Work in progress: What you need to know to become an appraiser (and maintain your skills)

Appraisal report writing, ethics, and standards

• CJA and Jewellers Vigilance Canada (JVC) have developed appraisal guidelines. Candidates for the Certified Appraisal Professional-CJA (CAP) program are required to undertake practical and theoretical exams regarding their appraisal skills (www.jewellersvigilance.ca).
• Professional appraisers in the United States and Canada often choose to comply with USPAP.

These are minimum standards for appraisal development and report writing for all appraisal disciplines (e.g. real estate appraising, art appraising, and jewellery appraising), and all must follow the same standards and ethics.

Appraisal theory and methodology courses should cover the following:

• basic economic theory;
• value definitions and how they are applied;
• different approaches to value with a focus on cost;
• market data and income approach;
• market research;
• methods of analysis;
• report writing standards; and
• “¨descriptive elements for diamonds, gemstones, jewellery, and watches.

Keep in mind course material can vary significantly. Some courses are more comprehensive, but a little outdated, while others focus more on personal property in general with little application to gems and jewellery. If you have the budget, I recommend taking more than one to have an understanding of the varying schools of thought. With that in mind, please take some time to review the curriculum of each course before making your selection.

The following is a list of appraisal course providers of which I am familiar and is by no means complete:

• “¨Accredited Appraiser Program (AAP): canadianjewellers.com/event/jewellery-accredited-appraiser-program/
• American Society of Appraisers (ASA): www.appraisers.org/Disciplines/Gems-Jewelry
• American Gem Society (AGS): www.americangem”¨society.org/theadvancedpersonalp-2
• California Institute of Jewelry Training’s (CIJT’s) Master Valuer program: www.jewelrytraining.com/master-valuer.php
• International Society of Appraisers: www.isa-appraisers.org/education
• National Association of Jewelry Appraisers: www.najaappraisers.com/html/conferences.html