Since opening in 1998, Symmetry has become one of Australia’s leading independent jewellery valuers

Principal Kym Hughes is highly respected in the valuation industry, with extensive experience and knowledge of the manufacturing techniques of modern and antique jewellery from around the world. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Kym has also completed both national and international qualifications in gemmology and valuation. She currently lectures both within Australia and internationally on a range of subjects. As president of the National Council of Jewellers, and current council member and past president of the Queensland Division of the Gemmological Association of Australia, Kym is uniquely positioned as one of the world’s leading valuation experts.

Her rigorous appraisal process is supported by sophisticated analytical equipment which can accurately test the origin, type and treatment of gemstones. The testing is performed by Symmetry’s sister company Spectra Laboratory, one of the best equipped gemstone analytical laboratories in Australia.

Symmetry is also fully independent. We do not trade in jewellery or have corporate alliances with other companies such as insurance organisations.

For customers, this is an important point of difference. It means that we have no conflict of interest and work solely with you to deliver accurate, unprejudiced valuations.

Highly Qualified

Under current Australian law, tertiary qualifications are not required to operate as a jewellery valuer. This is not the case with Symmetry.

Kym Hughes has more than 30 years experience in the industry and regularly undertakes professional development to keep up-to-date with current best practice. Her training and qualifications include:

  • Diploma in Gemmology, FGA (UK)
  • Diploma in Gemmology, FGAA (Australia)
  • Diploma in diamond technology
  • Certified diamond grader HRD (Antwerp)
  • Certificate in diamond grading (Australia)
  • Workshop in synthetic, imitations, treated and fancy colour diamonds HRD (Antwerp)
  • Diploma of Applied Gemology (diploma) DipVal
  • Workshop in jade (Singapore Polytechnic and Far East Gem Institute)
  • Workshop in FTIR and UV-VIS Spectroscopy (Switzerland)
Ethics and Standards

Kym Hughes actively pursues high levels of professional development in the jewellery valuation sector in Australia through her capacity as president of the National Council of Jewellery Valuers (NCJV) and current council member and past president of the Queensland Division of the Gemmological Association of Australia

As a registered member of the NCJV, Symmetry is bound by a code of ethics that protects the customer and upholds high quality standards.

Members of the NCJV must have a minimum of five years trade experience and training in the key areas of:

  • gemmological study
  • diamond grading
  • the detection of synthetic gemstones
  • jewellery and gemstone valuation
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