About Van McMinn, G.G.
Van has been employed as a salesman, manager, buyer, designer and/or appraiser in the retail jewelry business since April 1981. He graduated from Columbia Military Academy in Columbia, Tennessee and Vanderbilt University with a B.A. in History and earned the Graduate Gemologist Diploma from the Gemological Institute of America in 1997. His gemological training has been furthered by GIA-conducted advanced gemology classes including “Detecting Synthetic Diamonds” and “Pearl Grading.” Through continuing education, examination and peer review of his work, he has become a Certified Member of the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers. In March 2007 he completed classroom training and testing which earned the designation Certified Insurance Appraiser™ by the Jewelry Insurance Appraisal Institute; he also serves as member of the Board of Directors of the Middle Tennessee chapter of the GIA Alumni Association. Since November 1999, he has worked full-time as an independent jewelry appraiser.
