Apland credentials
About ken
40 years in the making
The Owner, Appraiser, Jeweler, and Diamond Expert--Ken Apland has been a full time professional goldsmith, designer, gemologist and appraiser for over 40 years. He’s attained the highest gemological credentials in the industry, including Certified Gemologist-Appraiser, Master Graduate Gemologist, and Fellow of the Gemological Association of Great Britain. Ken was classically trained in the traditional gold-smithing techniques and continues to practice them, but has also added the latest technology to his skills, including laser welding, computer aided design, and 3-D printing in order to provide the best jewelry making solution for what his clients desire. Ethically sourced gems and metals are important values, and he is involved in helping mining communities in third-world countries with health and education.
i . j . o .
independant jewelers organization
Being a member of The Independent Jewelers Organization (IJO) allows us to bring you the top fashions and best prices. The organization also allows us to buy directly from the cutters through their offices in Antwerp, Belgium - Diamond Capital of the World.
Through the Antwerp Diamond Broker Program, Ken can buy directly from diamond cutters in Antwerp, Belgium. We will even act as your personal jeweler and hand select your diamond from the largest collection of quality diamonds in the World. The IJO focuses on continuing education, offering their members seminars on Gemology and Industry Trends…How could you possibly better ensure that your investments are being protected?
Members have the opportunity to attend two trade shows per year where our top manufacturers exhibit the latest fashions in fine jewelry. We also have the opportunity to attend many educational seminars and to discuss with other members better ways to serve you, our clients.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN TO YOU?
As a Master IJO Jeweler, we adhere strictly to the following values to give you the confidence you need to make the right decisions.
Trust— We earn your trust based on Integrity, Honesty and Expertise.
Integrity – We adhere to an ethical code of conduct and best business practices.
Honesty – We are sincere and truthful about our information and pricing.
Expertise – Our experience, skill and knowledge means you can make a confident purchase
A . G . S . Accredited Gemological Laboratory
Our Gem Lab was accredited by the American Gem Society in 1996. Accredited Gem Labs are rare because of the extremely stringent staffing requirements to qualify.
A Certified Gemologist must be on staff at all times, and state-of-the-art gemological testing equipment is required for the lab to be accredited. Even today, there are fewer than 300 Accredited Gem Labs in all of North America.
Apland’s Accredited Gem Lab guarantees real protection for our customers against gemstones that might be artificially treated, dyed or otherwise adulterated, an increasingly common occurrence. And even though we have sourced precious gems from all over the world, we have this inflexible rule.
No matter where in the world we travel to buy precious gems, the gems come back to Hood River and undergo our accredited gem lab verification process before they are offered to our customers in the store.
Credentials:
Certified Gemologist-Appraiser
American Gem Society
Graduate Gemologist
Gemological Institute of America
Fellow Of
The Gemological Association of Great Britain
Certified Member
National Association of Jewelry Appraisers
Master Graduate Gemologist
Gemological Institute of America/Independent Jewelers Organization
Memberships:
Jewelers of America
Oregon Jewelers Association
Hood River Chamber of Commerce
Independent Jewelers Organization
Rotary International
