About

Appraising jewelry and precious stones is and has always been the ultimate test of knowledge for a jewelry professional. Appraising and consulting in this field requires not only an extensive education in the use of instruments and identifying techniques, more importantly it requires a long term experience in the field of manufacturing (How a piece is made) Jewelry and gem buying (Resourcing of material) A practical experience in the field of jewelry design (How unique or generic a piece is) It also requires a passion for the art of jewelry. An art that has been passed on for thousands of years. Jewelry is directly connected to our "Psyche" as humans, through it we express love, wealth, status and individuality.

About Ragi Slim. My career in the jewelry industry began right after graduating from the Gemological Institute of America in 1995, which at the time was located in Santa Monica, California. I went on to co-own and manage Bijoutec, a fine jewelry manufacturing operation in Lebanon, specializing in the design and creation of diamond and gemstone jewelry. In 2000 I was appointed as the Official Sworn Expert of diamonds, colored gemstones and precious metals for the Lebanese courts of law- Ministry of Justice, article #1061. Lebanon is one of the largest producers of fine jewelry on an international level. Since 2005, I have been with major jewelry companies in the U.S. such as Tiffany & Co and Cartier.

Credentials:
Graduate Jeweler Gemologist (Gemological Institute Of America) 1995 {Highest degree awarded by G.I.A. through their on campus education}