Born in Norfolk, Virginia, Tom grew up mostly in New England. He and his wife Ginny now live in Rockwall, Texas and have three grown children.

Tom has been associated with the jewelry industry throughout his career.  He spent 2 years with Gorham Silver in Providence, Rhode Island, learning the techniques of manufacturing and marketing of sterling silver products. 

He devoted the next 18 Years to the L.G. Balfour Company in Attleboro Massachusetts.  Here he learned about jewelry, rings, diamonds, gems, watches and became Balfour's General Manager of the Recognition Jewelry and Ring Division.  

After Balfour, Tom, along with his wife and partner Ginny, started their own business in Rockwall Texas,  just 20 minutes east of Dallas.  For the next 20 years, Tom and Ginny built Gifts & Awards by LSJ.  In 1995 Tom won national competition honors for “Best Award Design”.

During this time, Ginny kept reminding Tom of his love for diamonds and gems.  That led to him becoming a Graduate Gemologist, Accredited Appraiser, and the formation of After Five of which Tom is owner and Independent Gemologist/Appraiser.

Tom understands that some clients are reluctant to leave their jewelry anywhere for fear the jewels will be switched out.  He is sensitive to that concern and eliminates it by presenting clients with the option of having him make an appraisal house call.  And you thought the days of house calls were long gone. Tom performs all testing, measurements, etc. right in the comfort of their home.  This is possible because he has invested in a mobile gemological laboratory.

An active Rotarian, he was president of the Rockwall Breakfast Rotary Club during 1999 – 2000 and  was also honored with his selection as District Governor for Rotary International's North Texas District 5810 for the year 2005 - 2006.

The Rockwall community honored Tom with his selection as Rockwall County “Man of the Year” for 2001 – 2002.

Here is Tom’s educational background:

BSBA, Management Major              Bryant University                                Smithfield, Rhode Island

Graduate Gemologist                      Gemological Institute of America          Carlsbad, California

Accredited Appraiser                       International Society of Appraisers       Chicago, Illinois

If you live in the DFW area Tom would be pleased to help you with your appraisal needs.