Donald A. Palmieri
President, Gem Certification and Assurance
Lab (GCAL)
Master Gemologist Appraiser®
Expertise: Diamonds and Colored Gemstones.
Other Areas: Antique and Period Jewelry.
Don Palmieri, a 1971 graduate in residence of the Gemological Institute
of America, Santa Monica, CA and a decorated Vietnam Veteran, has
been under contract with national and international government and
law enforcement agencies as a consultant, appraiser, mediator and
forensic expert witness. His expertise is frequently sought by museums,
insurance companies, the jewelry trade, law and accounting firms and
individuals. A court-appointed Chapter 11 Trustee and member of the
National Forensic Center, Mr. Palmieri has been called upon to testify
as an expert witness in major court cases throughout the United States
and abroad.
Palmieri has been interviewed for
The Wall Street Journal,
Consumer Reports,
Barron's,
Money Magazine,
The Straight Times and others. As a consumer advocate and
expert in the evaluation of diamonds and gemstones, he makes frequent
appearances on national and local television shows and radio programs.
He also lectures at trade shows, appraisal conferences, museums, and
professional group meetings.
In addition to his Graduate Gemologist (GIA) degree, Palmieri holds
a Senior Member, Master Gemologist Appraiser® designation with
the American Society of Appraisers. He's been on staff as a Research
Associate with the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Earth Sciences
division since 1983 and taught consumer education classes in gemology,
gem sciences and jewelry for the Carnegie Museum's Education Division
from 1986-1999.
Sharrie Woodring
Senior Gemologist, Gem Certification and Assurance
Lab (GCAL)
Expertise: Diamonds and Colored Gemstones.
Sharrie Woodring is a lifelong collector of gems and minerals and
began lapidary work (cutting gemstones) at age 12. She holds a Graduate
Gemologist diploma from the Gemological Institute of America and a
diploma from the Gemological Association of Great Britain, earning
the right to use the initials F.G.A. (Fellow of the Gemological Association.)
She has written numerous articles and co-authored a book about synthetic
diamonds. She also lectures at trade events around the world and has
appeared on television as a gem industry expert.