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 Post subject: Going off on my own
PostPosted: Thu Sep 28, 2017 5:23 pm 
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Well, it seems like it's time to move on from my current employer and go off on my own, mostly due to new management. I was thinking of getting a small shop for appraisals and doing some gold buying.Any tips for those that decided to go solo?


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 Post subject: Re: Going off on my own
PostPosted: Fri Sep 29, 2017 1:22 pm 
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Location: Illinois
What area of the country are you living in now?

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 Post subject: Re: Going off on my own
PostPosted: Fri Sep 29, 2017 1:39 pm 
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Winnipeg Canada


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 Post subject: Re: Going off on my own
PostPosted: Fri Sep 29, 2017 4:32 pm 
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Location: Las Vegas, NV
Join the American Gem Society and become an ICGA.


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 Post subject: Re: Going off on my own
PostPosted: Fri Sep 29, 2017 10:03 pm 
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Location: Illinois
Are you a GG? Being an ICGA would be a good route if you are already a gemologist. If not a GG that will have to be first step which will be quite a different route.
Do you have appraisal experience? I worked for a store in Illinois and got a gig traveling from store to store for appraisals. Low overhead.

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 Post subject: Re: Going off on my own
PostPosted: Sat Sep 30, 2017 11:12 am 
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Yep, I'm a GG and been doing appraisals for 10 years. Been looking at the Master Valuer program but funds are be a bit tight. I think theirs only 5 or so GG's in the city so their's not much competition and most only do appraisals for the business they work for.


Last edited by swiens on Sat Sep 30, 2017 2:10 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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 Post subject: Re: Going off on my own
PostPosted: Sat Sep 30, 2017 1:21 pm 
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Location: San Francisco
Bear in mind that the Master Valuer Program is based on the writings of Anna Miller.
Her books are still available and very, very useful for a beginning, or seasoned, appraiser:
Click on the pics for more info:
Image

Image

Also, Cos Altobelli's book is excellent:
Image


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 Post subject: Re: Going off on my own
PostPosted: Sat Sep 30, 2017 2:13 pm 
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Thanks, I'll have to check some of those out. Have to see in any are around in Canada, some of the shipping prices are pretty steep :shock:


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 Post subject: Re: Going off on my own
PostPosted: Sat Sep 30, 2017 5:39 pm 
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Location: San Francisco
Ask and you will receive:

in Canada:

https://www.amazon.ca/Illustrated-Guide ... nna+miller

https://www.amazon.ca/Gems-Jewelry-Appr ... nna+miller


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 Post subject: Re: Going off on my own
PostPosted: Tue Oct 03, 2017 12:46 pm 
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Thanks, books on the way. What about space and setup? Right now I'm pretty cramped in a corner, just fishing for ideas


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 Post subject: Re: Going off on my own
PostPosted: Thu Oct 05, 2017 3:37 pm 
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Location: San Francisco
What instruments do you use?

Main desk where I meet with clients, I have 2 scopes (dark field and immersion), OPL Spectroscope on my right and scale, polariscope, refractometer, mm gauge, camera on the left. Another desk across the room with GemmoRaman and computer.
Behind me is a printer, diamond dock and LWSW cabinet.

My walls are book shelves, with all the books I've collected over the past 40 years.


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 Post subject: Re: Going off on my own
PostPosted: Fri Oct 06, 2017 12:58 pm 
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I have less then you lol. Just have the basics that I needed for my GIA course and a cheap scope but currently looking around for something better and the elusive master stones.


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 Post subject: Re: Going off on my own
PostPosted: Fri Oct 06, 2017 10:03 pm 
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viewtopic.php?f=10&t=23890


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 Post subject: Re: Going off on my own
PostPosted: Tue Oct 10, 2017 12:38 pm 
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You're so helpful Barbra, good thing I joined this forum


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 Post subject: Re: Going off on my own
PostPosted: Wed Dec 13, 2017 5:53 pm 
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Joined: Fri Mar 03, 2006 9:43 pm
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Location: Carmichael, California
Sorry for the late response.

Look at the mastervaluer website (http://www.mastervaluer.com). The Mastervaluer course is the best way to get you involved in the appraisal industry quickly and accurately. Written by Anna Miller (who also wrote the two books referred to below).
Please give us a call for more information or enrollment assistance.
1-800-731-1122
Thanks
Mel Huth
vice President
MasterValuer International

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Mel Huth
Vice President
MasterValuer International
info@mastervaluer.com
800-731-1122


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