GJ201 Foundation I: Core Principles of Appraising Gems and Jewelry

Course Description

This course will provide appraisers with an in-depth understanding of the essential principles and theories of valuation and the necessary base of knowledge required to competently appraise gems and jewelry.  The ideas, concepts, and methodologies presented in GJ201 form the core fundamentals that will carry through all of the other GJ Principles of Value courses.  The material in GJ201 is built upon the concepts, vocabulary and expectations of the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).  Basic economic theory will be covered including an understanding of how macroeconomics and local economic forces impact jewelry valuation.  Specific emphasis will be placed on core concepts such as ethics, competency, privacy, responsibilities of the appraiser, the three (3) approaches to valuation, types of markets and their various levels, definitions of value, the client / intended user / appraiser relationship, and the ASA-GJ Descriptive Elements for the various types of gems / jewelry appraisers are likely to encounter.

Required Pre-Course Reading

Students are required to purchase and have available during class the following texts/documents:

• Personal Property Monographs: # 1, 3, 5, 8, and 13
• USPAP Text (current version available), read Preamble, Rules, Definitions
• GJ Descriptive Elements (provided in the appendix of the Student Manual)

Final Exam

The final exam will be conducted through ASA’s online exam platform. Successful completion of the exam is required in order to pass the class. Further exam information and guidance will be provided before class concludes.

Instructional Methods

Materials will be presented utilizing lecture and visual aids with student understanding enhanced through group discussions of focused assignments that will be completed in-class and between sessions.  The class will be highly interactive and students are encouraged to ask questions at any time.  There are also pre-course reading requirements (see below).

Course Audience

This course in intended for those interested in pursuing a career in appraising gems and jewelry, currently practicing appraisers, and insurance industry professionals who regularly rely on gem and jewelry appraisals for coverage decisions.

Learning Level 

Fundamental 

Important Class Information

Tuesday, April 19, 2022 - Thursday, May 12, 2022
12:00pm - 4:00pm Eastern US

This GJ201 class is being presented via a virtual series format and will be taught by live instructor(s) over the course of (4) weeks. Students will meet virtually with the instructor(s) twice a week for (4) hours each session on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and engage in discussions, exercises, and post-sessions assignments. There are a total of (8) sessions. Students must participate and attend each live session in order to complete the course and receive full credit following successful completion of the final exam.

ASA-accredited members (AM, ASA, FASA) who would like to attend this class can receive a 50% discount. To find out more, please email education@appraisers.org.

Class Registration Includes

• One registrant log-in to the live sessions via Zoom
• Downloadable course materials to include a Student Manual and any additional handouts i.e. administrative/exam guidance, if applicable.  All course materials are PDF Download Only items made available to students prior to the start of the class and are not for resale or distribution. Once eMaterials have been distributed, courses are no longer refundable.

Virtual Class Schedule

All Classes will be held from 12:00pm - 4:00pm Eastern US

• Session 1 - Tuesday, April 19, 2022
• Session 2 - Thursday, April 21, 2022
• Session 3 - Tuesday, April 26, 2022
• Session 4 - Thursday, April 28, 2022
• Session 5 - Tuesday, May 3, 2022
• Session 6 - Thursday, May 5, 2022
• Session 7 - Tuesday, May 10, 2022
• Session 8 - Thursday, May 12, 2022

Student Requirements

Required Pre-Course Reading 

Students are required to purchase and have available during class the following texts/documents: 

• Personal Property Monographs: # 1, 3, 5, 8, and 13
• USPAP Text (current version available), read Preamble, Rules, Definitions 
• GJ Descriptive Elements (provided in the appendix of the Student Manual)

Students must have the following available for all sessions:

• Laptop or desktop computer with internet and webcam access is required.  
• Telephone access or computer headset with microphone.
• Printed or electronic copy of all student materials (available once eMaterials are posted)

Student must have familiarity with:

• Internet Explorer/Google Chrome/Firefox Internet browsers.
• Zoom and other similar software platforms.
• To ensure the best webinar experience, test your Zoom audio/video connection on your computer and review the Zoom System Requirements prior to the first day of class.
• Note: Partial credit will not be awarded for this offering.  Students must engage in each live virtual session with webcam enabled to complete the course and receive full credit for participation.