Patrick Stout has been in the fine jewelry industry for over 40 years and has held various sales & management positions with firms such as Ben Bridge Jeweler, Tiffany & Co., and Graff Diamonds. Patrick spent 7 years as the Education Manager for the American Gem Society wherein he traveled all over the USA teaching and training jewelers, gemologists, and other jewelry professionals on a variety of subjects. Patrick earned his Graduate Gemologist degree in 1988 and has been involved as professional appraiser for over 35 years. About 5 years ago, Patrick decided to move back to his home town of St. George to help care for very elderly parents. Shortly thereafter, he opened his own independent gem and jewelry appraisal office (totally neutral, no affiliation or financial ties to any retail or wholesale firms) and, primarily, assists people with insurance policy related documents and clients who are developing/structuring trusts, wills, and estates. He also, occasionally, assists clients with the liquidation of unwanted jewelry items and fine wrist watches.

After essentially retiring and moving back to St. George, Patrick realized that there was a great need for someone with his background and expertise in the Southern Utah area who could fill the niche of "Totally Independent/Neutral Jewelry and Gemstone Appraiser". Opening Southern Utah Gem and Jewelry Appraisals was a way to put over 40 years of experience, years of formal education, and a love for the jewelry industry to good use...and keep him involved in a profession that has been very good to him. It also allowed Patrick to work on an "appointment-basis only" so as to allow him to also function as the primary care-giver for his now 101 year old father.