ABOUT
Matthew Cooper GIA GG, GP, LBJ
Many facets of the Jewelry Trade led me to Kannon's.
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I have worked alongside Jewelry Store Owners, Brokers, Bench Jewelers, and Manufacturers. Working in these areas has helped me to better understand the market's integrity. I became a GIA Graduate Gemologist and Licensed Bench Jeweler to identify and authenticate gemstones. This gave me the knowledge needed to identify, buy, and sell gemstones.
Many retail stores and internet sellers are not Gemologists, nor do they have one on staff. Therefore, they rely on the manufacturers and private sellers they purchase from to authenticate pieces. Some Brick-and-Mortar Stores have a gemologist on staff but do not bother to confirm authenticity because they are rushed to do other things. Many gems used in designer jewelry are manufactured overseas. They should be confirmed by the seller. Yet they are not. Most customers trust them because they are branded.
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With that said, you'd be surprised at some of the things I can tell you about the market.
One of the first pieces I authenticated after instinctively questioning the gemstone came from a gift shop at the Museum of Natural Science. Yes, the Museum of Natural Science sold me a marked, Sterling Silver Blue Topaz Designer Ring. After examining the center gemstone, I found it to be Blue Glass, not Blue Topaz. The piece was returned back to the gift shop a year after purchase due to the evidence provided by Kanonn's.
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Well I figured if the museum can sell simulated blue glass by accident, anyone can sell gemstone imitations. It turns out I was right.
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It's unfortunate, but I have many stories to tell like that. That is one main reason I do what I do; to inform people and explain the jewelry market in its entirety. As an expert in Jewelry Forensics, Bench Repair, and Gemology, I can identify a good investment and a bad one. I can also tell you if the purchase you made was genuine.
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Someone should.
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Peering inside the windows of natural gemstones is a bonus considering my artistry. Mother Nature has her own style and it is definitely precious. In addition to this, there is much joy in seeing someone smile when I create, design, or repair something.
