Manhasset, New York, United States
Deborah A. Villepigue, GG, ACGA, RMV, S-APPA, CGA, ICGA, is a forensic gemologist, geologist, independent appraiser, and expert witness with more than four decades of experience in the examination, identification, analysis, documentation, and valuation of jewelry, gemstones, minerals, and related personal property. As Chief Executive Officer and Senior Appraiser of The Jewelry Appraiser, Inc., Deborah’s work includes fine and high-end jewelry, antique and estate jewelry, contemporary jewelry, natural and laboratory-grown gemstones, rough gemstone materials, and museum-grade mineral specimens. Her expertise extends from geological origin and source evaluation to cut-and-polished gemstone analysis, jewelry construction, and the wearable form. Deborah provides expert analysis and testimony in legal, insurance, fiduciary, estate, and evidentiary matters involving authenticity, quality, valuation, condition, damage, loss, fraud, ownership-related issues, inventory verification, and technical review. Her work includes expert reports, rebuttal analysis, litigation support, standards-based examination, technical interpretation, and court-appropriate reporting. Her forensic specialization includes chain-of-custody procedures, evidence intake and documentation, fraud and substitution detection, comparative analysis, environmental and post-loss assessment, identification of natural versus laboratory-grown materials, and damage, repair, construction, workmanship, and failure analysis. She has also provided DNA-forensics-related identification support through jewelry and personal property examinations to assist in wearer identification and evidentiary linkage in sensitive recovery settings. Deborah’s technical and scientific background includes specialization in lighting, optics, and examination environments as applied to gemological and mineral evaluation. Her experience also includes work with NASA-related equipment and instrumentation associated with missions to Mars and the Moon. She has taught at Hofstra University, St. John’s University, and in adult education settings, and has provided support in elder law and estate matters. Her background also includes participation in 9/11 property recovery efforts and continued respectful recovery-oriented assistance whenever possible. Deborah maintains an independent practice and does not buy or sell diamonds, gemstones, jewelry, or minerals. Her work is grounded in objective examination, careful documentation, supportable analysis, and client-centered service, in partnership with the American Gem Society standards.
Accredited Gem Laboratory® With our International offices located in Dubai and our Flagship office located in New York. Debòrah A Villepigue is a highly respected member of the jewelry industry who has been awarded the prestigious title of Independent Certified Gemologist Appraiser (ICGA) and a Advanced Personal Property Appraiser (APPA), from The American Gem Society. She has been actively involved in the jewelry business since 1986. She is currently a full time appraiser of Gems, Jewelry and all Metals. The Jewelry Appraiser Inc. is an Independent Certified and Accredited Gem Laboratory, the only designated one in New York State. The Jewelry Appraiser Inc. appraisals are accepted by all Courts, the US Government, the IRS, US Customs, Law Enforcement Agencies, major insurance companies, as well as by jewelers and other businesses. Mrs. Villepigue’s appraisals are used to determine the identification and value for ALL Gems, Jewelry and Metals. Debòrah maintains a current data file for her past appraisals for the period of 7 years. Her library includes authoritative appraisal manuals and current price indexes, as well as reference books and trade periodicals. 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 Advanced Personal Property Appraiser (APPA) and Independent Certified Gemological Appraiser (ICGA). Ms. Villepigue is the only one to hold this title in New York State and 1 of 19 in the US. She also has earned the Registered Master Valuer (RMV) degree, 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 (GMJ). She is a member of the Chamber of Commerce. Debòrah continues her education and training through The American Society of Appraisers, the Gemological Institute of America, the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers.
Buyer of Diamonds and all Colored Stones. The company was supplying all TV jewelry networks and catalogs. High End
I was in charge of all inventory and Head Gemologist.