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Biographical Background
and Qualifications :
Debòrah Ann Villepigue GG, MGJ,
RMV, M-NAJA
Debòrah Ann Villepigue is a highly respected member of the jewelry industry who has been actively involved in the jewelry business since 1986. As The Jewelry Appraiser Inc. with offices and gemological laboratories at 1295 Northern Blvd. Manhasset, New York, 11030. She is currently a full time appraiser of Gems and Jewelry. The Jewelry Appraiser is an Independent Laboratory neither buying nor selling. The Jewelry Appraiser Inc. appraisals are accepted by all major insurance companies, as well as by jewelers and other businesses to determine the proper price to pay or receive for jewelry. Debòrah maintains a current data file for her past appraisals for the period of 5 years. Her library includes authoritative appraisal manuals and current price indexes, as well as reference books and trade periodicals.
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Debòrah’s gemological education has earned her the Graduate Gemologist (GG) Degree from the Gemological Institute of America. Advanced Gemological and Appraisal training has earned her the title of Registered Master Valuer (RMV), the first of such in New York. As a graduate of the Bulova School of Jewelry, she has earned the title of Graduated Master Jeweler (MGJ). She is a past officer of the Gemological Institute of America Alumni Association; she is still an active member of the Alumni. She is a active chapter member of American Society of Appraisers (ASA),
and an active member of The National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA), the foremost organizations of appraisers. Debòrah is a member of the Jeweler Vigilance Committee (JVC), helping to maintain honesty and integrity in the jewelry industry. She is also a current member of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors as well as The American Society of Jewelry Historians. Debòrah is active in many different jewelry organizations in the education of jewelry arts. She is currently teaching around the Untied States including Hofstra University in N.Y. and The Registered Master Valuer program across the United States and in Canada. Debòrah continues her education through annual testing and training through The American Society of Appraisers, The Gemological Institute of America, The National Organization of Jewelry Appraisers, The Forensics of Gemology, and is working towards her Fellowship of the Gemological Association and Gem Testing Laboratory of Great Britain. (FGA).
Various courts throughout New York State have retained Debòrah The Jewelry Appraiser Inc., on numerous occasions for expert witness testimony. She also works with different District Attorneys on the Forensics of jewelry for the purpose of determining value for prosecution or defense, criminal matters and civil matters also for which State and Federal inheritance taxes are based. Debòrah is one of the primary Jewelry Appraisers for New York State.
Debòrah has extensive experience in all phases of the jewelry industry. She was a buyer of colored gemstones, pearls and diamonds for television productions and major retailers, and was a designer and manufacturer of jewelry for major catalogs that have circulated in the U.S. and internationally. Her expertise in colored gemstones and pearls was greatly enhanced during her employment as a consultant for American Express in the Fine Jewelry Department. Debòrah helps to maintain honesty and integrity in the wholesale, manufacture and retail areas of the jewelry industry by advising industry members and organizations.
Debòrah is active with many Native American organizations and works very closely with the Native American Councils in both jewelry and the true art form of Native American Art. She is a designer and creator of different important pieces of art and jewelry for the heads of the Native American Councils, as well as an educator and lecturer on Native American Jewelry, stones, artwork and culture.
Debòrah donates her free time to many charitable organizations, and is an active member of the Women’s Foundation Organization (WJA).
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