Naples diamond ring appraisals by a gemologist / jewelry appraiser

 Kristi Botkin is a Graduate Gemologist (GIA) and Member of the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers.

Her interest in gems began close to 20 years ago while living in Montana, a state known for gold, silver, sapphires and other gemstones.

Being a Florida native, the Montana outdoors captivated her. She spent most of her time fly fishing, hiking and mountain biking.

During a fishing trip in Paradise Valley, Montana, a fellow angler mentioned rumors that gold had been discovered there. Curious about this claim she purchased a sluice box, gold pan and shovel. Sure enough, after a full day of searching she had found a few flakes of gold herself.

Soon she would venture out to different areas of the United States to find sapphires, garnets, emeralds, topaz and turquoise and even some Native American artifacts. 

In 2001, Kristi began designing handbags for boutiques in Aspen, Los Angeles, Montana and Naples. Incorporating gemstones into her designs, curiosity led her to study gemology at the Gemological Institute of America.

Upon completion of her degree, her direction shifted into the jewelry business where she was a corporate appraiser and consultant for acquisitions until 2010 when she founded Southern Gemology Group, as an independent jewelry appraisal business based in Naples and also providing services throughout the state of Florida.