Meet Kathleen Turner | Master Gemologist Appraiser, ASA, GIA
We had the good fortune of connecting with Kathleen Turner and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Kathleen, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
As a wife and mother of young children, working traditional jewelry retail hours wasn’t practical. I needed a career that fit within my kids’ school schedule and offered flexibility. With over 20 years of experience in the jewelry industry and a gemology degree from the Gemological Institute of America, I recognized a gap in the market—there were very few gemologist jewelry appraisers who could travel to high-end clients who preferred not to transport their jewelry for appraisal.
After spending months developing a business plan, I decided to create a service that offered both convenience and security. My niche became clear: “All appraisals are done by appointment, so you never have to leave your jewelry.” I also established a secure office for clients who preferred to come to me.
Within the first month, the business was profitable. I knew then that this was the start of something special—an idea that would continue to grow and succeed year after year.
What should our readers know about your business?
At Cal Coast Jewelry Appraisers in Carlsbad, I’ve built a business focused on trust, expertise, and personalized service. With over 20 years in the jewelry industry, an Accredited Senior Appraiser designation from the American Society of Appraisers, and a GIA Graduate Gemologist degree, I saw the need for a professional appraiser who could offer both in-person and mobile appointments for clients who value privacy and security.
It wasn’t easy starting out, but dedication, integrity, and genuine care for my clients helped the business grow quickly. I’m most proud that every appraisal is handled personally and with transparency—no outsourcing, no pressure, just honest, expert evaluations. My goal is to make every client feel confident and informed about their jewelry’s true value.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend came to visit for a week, I’d love to show her the beautiful city of Carlsbad. Our beaches are clean, inviting, and warm most days of the year. We’d start the day with breakfast at The Daily News Café, enjoy lunch at Norte Mexican Food & Cocktails, relax with happy hour at Tower 39 Rooftop Lounge, and have dinner overlooking the water at Vigilucci’s Seafood & Steakhouse. We’d end the night with live music and dancing at The Coyote Bar & Grill—the perfect way to experience Carlsbad’s charm and energy.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The person I owe the most gratitude to is my mentor and one of my closest friends, Rita Famulare, owner of Famulare Jewelers. She saw potential in me and believed in my future, offering me a full-ride scholarship to the Gemological Institute of America while I worked full-time in her jewelry store. Rita has been a constant source of inspiration, shaping me into the person—and the hardworking business owner—I am today.
Website: https://calcoastjewelryappraisers.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CalCoastJewelryAppraisers/
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