Established in January of 1987, Sarasota Gemological Laboratory is owned and operated by Richard Sherwood. Richard has acquired over two decades of experience in the gemstone and jewelry industry since 1980, along with a Graduate Gemologist diploma awarded by the Gemological Institute of America.

GIA DIAMOND GRADING & EVALUATION completed 7/9/82.
GIA COLORED STONES & GEM IDENTIFICATION 1/31/85.
GIA GEMOLOGIST diploma awarded 3/12/85.
GIA GRADUATE GEMOLOGIST diploma awarded 3/25/85.

Concurrent with establishing Sarasota Gemological Laboratory in 1987, Richard owned and operated the fine estate gem and jewelry store Sarasota Diamond & Gems for twelve years, from 1987 to 1999. Sarasota Diamond & Gems was a comprehensive full service store with staff conducting retail and wholesale gem and jewelry sales on a local and national basis. A Master Jeweler was on staff supervising a full service custom jewelry and repair department.

In the seven years prior to this Richard was employed by a major Tampa Bay estate jewelry firm, receiving a comprehensive hands-on education from a “master” third generation gem & jewelry dealer.. Richard’s career began from the ground up as a diamond sorter, progressing from there to a diamond & gemstone jewelry salesperson, diamond buyer, colored gemstone buyer and estate & antique jewelry buyer. The last four years with the company he operated in the capacity of manager for their premier multi-million dollar Sarasota estate jewelry store.

Sarasota Gemological Laboratory was established after recognizing the need for professional documentation to protect the fine jewelry investments of his clients. In 1999 SGL became solely an independent appraisal laboratory that engages in neither buying nor selling. This independent position enhances both public and trade dealer confidence in receiving an objective opinion from a non-involved third party. For convenience and privacy SGL has mobile capabilities, and regularly does appraisals on a while-you-wait basis right at the client’s location, or at the maximum security SGL location in the Sarasota Vault Depository.

Richard has testified in both Sarasota and Manatee counties as an expert witness, is a member of the internet trade organization DiamondFloor.Com, and a frequent contributor to Pricescope.Com, an internet trade/consumer forum designed for consumer education. In addition to weekly appraising done for banks, insurance companies, attorneys, jewelers and private individuals, SGL also operates as an independent appraisal laboratory at monthly trade shows such as Piccadilly Antiques in Sarasota – West Palm Beach and the Frank Cox Gem & Jewelry Shows throughout Western Florida.