Village Squire, 1978-04, Page 14skills in the Clinton store. Mr. Anstett hopes Paul. with more
specialized courses, will eventually do most of the goldsmithing
for the store.
Pat. 20, works as a sales clerk. She is currently taking the
American gemmology course on diamonds to enhance her selling
abilities.
And Peter, a high school student, works part-time in the store.
"Things have worked out very well for me," said Mr. Anstett,
who has always encouraged his family to take courses in the
jewelry industry.
"If they have some basic knowledge of the business. then they
feel more at ease to work at it."
"Just to go in without any knowledge into the store. they just
do not like it. and they seem to excel better if they have trained."
he said.
"The company's main purpose is to know jewelry and pass
this knowledge on to the consumer," said Mr. Anstett, and "the
business is definitely built on service and knowledge."
Customer services provided in the store include ring sizing.
engraving, watch repair, custom made jewelry. and some
goldsmithing.
"We try to do as much as it is possible in the store," said Mr.
Anstett.
"The more things we can do. the more it becomes
personalized and that is one of the reasons why people keep
coming back to us."
Professional knowledge of the jewelry industry is very
important to David and Michael, so much so. they both
completed the American gemmology course and acquired
graduate gemmologist degrees.
"You have to have it(the course) in the jewelry industry today.
for you have to know what you are buying and selling. Without it
you just become the middle man," said Michael, who completed
the course in 1977.
Since the course was based from Los Angeles. and there is no
comparable course in Canada, they both completed it by
correspondence.
"The course is a goal I wanted to achieve, and something
worthwhile working towards, so you work hard for it." said
David, who graduated about four years ago.
To become a graduate gemmologist, according to David. one
must complete three separate courses set out by the
Gemmological Institute of America. The first was a primary
course on diamonds as it is the major gem. The second
concentrated on all coloured gemstones. and the third was a
complete course on gem identification. In turn. the courses were
divided into theory and practical sections.
For the theory, David and Michael had to learn what
constitutes a gemstone, how it is formed in nature, and how and
where it is mined. And as for the practical, they had to learn how
to identify, properly grade, evaluate and appraise precious
stones.
To pass the theory section, they had to write exams for each
course, in addition to a six -hour exam in Los Angeles covering all
three areas. The format of the final exam was basically essays.
and passing grade was 75 per cent.
The practical exam consisted of identifying with scientific
proof about 30 gemstones. The passing mark was 100 per cent.
and both obtained perfect scores.
David estimates that there are approximately 30 certified
gemmologists in Canada.
"All jewelers eventually should have the course," for
according to David, consumers are now requesting more
information about the gems they are purchasing.
We are now in a position where we not only can explain the
cost of the gem, but we can also demonstrate to the customer the
difference between gems, so they can see for themselves, he
explained.
Because of David's qualifications and years of experience, he
does the majority of gemstone purchasing for the three stores.
The gems, bought loose from a supplier in Toronto, are
individually graded and examined before purchased.
PG. 12. VILLAGE SQUIRE/APRIL 1978.
0 LOWREY
ORGANS
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WE NEED GOOD USED ORGANS
NOW
IS
THE
TIME
TO
TRADE
caron
EYBOARDS
27 Ontario St., Stratford
Phone 273-0213
OPEN TUESDAY TO SATURDAY 10-5:30
FRIDAY T09 P.M.
EVENINGS BY APPOINTMENT