GJ201 Foundation I: Core Principles of Appraising Gems and Jewelry

Class Date/Time

Monday, March 3, 2025 - Friday, March 7, 2025

10:00am-6:00pm Eastern Standard Time

Class registration will close on Friday, February 28, 2025. We highly encourage those interested in attending to register ASAP so we can confirm the class. In the event we do not meet our registration minimum, the class will be cancelled.

Registration Includes

• Access to virtual zoom sessions will be accessible via education dashboard (login required)
• Electronic student materials*

*All course materials included with your registration are PDF Download Only items made available to students prior to the start of the class and are not for resale or distribution. All downloadable materials are accessible via your education dashboard (login required). Once eMaterials have been posted for download, the class is no longer refundable.

Pre-Requisites

For those seeking accreditation with ASA, the GJ courses should be taken in order starting with GJ201. For those seeking education only (ie. not seeking accreditation), the courses may be taken out of order, however, pre-approval is required. Please contact us at education@appraisers.org to review your request. If you have previously taken PG201 or PP201 and wish to register for this course, please email education@appraisers.org so we may evaluate your request on a case by case basis. Please also ensure that your USPAP is up-to-date.

Required Pre-Course Reading

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

• Required to purchase Personal Property Monographs: # 1, 3, 5, 8, and 13
• Required to have current USPAP hard copy/eBook and read Preamble, Rules, and Definitions
• Included with registration - GJ Descriptive Elements listed in Student Manual appendix (accessible once manual is available for download)

Class Schedule

(All Times are Eastern Daylight Time, U.S.)

• Day 1 – Monday, March 3, 10:00am - 6:00pm
• Day 2 – Tuesday, March 4, 10:00am - 6:00pm
• Day 3 – Wednesday, March 5, 10:00am - 6:00pm 
• Day 4 – Friday, March 7, 10:00am - 1:00pm (Final Exam)*

*The final exam will be administered and proctored as shown on the scheduled date. Exams are no longer provided in a written format and students MUST have a personal laptop or computer device to complete the secure online exam. For any exam questions or technical/logistic concerns, contact education@appraisers.org. More detailed information will be provided before class concludes.

Please note: Partial credit will not be awarded for this offering. Students must participate in all the live session(s) virtually to complete the course and receive full credit following successful completion of the final exam. The virtual session(s) will not be recorded and/or made available after class.

Continuing Education (CE) Credit

Class provides 30 ASA CE Instructional Hours (includes the final 3-hour exam)

Additional Information

ASA-accredited members (AM, ASA, FASA) who would like to attend this class will receive a 50% discount. This discount will be automatically applied at checkout.

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.

Important Information

This GJ201 class is being presented via a virtual series format and will be taught by live instructor(s) over the course of (1) week. Students will meet virtually with the instructor(s) and engage in discussions, exercises, and post-session assignments when applicable. Students must participate and attend each live session in order to complete the course and receive full credit following successful completion of the exam. 

Instructional Methods

This course is delivered as a live (virtual) lecture/discussion combined with student exercises and reading assignments that will be completed outside of class and discussed in class as applicable. Emphasis is placed on student participation in discussions as well as course related activities and assignments. 

Course Audience

This course is intended for practicing Gems and Jewelry appraisers, those who intend to pursue a career in appraising, and professionals who regularly rely on gems and jewelry appraisal reports.

Learning Level 

Fundamental 

Student Requirements

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:

• Google Chrome/Firefox Internet browsers.
• Zoom and other similar software platforms.
• To ensure the best virtual experience, test your Zoom audio/video connection on your computer and review the Zoom System Requirements prior to the first day of class.

eMaterials

All course materials included with you registration are PDF Download Only items made available to students prior to the start of the class and are not for resale or distribution. All downloadable materials will be made accessible via your education dashboard (login required). Once eMaterials have been posted for download, the class is no longer refundable.

Accessing eMaterials

eMaterials are provided electronically in PDF format and posted to the class within the education dashboard for all registrants to securely access prior to the start of class. Attendees should come to the class prepared with an electronic or printed copy of all eMaterials to use as a refence during class. PDF course materials are presented in color, are bookmarked, and comment enabled. When opting to print downloadable materials, it is recommended that settings be adjusted to print in black and white (or grayscale) and consider printing double-sided on recycled paper.

Certificate of Completion

A certificate will be available to view and/or download via your education dashboard following successful completion of the course, final exam, and any additional required components post-course. 

ASA's Education Foundation recognizes students who choose to invest their time in appraisal studies by providing assistance to students demonstrating a financial need. Please visit the Educational Foundation's webpage for more information and to download an application.