Gemological Institute of America - Worldwide Headquarters: Carlsbad, CA
Graduate Gemologist, Accredited Jewelry Professional (3.95 gpa)
Eastern Washington University - Cheney, WA
Bachelor of Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies - Summa Cum Laude (3.95 gpa)
Minors: Business Administration and Women’s and Gender Studies
Spokane Falls Community College - Spokane, WA
Associate of Arts
AFFILIATIONS, COURSES & PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
Gemological Institute of America - Alumni Association
GIA Continuing Education Recognition Program
National Association of Jewelry Appraisers – Member
Jewelry Appraisal Basic’s skills assessment examination from the Jewelers Board of Appraisal Review (JBAR)
Cultured Pearl Association of America cultured pearl course ‘Pearls as One’, CPAA Certified Pearl Specialist
PERSONAL
Meaghan loves helping people, all things gems and jewelry, animals and nature. She also adores and is thankful for, her fiancé and partner in life and in jewelry, Nic. On occasion when they aren’t making or appraising jewelry, traveling to NYC or Alaska, visiting as many National Parks and renowned museums possible or eating great food in the company of great friends - they enjoy spending time at home along side their chunky tabby cat and tiny cattle dog. In a past life, Meaghan was a dancer, teacher and choreographer.
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JA Certified Master Bench Jeweler
Nic Brotherton, JA Certified Master Bench Jeweler was born and raised in Alaska, and now resides in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. He specializes in advanced diamond and stone setting, hand engraving and hand fabrication with precious metals. This passion is what drives him to create authentically handmade creations using only the finest and rarest gems and metals. It’s not surprising that even as a true master craftsman, Nic is never satisfied by being a ‘good enough’ jeweler. He continually perfects and enriches his skills by investing in continuing education. Over the last 10+ years Nic has enriched his knowledge with the following immersive courses:
‘Knife and Gun Engraving’ - Steve Dunn, instructor (GRS)
‘Platinum Fabrication Plus’ - Blaine Lewis and Drew Hadley, instructors (New Approach School for Jewelers)
‘Advanced Stone Setting’ - Blaine Lewis and Drew Hadley, instructors (New Approach School for Jewelers)
‘Stone Setting Pavé’ - Alexandre Sidorov, instructor (Antwerp, Belgium)
‘Professional Stone Setting’ - Ron Finch, instructor (GRS)
‘Ornamental Hand Engraving’ - Jason Marchiafava, instructor (New Approach School for Jewelers)
‘Advanced Pavé’ - Jason Marchiafava, instructor (New Approach School for Jewelers)
Why Expertise Matters to You
In a world where any person in the jewelry industry can sell you a diamond, make you a custom ring or provide you with an ‘appraisal’ - now more than ever, real expertise matters.
Paragon Gemological Services believes that:
No one buying or having jewelry repaired should be subject to a mysterious experience - left wondering if they paid too much, what exactly it is that they just bought or if the work on their jewelry was done properly and at a fair price.
No one should feel uncomfortable or feel taken advantage of when selling an estate or selling gold.
No one should pay exorbitant premiums to insure their jewelry just because appraisal values assigned by a retailer have been inflated to make you feel ‘good’ about your purchase.
No one overseeing an estate should be stressing and guessing what items have value and which ones do not or how to distribute such valuables in an unbiased and equitable manner.
Helping to provide you with the jewelry purchase or appraisal experience you deserve is the sole mission of Paragon Gemological Services.
Notes from Graduate Gemologist (GIA) and Owner of Paragon Gemological Services:
Welcome to the fascinating world of jewelry and gems! The purpose of ‘Notes from Your Gemologist’ is simple: to share my knowledge and passion for diamonds, gemstones and precious metals directly with you. My hope is that you find the tips on how to clean your jewelry, understanding the ‘4 C’s’ of diamonds and resources on colored stones both helpful and informative.