Jewelry Appraisals

Katharyn Zava: Graduate Gemologist (GIA)

Senior Member, NAJA

Katharyn Zava had her first job in the jewelry industry working in sales for locally owned family jeweler in Wilmington, North Carolina in 2001. Upon finding herself more inclined to scrutinize the sparkling inventory than sell it, she decided to pursue a career in jewelry appraisals. Her first step was to earn the Graduate Gemologist diploma from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), which she accomplished in 2006 at the New York, NY campus. Once she finished her studies at GIA, she returned to NC and took an apprenticeship with a well established appraiser. In 2009, she was accepted into the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA), and achieved Senior Member status with the organization in 2014. In the meantime, bolstered by her education and industry experience, she opened an independent appraisal service business officially in 2010.

Katharyn Zava is currently serving on the board of directors in the GIA Alumni Association of North Carolina.