Clarifying the “SSEF SGC” Title
Notice to Underwriters and Adjusters
The misuse of gemological credentialing not only undermines the credibility of legitimate jewelry appraisal professionals but also poses significant risks to the accuracy and integrity of jewelry appraisals. With no uniform standards or oversight of jewelry appraisal credentials, the opportunity for misrepresentation is rife in the jewelry industry. It is imperative that underwriters and adjusters remain vigilant in identifying and addressing these inaccuracies to ensure that all parties to an insurance policy contract receive fair and accurate assessments.
As an independent Property and Casualty Insurance Adjuster (TexDI #1300433) specializing in high value jewelry claims, investigation, and litigation consulting, I am keenly aware of the various gemology and appraisal credentials used in jewelry appraisals. Whether it is handling an Appraisal Clause action for a major insurance company or serving as expert witness in a high value jewelry lawsuit, one of the most important aspects of document review involves verification of credentials of all parties involved.
Over the past year I have seen a marked increase in the improper use of a gemological title: “SSEF SGC” (which stands for the Scientific Gemology Course of the Swiss Gemmological Institute) in both appraisals and professional credential posts. While impressive in its presentation, the facts behind this supposed gemological title reveal it is actually not a title at all and was never intended to be used as initials after one’s name.
What is the Scientific Gemology Course of the SSEF?
Based on the SSEF website of today’s date, March 4, 2025, the SSEF website states that the Scientific Gemology Course is a 5 day classroom study for which an attendee receives a “Participation Certificate”.
Additionally, the SSEF Frequently Asked Questions section of their website specifically states that “you do not receive a formal degree or title”.
Finally, the actual certificate seen below (reduced to hide the student’s name) clearly states that this is only a “Certificate of Attendance”.
Dr. Laurent E. Cartier of the SSEF stated the situation clearly in a communication email:
The Contrived “SSEF SGC” Credential
Despite the SSEF clearly stating that attendance in this 5-day classroom event does not bestow a formal title to be used after one’s name, there is a growing trend to create this SSEF SGC title by those who have attended this course as seen below from a search on LinkedIn.
Underwriters and Adjusters who handle personal property policies and claims related to jewelry and gemstones should be aware that the SSEF does not bestow any title of “SSEF SGC” or “SGC SSEF” on attendees of their classes. Furthermore, the use of these initials after anyone’s name is both misleading and misrepresents the true nature of the class.
The lack of uniform standards and oversight of the jewelry appraisal profession creates major problems for the insurance industry. Failure of the jewelry appraisal organizations to unify and create uniform standards is at the heart of the problem. Until and unless that situation is rectified, underwriters and adjusters should be aware that no standards exist, and after a major claim is filed is the wrong time to realize that the appraisal in the policy was done by someone with false credentials due to contrived initials after their name.
Contrived initials like the “SSEF SGC”.
Robert James FGA, GG
International School of Gemology
Global Claims Associates
Member: National Association of Independent Insurance Adjusters
Member: Insurance Appraisal and Umpire Association
Associate Member: American Bar Association