Statement of Qualifications
Kim Piracci has worked in the jewelry field in Chapel Hill, NC, since January 2000. She has a broad range of experience, including sales and customer service, buying and inventory management, gemstone identification, pearl and bead stringing and design, and jewelry display design. Kim is a graduate of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). In 2004, she began providing detailed appraisals for private clients for insurance, estate, tax and sale purposes. In 2007, Kim began brokering jewelry for her private clients. Kim conforms to the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) when appraising gems and jewelry. As a graduate gemologist, she adheres to the highest standards for testing, equipment and valuation methodology. She is a Certified Senior Appraiser of the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA), an organization committed to fostering professional excellence and ethics.

Academic Education

Gemological Institute of America (GIA), Graduate Gemologist, September 2003
(Additional coursework in pearl grading)
SUNY Plattsburg, Bachelor of Science, Magna Cum Laude, December 1980

Professional Affiliations

The National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA), Certified Senior Member
The Association for the Study of Jewelry and Related Arts, Member
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA), Alumni Association
Speak Up! Toastmasters, Charter President

On-going Education

The NAJA Annual Winter Conference, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
The NAJA Annual Mid-Year Education Conference, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011
The Association for the Study of Jewelry and Related Arts Baltimore Conference, 2011
GIA International Gemological Symposium, 2011
World of Gems Conference II, 2010
Rapaport International Diamond Conference, 2010
The Association for the Study of Jewelry and Related Arts Annual Conference, 2009
Accredited Gemologists Association Conference, 2007
The Gemological Institute of America, Gemstone Treatment course, 2007