The American Society of Appraisers (ASA) recently announced a new virtual Fundamentals of Jewelry Appraisal course. The ASA said it is designed to protect jewelry and allied professionals against fraud, according to a press release.

The course is scheduled for Aug. 18, from 5:00pm -9:00pm EDT.

“With a booming market for artificial diamonds combined with growing signs of economic uncertainty, the market is starting to see an increase in the reported numbers of fake and counterfeit jewelry and watches, fraudulent certificates and related scams,” Warren Morss, course instructor and a jewelry appraiser with a career spanning 45 years, said in the release. “The industry and appraisal profession are very concerned.”

ASA CEO Johnnie White discussed the importance of this course.

“Fraud and unethical practices are always a top concern, especially for jewelry and allied professionals,” White said. “Jewelers, insurers, attorneys, law enforcement and government agency employees all need to receive critical updates to better mitigate the risks of their respective companies or agencies and the consumers they serve to protect. And the best way to do this is to educate oneself on the latest standards and best practices.”

Course topics to be covered provide an overview of the fundamental concepts and basic knowledge to prepare an appraisal report, including ethics, competency, primary roles of an appraiser, approaches to value, market types and layers, basic research concepts, recognizing jewelry manufacturing methods and their influence on the appraisal process, introduction to methods of data collection and analysis and minimal reporting standards.

To register, visit ASA Online or call (800) 272-8258.