Robert James FGA, GG
Helotes, TX 78023
Global Claims Associates operates the most advanced forensic gemological laboratory in the United States. As a former Senior Gemologist and Special Investigations Unit investigator for USAA Insurance Robert James brings the highest level of forensic gemology experience available. He has been called upon to do million dollar damage evaluations in the US and United Kingdom. Mr. James holds the highest gemological credentials in the world. He has served as an expert witness in State and Federal Courts across the U.S. as well as the United Kingdom. He is an independent forensic gemology expert, Property and Casualty Insurance Adjuster of the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI#1300433) and also handles all levels of jewelry investigations in the United States and Europe for law firms, insurance companies, and individuals. Mr. James is President of the Global Claims Associates, a member of the National Association of Independent Insurance Adjusters. He is also a member of the Insurance Appraisal and Umpire Association, and an Affiliated Professional Member of the American Bar Association. He holds the Business Law Certification from Cornell Law School, Higher Education Teaching Certificate from Harvard University, and Intellectual Property Rights Certificates from University of Pennsylvania Law School.
- Arbitration & Mediation
- Asset Searches
- Bad Faith
- Evidence Analysis & Preservation
- Gems & Jewelry Appraisal
- Homeowner's Insurance
- Insurance
- Insurance Adjuster
- Insurance Fraud
- Property & Casualty Insurance
- Q: Please list your professional accreditations, degrees, licenses, and certificates granted:
- A: Property and Casualty Adjuster, Texas Department of Insurance License #1300433
Business Law Certificate, Cornell University Law School
Higher Education Teaching Certificate, Harvard University
Distance Education Teaching Certificate, University of British Columbia, Canada
Intellectual Property Rights Certificates, University of Pennsylvania Law School
Contract Law Certificate, Harvard Law School
Certified Insurance CE Instructor, Texas Department of Insurance (and other states)
Fellow, Gemmological Association of Great Britain
Graduate Gemologist, Gemological Institute of America
Certified Gemologist Appraiser, American Gem Society (inactive) - Q: Please list your affiliations or memberships in any professional and/or industry organizations:
- A: National Association of Independent Insurance Adjusters
Insurance Appraisal and Umpire Association
American Bar Association
Jewelers of America
Gemmological Association of Great Britain (FGA)
American Gem Trade Association
Jewelers of America
National Association of Jewelry Appraisers
- Q: Please list any teaching or speaking experience you have had, including subject matter:
- A: Texas Department of Insurance (and other states) CE Classroom Courses for Insurance Adjusters and Agents
President, International School of Gemology (gemology and jewelry appraisal)
Speech and Communication major, North Texas State University
4 years high school and 4 years major university Debate Team speaking
Gemology Instructor, Dallas County Community College District
Gemology Instructor, Okaloosa-Walton Community College District
President, Caribbean Gemological Institute
Allied Gem Tutorial Centre for the Gem-A in London, England
USAA Insurance teaching gemology related topics to USAA underwriters, adjusters and customer service representatives.
Free learning website: www.YourGemologist.com
Cremation Diamond Fraud Report
Published over 50 articles as jewelry expert for:
Cruise Travel Magazine
Caribbean Travel and Life Magazine
Caribbean World
In-Cabin publications for all major cruise lines.
Vista Joyera Magazine (South America)
Caribbean Editor for Jewelers Circular Keystone (JCK) the industry's oldest jewelry publication
Published Books:
Litigation and Expert Witness for Jewelry Appraisers
Small Business Guide to Patents, Trademarks, and Copyrights
Gobsmacked! Exposing the Dark Side of the International Gemstone Industry
- Q: Have any of your accreditations ever been investigated, suspended or removed? (if yes, explain)
- A: No
- Q: On how many occasions have you been retained as an expert?
- A: 100+
- Q: For what area(s) of expertise have you been retained as an expert?
- A: Litigation expert witness, invoked Appraisal-Umpire Clause action, litigation consultant on high value jewelry claims, jewelry fraud investigations, major diamond loss recovery, high value insurance claims in US and UK, Jewelry appraisal, damaged diamond evaluations, jewelry value disputes, false representation of diamond grades, disputes regarding gemstone treatments, disputes regarding gemstone ownership, class actions regarding television shopping channel fraud, investigation of fraudulent sales of gemstones, consumer invoked Appraisal Clause.
- Q: In what percentage of your cases were you retained by the plaintiff?
- A: 50%
- Q: In what percentage of your cases were you retained by the defendant?
- A: 50%
- Q: On how many occasions have you had your deposition taken?
- A: 8
- Q: When was the last time you had your deposition taken?
- A: 2017
- Q: On how many occasions have you been qualified by a court to give expert testimony?
- A: Qualified in all cases as expert in District and Federal Courts.
- Q: On how many occasions have you testified as an expert in court or before an arbitrator?
- A: 6
- Q: For how many years have you worked with the legal industry as an expert?
- A: 40
- Q: What services do you offer? (E.g.: consulting, testing, reports, site inspections etc.)
- A: Forensic gemology, Special Investigations Unit investigations, loss recovery, gemstone testing and identification, jewelry appraisal, manufacturing defect investigation, damaged jewelry evaluation, lost or damaged diamond evaluation, gemstone treatment report, valuation of salvage, recutting and restoration evaluation, fraud investigation, advanced forensic diamond and gemstone evaluation.
- Q: What is your hourly rate to consult with an attorney?
- A: Initial Consultation: No Charge / Retained Expert Witness Hourly Rate: $250.00
- Q: What is your hourly rate to review documents?
- A: $250.00
- Q: What is your hourly rate to provide deposition testimony?
- A: $2,500.00 per day portal to portal
- Q: What is your hourly rate to provide testimony at trial?
- A: $2,500.00 per day portal to portal
- Q: Please list any fees other than those stated above (E.g.: travel expenses, copy fees, etc.)
- A: Actual travel expenses portal to portal. All other fees for copying, binding, photographs, etc...are included in hourly rate.
Available Upon Request