Maria Tait, Head of Jewelry & Gemstone Department
Maria is our head of laboratory and expert for jewelry, diamonds and colored stones, bringing in vast expertise in diamonds, gemstones, fine jewelry, hallmarks, and authentication to the reDollar team as a highly respected leader.
As reDollar’s expert for diamonds and colored gemstones, Maria is highly trained in using professional gemological testing and analytical equipment used to identify gemstones and evaluate their characteristics and quality. Her expertise includes the increasingly important field of distinguishing natural gemstones and diamonds from laboratory-grown and synthetic stones.
Research & Hallmark Interpretation
One of Maria’s particular specialties is the research and interpretation of hallmarks, maker’s marks, signatures, and other identifying characteristics of fine and antique jewelry. Her meticulous approach has proven especially valuable when examining unusual or potentially important pieces. On several occasions, Maria has identified inconsistencies and raised authenticity concerns about items that had previously been described as authentic by leading U.S. auction houses.
Maria is also responsible for maintaining and researching reDollar’s extensive in-house reference library. Our collection includes books dating back to the 1700s, historic and modern auction catalogs from around the world, specialized reference works, and rare publications in multiple languages. These resources can provide invaluable historical evidence when researching rare jewelry, makers, hallmarks, branded pieces, and objects for which modern online references may be incomplete or simply unavailable.
Her work does not stop with identification and authentication. Maria continuously follows current jewelry, gemstone, collector, and auction-market trends, allowing her to combine historical research and technical analysis with an understanding of what an item can realistically command in today’s marketplace.
This combination of gemological knowledge, technical testing, historical research, hallmark expertise, and current market awareness makes Maria an invaluable part of reDollar’s appraisal and authentication process.
Maria has been a trusted, long-term member of the reDollar team, and we are exceptionally fortunate to have her expertise, dedication, and attention to detail in our laboratory. Maria truly is one of reDollar’s gems.
