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Deborah Addessi-Bush, appraiser and store manager for Addessi Jewelers, 387 Main St. in Ridgefield, has a passion for appraising jewelry.  That plus 35 years in the industry and success on a rigorous exam has earned her the Certified Gemologist Appraisal (CGA) title from the American Gem Society (AGS), an association of professional jewelers in the U.S. and Canada.  Approximately 400 AGS jewelers in North America hold this professional title, which is considered the highest level of achievement in the industry. Addessi Jewelers has also been notified that it has earned the AGS Accredited Gem Lab certificate. Approximately 500 such labs exist in North America.

To earn the CGA title Deborah, already a Certified Gemologist of the Society, passed a two-part exam that comprised theory questions and practical assignments based on performing a number of detailed appraisals on a variety of jewelry items. CGA titleholders must also pass an annual re-certification exam.

The Accredited Gemological Laboratory certificate requires the jeweler to possess a binocular microscope, five AGS  Master Diamonds used for grading diamond color, various instruments essential to gemological identification, as well as a library of  reference books. Ms. Addessi-Bush directs the lab.

Deborah, sister of Wayne Addessi, who runs the luxury jewelry store, started working in the family business as a teenager. "After school, the school bus or my mother dropped me off at my father's jewelry store in Danbury, where I cleaned shelves, polished silver, cleaned crystal and china and vacuumed the floor," she recalled.  "Eventually I was allowed to help with accounting and bookkeeping.  I learned from the best – my dad and my uncles!"

Addessi Jewelers performs appraisals under her direction for a variety of reasons.  "Whether for insurance, fair market value or estate purposes, I never

Our History Can Make Yours.  Addessi.

When you gave her that gold wedding band and put a matching one on your left ring finger, you made a trusting promise. You made your history.

Ours is a history you can trust. Over 100 years ago our grandfather Allesandro Addessi emigrated from Fondi, Italy when he was only seventeen. So excited to be here, he worked very hard, traveled back to Italy only once again.  He again came back to America and settled in Danbury, CT, the Hatter's Capital of the USA. Allessandro worked as a hatter, his sweetheart Gilda came here shortly thereafter and they were married. Together they had three sons and a daughter.

When Allesandro suddenly died at 52, the oldest of his three sons had to leave High School to support his Mother and his two younger brothers.

John began as an apprentice for a fine jewelry store in Danbury. With a fierce entrepreneurial streak he opened his own Addessi Jewelry Store in Danbury in 1948. After a very short period the stores business increased and he was becoming successful. Our father, Rick, joined him in the Danbury store in 1950. Shortly thereafter their youngest brother joined the team too.

In 1966 they decided they wanted to add a new location. They focused on Ridgefield, Ct. and drove here one Sunday to check out a potential location in this quaint town. In their 1963 Ford, they parked across the street from our current location on Main Street. They watched the block for the entire day noticing how hundreds of newspapers and goods were being purchased at Squash's. The space was available, so they decided to secure it on the spot.

Our father Rick opened our store in 1966, and has enjoyed many friendships and success until his semi-retirement just this past year.

For nearly 30 years we have apprenticed with our Mom and Dad.  We've observed their charm, their business acumen,