ASA to Offer Training Classes at JTV This Summer

Reston, Va.--The American Society of Appraisers will offer gem identification and testing and insurance report writing courses at Jewelry Television’s Knoxville, Tennessee headquarters this summer.

The first, a four-day “Gemological Boot Camp,” is aimed at helping appraisers be more proficient in the field.

Participants will be taught all aspects of gem testing equipment and how they can reach a fast and accurate identification. The class includes a lecture and lab testing, where participants will learn to implement gemological techniques and information.

It will be taught by Eric Fritz, the manager of North America for the Gemmological Association of Great Britain. Fritz holds designations for both colored stones and diamonds as well as a degree in Zoology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, which led to a passion for and specialty in pearls and other organic gem materials.

Running from Monday, July 31 to Thursday, Aug. 3, the Gemological Boot Camp costs $1,095 for members and $1,245 for non-members. For more information or to register, go online or call 800-272-8258.

Meanwhile, the “Appraising Gems and Jewelry for Insurance Coverage” course offers appraisal development and report writing instructions as it applies to gems and jewelry appraising, along with the most current appraisal terminology.

By including interactive lectures, discussions and class exercises, the program will encourage individual thinking and allow participants the opportunity to apply valuation theories to their own practice.

When they complete it, participants will be able to write and/or interpret gem and jewelry appraisal reports to be used for insurance coverage in compliance with ASA and Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice report writing requirements.

The ASA has tapped Gina D’Onofrio, fine jewelry director at Heritage Auctions in Beverly Hills, California, and Carole C. Richbourg, an independent jewelry appraiser based in Northern California, to teach the course.

“Appraising Gems and Jewelry for Insurance Coverage” will be held from Friday, Aug. 4, to Monday, Aug. 7.

It costs $945 for members and $1,095 for non-members. Information and registration for that class is also available on the ASA website or by calling 800-272-8258.