Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Graham.
Hi Kimberly, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started a career in the jewelry industry in 1993 while in college. I wanted to be a jeweler, needed a job, so I reached out to the local store. I was hired, and the rest is history. I instantly fell in love with the industry. It’s easy to love a sparkly jewel, but loving the industry itself goes much deeper. The jewelry industry is vast and diverse. From mining in rural areas to the fanciest jewelry boutiques, more than 10 million people are employed by this industry worldwide. While working in retail, I continued my education by enrolling at the Stuart’s International School for Jewelers. There, I earned bench certifications in fabrication, stone setting, and lost-wax casting. This gave me a strong forensic background in how pieces are made, what repairs are needed, and redesign. I also completed the prestigious Graduate Gemologist program at the Gemological Institute of America. After working for many years in retail, in various positions from sales, repairs, purchasing, merchandising, and back-of-house management, I stepped away for a few years to live in Europe for my husband’s job. This gave me an incredible education in European art, jewelry, and antiquities, deepening my love for jewelry. Upon returning and after having children, I decided I wanted to step back into the jewelry world. Just not in retail or management. Appraisal work is in high demand, especially independent, unbiased, and objective appraisals. I have continued my education by achieving Certified Member status with the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers. As wealth transfer between generations is well underway, the need for estate and inherited jewelry appraisals is growing, and I’m here for it!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Is there an industry with a smooth road? I haven’t found it yet. The struggles I have had have been typical of a male-dominated industry, being a woman. Luckily, my first job was at a store where I was supported and encouraged. The biggest struggle at the time was paying for the education. I was young, on my own, in college, and broke. My boss at the time teased me, saying ‘You’re the only employee who takes her paycheck home.’ It was true. Finding the budget to pay for jewelry and gemology classes was challenging. I would work for months to save up for a class, take it, then work for months to pay for the next one. This took me a while to complete, but I did it on my own, and it was worth it. Still to this day, proving to be trustworthy and knowledgeable is ongoing, but easier. There are a lot more women in the industry now than when I started. That is exciting to me, and I’m proud of them.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Vault Worthy Jewelry is an independent jewelry appraisal business. We do not buy or sell jewelry; we appraise it. This means we identify the item and its current value in today’s dollars. Appraisals are for fine jewelry, not for costume jewelry. Appraisals can be used for insurance, retail replacement value, estate, and equitable distribution among heirs. They can also be used for liquidations, fire sales, or the division of assets in a divorce. And on occasion, appraisers can serve as expert witnesses in legal cases. We are known for objective, unbiased appraisals. We have knowledge you can trust. We offer in-office appraisals while you wait, watch, and learn. We welcome questions during the appraisal process so you can leave feeling confident in what you have. We offer in-office, at-home, or in-store pop-up appraisal events. We even offer an Antique Road Show for 55+ active community centers. At Vault Worthy, we are partnered with the Jewelry Judge Ben Gordon, an icon and legend in the industry. Being an appraiser entails an expectation of the highest integrity and value in the industry. We strive to exceed all industry standards. Appraisals are important for those who own jewelry. An unbiased appraisal will document the item, protect its integrity, and serve as a reminder of just how special jewelry really is. And most of all, we have fun with our clients. Hearing the stories, learning the history of families through their jewelry, or watching a young couple starting their lives together, it really is fun to be a part of it all.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Integrity, honesty, and transparency. Own it, or go home. Jewelry is one of the most emotional purchases you will ever make. Integrity and honesty mean everything in this industry. Transparency is just as important as consumers are becoming more educated. Do an incredible job, to the best of your ability, every day, all day. Trust is earned here, and I do not compromise on that. No exceptions. I absolutely love what I do!
Pricing:
- Pricing is quoted per job, but typically starts around $100 on up and is quoted after a 15 minute free consultation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vaultworthyjewelry.com
- Instagram: @thekimgraham
- Facebook: @kimgrahamgg
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-graham-gia-gg-0b2b0b6
