Every jeweler has heard some version of “It was fine when I dropped it off” or the dreaded “they swapped my stone.” This presentation addresses risk prevention through real-life scenarios involving take-in procedures, repairs, custom jobs, customer-supplied stones, cleaning, appraisals, and warranty disputes.

Attendees will learn how to identify high-risk jobs during intake, document the condition of customer property, avoid unclear promises, and implement practical strategies that reduce risk through stronger procedures, better documentation, and clearer customer communication. The goal is to make liability prevention practical, memorable, and immediately useful for retail jewelry operations while helping businesses protect both the customer and themselves.

About Hunter Brooks, J.D., G.G.

Hunter Brooks, J.D., G.G. is a legal professional, business owner, Gemological Institute of America Graduate Gemologist, and lifelong jewelry professional with deep roots in the jewelry trade. Raised in a family business built around design, manufacturing, wholesale production, and retail jewelry operations, Hunter brings a practical understanding of the challenges jewelers face every day.

Hunter has worked across retail management, custom design, wholesale manufacturing, sourcing, appraisal-related services, client consulting, business development, and production support. For the last seven years, he has served as one of the lead CAD designers at Specialty Casting, where he has helped bring custom jewelry projects from concept through production. With an estimated 10,000+ hours in CAD design work, he offers a firsthand perspective on both the creative and operational realities of the custom jewelry process.

After earning his Juris Doctor, Hunter began applying his legal and business background to issues affecting jewelry retailers, manufacturers, and trade professionals. His focus includes contracts, employment policies, customer intake forms, custom design approvals, repair documentation, vendor terms, and operational safeguards designed to help jewelry businesses reduce risk and operate more professionally.

Hunter’s presentations combine legal training with real-world jewelry experience, giving attendees practical tools they can apply directly within their businesses.