Steven 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 (GIA) 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 for over thirty-five years.  He started his career in a jewelry store in downtown Champaign, IL, as a sales associate and bench jeweler apprentice.  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.

Mr. Jarvis regularly attends educational seminars, conferences 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 in 2004. — Jarvis Gems and Jewelry Appraisals.

Steven Jarvis’ GIA Alumni verification

 

Joyann Cooke, G.G.

Joyann Cooke accepted the position of Jewelry Appraiser and Assistant to Mr. Jarvis in July 2010. She was promoted to Vice President of the company in July 2014. 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’s GIA Alumni verification

 

Sherrill Jones, Administrator of Operations

Sherrill Jones joined the staff at Jarvis Gems and Jewelry Appraisals in December, 2012. She brings with her over 20 years of administrative and management experience. Ms. Jones has a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Texas State University (formerly Southwest Texas State University).  She has also completed the Jewelry Essentials course with the Gemological Institue of America (GIA) and intends to continue to further her education by taking additional GIA courses towards familiarizing herself with the jewelry and appraisal industry.

Sherrill was born and raised in Dallas and has experienced how much the appraisal industry is needed within the metroplex. “I have always loved jewelry and joining Jarvis Gems and Jewelry Appraisals has given me the opportunity to start a new and exciting career.”

 

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About the Jarvis Gems and Jewelry Appraisals’ Gemological Laboratory

Jarvis Gems and Jewelry Appraisals is proud to feature a state-of-the-art laboratory utilizing sophisticated equipment to better serve you.

Mr. Jarvis operates a Gemological Microscopic Digital Camera capable of photographing diamonds and gemstones and the characteristics within them. Displayed next to the comfortable seating area in his office, you can view precisely what he is examining on a 25″ LED screen, It’s amazing what you can see at 10x, 40x and eve 80x!

We also maintain an extensive library of gemological and valuation reference books and periodicals.

 

 

The north Dallas office location utilizes the following equipment:

Certified Senior 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 earned the esteemed status of Certified Senior Member in 2022 with this highly respected association.  He also regularly attends the NAJA National Educational Conferences to meet with other appraisers to discuss industry hot topics and pursue additional knowledge relating to the appraisal business.

USPAP Compliant

The Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) is the generally recognized ethical and performance standards for the appraisal profession in the United States.  USPAP was adopted by Congress in 1989, and contains standards for all types of appraisal services, including real estate, personal property, business and mass appraisal.  Compliance is required for state-licensed and state-certified appraisers involved in federally-related real estate transactions.  USPAP is updated every two years so that appraisers have the information they need to deliver unbiased and thoughtful opinions of value. Steve and Joyann have both taken and passed the USPAP exam and issue appraisals under compliance of these standards.

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.

Jewelers Board of Appraisal Review

Mr. Jarvis has completed and passed the J-BAR Assessment Course and Exam. This course is administered by the 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.