Katherine Nielsen Bio

Katherine Nielsen

Graduate Gemologist (GIA)

Certified Gemologist Appraiser (AGS)

Katherine has worked in the jewelry industry since 1998. She earned an Associate of Arts from Ridgewater College in Willmar, MN in 2002, then became a GIA Graduate Gemologist and completed GIA Jewelry Design coursework in 2003, an AGS Registered Jeweler in 2004, and an AGS Certified Gemologist Appraiser (CGA) in 2006, one of the industry's most rigorous appraisal credentials.

She started working at Jewelsmith in 2004 and believes in the power of seeing the good in all things. She loves the variety of jewelry she gets to work with, from fresh new designs to custom creations that make a dream come true, to talking about vintage family heirlooms. She envisions sharing her experience with people starting their own careers in the jewelry industry.

Leading the AGS NC Guild since 2013 and the GIA NC Alumni Association since 2014 is her proudest moment as a Certified Gemologist Appraiser. As a lifelong learner, Katherine enjoys the continuing education that AGS requires to maintain her certification, including regular attendance at AGS Conclave and GIA courses in gemstone identification, sketching, and diamond grading, and she welcomes the challenge of the annual exam. She has a passion for inclusions. They tell the story of Mother Earth creating treasures deep underground. On the side, she enjoys reading, singing, traveling, and adventure races with friends and her husband, Chris.

Her favorite gemstone is a toss-up between tourmaline and garnet, both prized for their range of colors and the creative cutting shapes that make them a joy to design with.

Learn about your heirlooms and share Katherine's gem enthusiasm by booking your appointment or emailing her.