Taking GJ 205 & GJ 206 is a fast track to
becoming an ASA Master Gemologist Appraiser®
May 27-29, 2009 - Just prior to the 2009 JCK Show in Las Vegas!
GJ206 is one of the two G&J courses required for certification as a Master Gemologist Appraiser. This is a challenging course designed to pull it all together for the professional gem and jewelry appraiser. Learn ASA G&J jewelry description and report standards and get an update on current USPAP standards. Develop your skills in identifying methods of construction and unusual jewelry materials. Practice alternative gemological identification methods. Recognize the characteristics of contemporary, period and designer jewelry and learn clues for separating reproductions from authentic pieces. The course includes an extensive course manual that will serve as a valuable reference for years to come.
GJ206 is offered in a laboratory environment, and includes an extensive hands-on gemological update. The special guest instructor for 2007 and 2008 was Doug Garrod, FGA, DGA. The guest instructor for the 2009 class is yet to be announced.
The Gemological Update Class can be taken separately as a one-day seminar. This special session, honing gemological skills is open to all who wish to attend for a registration fee of $150 for both members and non-members. Please call Vickie Adams (949) 851-1081 if you wish to attend the seminar without enrolling in the full course.
MGA EXAM DAY: For those wishing to certify or re-certify as Master Gemologist Appraisers, the hands-on MGA appraisal examination will be held the day following class. You will need gemological equipment, a camera, and reference materials to identify, grade and document 3 items of jewelry. Two weeks will be allowed after the examination to allow for research and preparation of an appraisal document that meets ASA and USPAP standards.
The fee for the MGA certification/recertification day is $250, but is free with registration to GJ206.
Please bring your gemological equipment and reference material, or you may rent AGS equipment for $40. Quantities are limited, so reserve early.
Room block: Tuscany Suites Hotel & Resort - Reservations: 877-887-2261
Course Prerequisites
Graduate Gemologist (GG) diploma or Fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain or equivalent (to be determined by the ASA International Gems and Jewelry Committee). Note: Upon successful completion of this course and registration of the required laboratory equipment, the Master Gemologist Appraiser® certification mark is awarded to those students already designated as Accredited Senior Appraisers (ASA). While the ASA designation is NOT a prerequisite for the course, it IS a prerequisite for use of the Master Gemologist Appraiser® certification mark. Continued use of the certification mark requires requalification every five years.
Required Text(s)
Appraisal Principles and Procedures (Babcock)
The Appraisal of Personal Property (PP Handbook): Principles, Theories, and Practice Methods
Instructors: Mona Miller-Smith, GG, ASA Master Gemologist Appraiser® and Gary Smith, GG, ASA Master Gemologist Appraiser®
Registration will be available through ASA website next year or call ASA at 800-272-8258
July 20-22, 2009 - Directly after Jewelry Camp! - www.jewelrycamp.org
Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY - Dorm rooms available on campus
It is an intense, concentrated study of GJ valuation theory and principles. Master the three approaches to valuing gems and jewelry and the research methods for the each approach. Expand your vocabulary of appraisal terminology. Understand the forces that create, diminish or influence value. Identify elements of value and how to seek, find and interpret comparables. Use data analysis, adjustment, and statistics to prove value.
Understand self-contained, summary and restricted use appraisal reports and when to use each. Learn the components of the written appraisal report, and how to write a skillful narrative in support of you valuation. Differentiate literal vs. interpretative description. Ensure that your reports are compliant with 2008-09 USPAP.
Offered July 8-11 in New York just before Jewelry Camp 2008. Four-person suites are available in the dorm on campus at just $40 per night per person!
Register now at www.appraisers.org
The exam will be held the morning of July 11th.
For information on jewelry camp visit www.jewelrycamp.org
Instructors: Mona Miller-Smith, GG, ASA Master Gemologist Appraiser® and Gary Smith, GG, ASA Master Gemologist Appraiser®
Register through ASA website or call ASA at 800-272-8258
November 10-11, 2008
University of California Irvine
To fully assess fashion & jewelry they must be examined in the context of the historical, social & cultural context of the period. In this overview introductory course, you'll learn to identify fashion & jewelry of the Georgian, Victorian, Art Nouveau, Arts & Crafts, Edwardian, Art Deco, Retro & Post-World War periods. You'll learn to interpret the figural themes closely identified with these major periods & discuss the concept of fashion & jewelry design as both individual & social self-expression.
Instructors: Mona Miller-Smith, GG, ASA Master Gemologist Appraiser®
Register through UC Irvine website (Online registration becomes available during the semester prior to the course.)
Mona is the owner of Pacific Gemological Laboratories and has been actively involved in the jewelry trade since 1980. She is completely certified and is qualified by successfully completing all yearly examinations given by her profession to test her knowledge and by a number of years of upstanding service in the industry.
In addition to her memberships in AGA, NAJA, & AGTA, Mona is currently the ASA Education Foundation Director, Board of Governors - Discipline Governor, and serves as a member of the International Budge/Finance & Education Committee.
Gary is recognized as a master goldsmith, specializing in the identification and authentication, as well as the repair and restoration of antique jewelry and artifacts. He is an accredited senior appraiser with the American Society of Appraisers with the designation of a Master Gemologist Appraiser, and is this countries first and foremost forensic gemologist.
In addition to his many degrees and designations, he has over 40 years of experience as an internationally recognized teacher, lecturer, and appraiser of gems and jewelry for private clientele, banks, insurance companies, legal firms, and the State of Pennsylvania Treasury Department.