BIO
Sydney Strong was born in Greenville, SC and moved to Charleston, SC to attend and play soccer at the College of Charleston. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art, with a concentration in Photography. Sydney lived in Charleston for 10 years, coaching soccer at the College of Charleston, before moving back to Greenville to work for her mom, llyn.
Joining her mom sparked an interest in gemstones over time as she managed the store. This new found interest and encouragement from Pat and Jim Alger, two gem dealers, prompted her to pursue a graduate gemologist degree from the Gemological Institute of America. Completing this program was the best way to take her new interest in gemstones to the next level. Upon graduating from GIA, Sydney’s fiance gifted a personalized lab coat emblazoned with the words Doc of Rocks in gold embroidery, which you will see during her Facebook Live Events.
CREDENTIALS
To obtain a Graduate Gemologist Degree, Sydney had to take a series of courses and labs, culminating in final testing. Her G.G. Degree consists of a Graduate Diamonds Degree and a Graduate Colored Stones Degree. She is certified to evaluate gemstones by the 4 Cs (color, clarity, cut, and carat weight) the International Diamond Grading System and the Colored Stone Grading System. She also holds a Graduate Pearls Degree and Applied Jewelry Professional credentials.
APPRAISALS
With her Graduate Gemologist Degree, Sydney has the credentials to appraise jewelry for insurance purposes. Appraisals are included with all custom work and jewelry purchases over $1000.