THIRD GENERATION JEWELER
Phil AndrewS - Graduate Gemologist
The Inspiration Behind Precision Jewelry Appraisal
Joseph Rapp was a U.S. Marine who fought at Okinawa in WWII. He lost a leg when a grenade went off in a foxhole on the beach. He was carried to a first aid station by a soldier he never saw again. When he returned from war missing a leg, he knew he would have to find work he could do with his hands.
He loved animation and submitted animation tests to Walt Disney no less than ten times, only to be rejected. He attempted to work locally at a friend’s watch shop, but tiny watch parts and fumbling fingers were not a great fit. With more confidence in his personality than his craftsmanship, he asked his watchmaker friend if people would buy and service their watches from an old war veteran.
In 1954, Joseph found a little corner spot in Englewood, OH and opened Rapp Jewelers. His business grew from a watch shop to a full service, small town jewelry store that ultimately provided for his seven children. Joseph’s grandson Phil Andrews, grew up in the shadows of the business in the 1980’s and officially learned the trade in the early 2000’s. Phil holds dear the unlikely underdog story of his grandfather’s accomplishments as he strives to always persevere and provide for his family of six.
Owner, Precision Jewelry Appraisal
Phil Andrews currently serves as Owner and Head Appraiser at Precision Jewelry Appraisal. He started Precision Jewelry Appraisal in January 2009 as a part-time business to utilize his jewelry knowledge to provide documentation for insurance replacement, estates and divorce attorneys. Over the past 12 years, Precision Jewelry Appraisal has grown into a full service appraisal company.
Prior to founding Precision Jewelry Appraisal in Indianapolis, Indiana, Phil started his jewelry career in 2004 at his family jewelry business, Rapp Jewelers in Dayton, Ohio. As a third generation jeweler, he studied gemology under the apprenticeship of his uncle and obtained his degree as a Graduate Gemologist from the Gemological Institute of America in 2008. After making a move to Indianapolis, he spent over five years at Reis Nichols Jewelers where he served as Appraiser and diamond buyer. In addition to appraisals, insurance replacement and managing a large diamond inventory, he also acquired a breadth of knowledge in designer jewelry and fine watches. Based out of Indianapolis, he has provided appraisal services to clients across the Midwest including Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio along with some of the world’s largest jewelry companies including Signet Jewelers and Helzberg Diamonds.
Phil holds a Graduate Gemologist degree from the Gemological Institute of America and a bachelor's degree in marketing from The University of Dayton. He is also a member of the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers. He has a wife and four kids who he loves spending time with. He also enjoys live sporting events and likes to stay fit and challenge himself by running marathons and competing in triathlons. Phil, a dynamic storyteller and fine jewelry and watch enthusiast, also enjoys hearing the story behind his clients’ precious and valuable jewelry items.
Schedule Your Appraisal
We’re here to cater to all of your jewelry appraisal needs.