ASA Expands G&J Education Program

The American Society of Appraisers Expands Gems and Jewelry Education Program

April 18, 2012

The American Society of Appraisers (ASA) announces the expansion of its gems and jewelry education program, to include three new advanced courses, taught by some of the leading professionals in the fields of appraising and gemology.

The expansion marks the fullest schedule in ASA’s Gems and Jewelry education in the history of the discipline. “Our courses will create the next generation of professionals in gems and jewelry appraising, and keep this one at the leaders in our profession,” believes Scott Gordon, GG, ASA, MGA®, an Oklahoma based Master Gemologist Appraiser® and ASA volunteer. “Our goal is to bring our students the best minds available in gems and jewelry to the intimate classroom experience we are known for.”

ASA’s advanced gems and jewelry courses are:

• GJ205 Gems & Jewelry Appraisal Theory, Methods, and Application
  The fundamentals of valuing gems and jewelry, including research methods and how to use data analysis, adjustment, and statistics to prove value; and the components of the written appraisal report.
  This is a required course for the Master Gemologist Appraiser certification, and also for “fast-track” designated member status.
  
  Date(s): June 4-7, 2012—Tuscany Suites and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada
  Price: $725; ASA Member: $695
  Instructor(s): Mona Miller, Fellow, American Society of Appraisers (FASA), MGA®


• GJ207 Gems & Jewelry Narrative Appraisal Report Writing - New
  An attorney who specializes in appraising focuses on the use of narrative argument in the written appraisal report, including the way evidence, proof and the credibility of the writer satisfy the appraiser’s burden of proof. He draws on ASA’s four Principles of Valuation courses, as well as the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice.
  This is a required course for the Master Gemologist Appraiser certification, and also for “fast-track” designated member status.
  
  Date(s): August 9-10, 2012—Hyatt Place, Colorado Springs, Colorado
  Price: $550; ASA Member: $495; ASA Designated Member: $450
  Instructor(s): Roger Durkin, FASA, with accreditation in all five ASA disciplines


• GJ209 Advanced Gemological Update and Connoisseurship - New
  This is a revolving curriculum, changing annually, that will deal with the most pressing concerns and recent developments in the fields of gemology and appraising. These will include challenges to practitioners’ gemological skills, understanding of complex appraisal assignments, and connoisseurship in antique and period jewelry. This year’s class will drill down on making best use of standard gemological equipment, taught by two former GIA instructors.
  This is a required course for the Master Gemologist Appraiser certification, and also for “fast-track” designated member status.
  
  Date(s): August 11, 2012—Jewelry Training Center, Colorado Springs, Colorado
  Price: $300; ASA Member: $275; Designated Member: $225
  Instructor(s): Julie Nash, ASA, MGA®; Arthur Skuratowicz, Senior Member, NAJA; both are former GIA instructors.


• GJ210 – Master Gemologist Appraiser® Practical Exam - Revised
  A practical examination, designed as a learning experience, with immediate feedback and the opportunity to review and revise a gemstone identification. Students must correctly identify five gemstones, loose or mounted in jewelry; and submit an appraisal report for insurance coverage on two items. Prerequisites: Students must be ASA Candidates applying for Accredited Senior Appraiser designation or Master Gemologist Appraiser® Certification, or a current Master Gemologist Appraiser® seeking recertification.
  
  Date(s): August 12, 2012—Jewelry Training Center, Colorado Springs, Colorado
  Price: ASA Member: $150; ASA Designated Member: $100
  Instructor(s): Julie Nash, ASA, MGA®; Arthur Skuratowicz, Senior Member, NAJA; both are former GIA instructors.

ASA is also offering several accreditation, professional development, and networking events for gems and jewelry appraisers including:

• Principles of Valuation courses at the University of California, Irvine
  Ongoing ASA education on the West Coast


• Summer Appraisers Camp
  An accelerated, intense two-week education program that provides all the essential valuation skills needed to be an appraiser of personal property, including gems and jewelry. The courses in this program fulfill the education qualification towards membership and accreditation in ASA. All courses are taught by experienced instructors who are Accredited Senior Appraisers.
  
  Date(s): June 4-18, 2012—Purchase College, Purchase, New York
  Price: $3,060; ASA Member: $2,880
  Instructor(s): Patrica Atwood, ASA; Sandra Tropper, ASA; Edith Yeomans, ASA; Frances Zeman, FASA


• International Appraisers Conference
  The 2012 International Appraisers Conference travels to Phoenix, AZ, for four days of workshops and presentations. Gems and jewelry attendees will be offered an extremely diverse program, addressing valuation issues in large diamonds and fancy-color diamonds, valuing jewelry store inventories, exotic gemstone markets, contemporary American Indian jewelry, and testing silver.
  
  Date(s): October 7-10, 2012—Arizona Biltmore, Phoenix, Arizona
  Price: $975; ASA Member: $800 (Early bird prices April 15-May 30 – Price: $825; ASA Member: $725)
  Speaker(s): Jay Boyle, GG; Andrea Fiuczynski; Bill Hoefer, GG; Michael Holtzman, ASA; Jan Leonard; Leslie Miles, Jr., FASA; Diana Pardue; Steve Schroeder, ASA, MCBA; Patrick B. Stout, CGA; Michael Tucker

For more information about ASA’s Gems and Jewelry accreditation, professional development, or networking events visit ASA online or call (800) 272-8258.