Local jewellery appraiser Christopher Taylor is spreading his wings now that he has been elected to membership in US-based National Association of Jewelry Appraisers.

On October 3, 2005, Mr. Taylor set up CST Appraisers with Bermudian partner Judy Rollin, who is responsible for marketing and advertising.

?My goal is to be known as the jewellery appraiser for Bermuda so that whenever anyone thinks of a jewellery or a watch appraisal they think of CST Appraisers,? Mr. Taylor said.

?There are a lot of people who have jewellery tucked in their drawers or a safe, which they don?t know the true value of.?

He said an appraisal can help victims of theft who have had their jewellery stolen and can reassure people if they have items which they are not certain are genuine.

?An insurance policy may cover jewellery items but only cover a specific value and a lot of people in Bermuda have items over $1,000 and, if they were burgled or lost, they would not be able to claim the true value back.?

As a gemologist Mr. Taylor can distinguish between natural gem stones and synthetic stones and discern good quality over poor quality which he said is important in dealing with gem stones, especially Emeralds, Rubies and Sapphires.

Whether it be a $50 charm or an expensive Rolex watch, Mr. Taylor can provide detailed information on their provenance, enabling them to be insured for their true value.

CST also offers probate appraisals and fair market value appraisals for a sale between two parties. He can also grade diamonds for their colour, carat weight, clarity and cut and can determine symmetry, proportions, polish and can plot inclusions on a graph.

Mr. Taylor performed jewellery appraisals while working in a management capacity in a retail store in London before moving to Bermuda in February 2000 to work for Trimingham?s as their buyer and manager in the fine jewellery department.

?I hope people will trust us to have their jewellery appraised with CST.

?Chris is well qualified to give clients the best possible service and I think we can meet a need in the market,? Ms Rollin said

?This is a professional service and being mobile I can offer a speedy service. I can go to people?s homes, offices or a secure pre-arranged location,? Mr. Taylor said.

Mr. Taylor became a member of the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers in December, 2005 and the association has members throughout the US dedicated to the maintenance of professional standards, ethics and education in the field of jewellery appraising.

Mr. Taylor is also a member of the Gemmological Association and Gem Testing Laboratory of Great Britain and the Gemological Institute of America.

For more information on CST Appraisers call 238-4185 or 504-9797 and email at ctaylornorthrock.bm.