Meet the Gemologist/Appraiser behind MP Appraisal Services...
Maureen Pratt
GIA GG, AJP, Graduate Pearls
FGA (Merit), Gemmological Association of Great Britain
USPAP Compliant 2024/2026
Senior Accredited Gemologist, Accredited Gemologist Association
Certified Member, National Association of Jewelry Appraisers
Certificate in Opal Studies, Gemmological Association of Australia (completed 2025)
Member, Association of Jewelry Historians
GIA Alumni Collective
More about Maureen...
A childhood appreciation for rocks gathered from the backyard has led to a deep respect for what those "rocks" can become at the hands of skilled lapidaries, metalworkers, and jewelry craftspeople, and has led me all the way to two diplomas in gemology and extensive education in appraisal. I have honed my skills with some of the best teachers in these fields, and it's likely I won't stop learning (indeed, no appraiser or gemologist ever should ever stop learning)!
However, the knowledge is not only for knowledge's sake; I am delighted to serve clients who need independent, carefully considered and credible opinions of value (appraisals), would like to understand more about the pieces they have (education) and/or need gemstone identification or other consultation services related to gemstones and jewelry.
I am a graduate of:
Georgetown University (BSLA)
JST/Santa Clara University (MTS)
UCLA, School of Theater, Film, and Television (MFA
Publications and Interviews
PUBLICATIONS
"Jewelry for Sale: Truth, Names, and Consumer Trust," Rock and Gem Magazine, May 2026.
"Gemmological Association of Australia Online Course on Opal Fills Important Gap for Appraisers," National Association of Jewelry Appraisers Newsletter, October/November/December 2025.
"When an I2/I3 Isn't 'Just' and I2/I3: Current Trends in Salt and Pepper Diamonds," GemGuide, July/August 2025. CLICK HERE
"When Broken Is Good," - Fractures in Gemstones. Rock and Gem Magazine, July/August 2025. CLICK HERE
"Sapphires from Yogo Gulch, Montana," - Market Trends, GemGuide, March/April 2025. CLICK HERE
"Standard in the Making: A New Grading System for Turquoise," GemGuide, May/June 2024. CLICK HERE
INTERVIEWS/MEDIA
"Diamonds, Gemstones, and Hildegard of Bingen," Podcast guest with Christine Arata, "Hildegard's Wisdom." February 26, 2025. CLICK HERE
"Is This Really Good Turquoise? Who Knows," New York Times, September 6, 2024. CLICK HERE
