The Gems & Jewelry Committee will meet at 1:30 Thursday, February 5 at the AGTA Show, Agate boardroom on the main floor. As always, all members are welcome to attend. If you would like to be more involved with the workings of ASA, this is the best way to make your interest known.

The Tucson ASA chapter members working at the ASA booth at the Gem Show to help Dottie Kennedy and to give perspective new members a chance to talk with current ASA members. Any ASA member is welcome (and encouraged) to visit the booth and to help with any questions that might arise. We try to have every day between 11:00 and 1:00 of the gem show covered by someone from the local ASA to give Dottie a break for lunch. Teri Newman Brossmer is helping on Thursday. Please drop by the booth and let Dottie know if you can help out for an hour or two.

AGA Tucson Conference

AGA Tucson Conference - Wednesday, February 4, 2009

New Research Findings Will Rock Your World!

When times get tough, the tough get going …… and the toughest are headed to AGA's Tucson Conference February 4th!

In this economy - when every dollar counts - you cannot afford to miss this conference!

Find out what AGA's Lighting Task Force has discovered through its latest high-tech research project: over-grading the color of blue-fluorescent diamonds really is a serious problem. Come get the full story, and learn how your own light source—or diamond source—may be taking money out of your pocket. Don't just witness it, become part of AGA's history-making work!
Be among the first to learn about ground-breaking new research that has opened the door to distinguishing one of nature's rarest and most beautiful gems—naturally blue tanzanite—from the heat-treated! The latest findings, presented for the very first time at this conference, will give you a rare advantage in the marketplace!
Corundum is the top selling gemstone in the market. Base your buying or identification decisions on what you know, not on what you're told. Learn the latest techniques for identification of heated corundum – in all its forms – used by two of Europe's most esteemed gemologists, in this first presentation to the AGA.
Delve more deeply into the increasingly complex world of beryl: natural and synthetic. We have all seen synthetic emerald but what about bixbite and other varieties? Beryl is an important gem family, but developments in this species have been overshadowed by treatments and synthetics in corundum and diamond. Find out what's really out there!
Gain more confidence in using classic gemological techniques in today's high-tech world.

The Conference concludes with the Annual Dinner-Dance and Presentation of the Antonio Bonanno Award For Excellence in Gemology. Come join friends and colleagues, network with industry leaders, and celebrate with this year's Bonanno award-winner, Christopher (Chris) Smith!

Stay Ahead of The Competition …Be The Best You Can Be

Get All the details and Register TODAY! Don't Delay!

www.accreditedgemologists.org

Attend at the member rate! I invite any ASA member who is not yet a member of AGA to register as my “guest” at the AGA member rate. Simply note “Guest of Nancy Stacy” on your registration form, and pay the member rate.

For questions:
Jan Giamanco, Executive Administrator
Accredited Gemologists Association (AGA)
G-Force Administrative Services
619-501-5444
www.accreditedgemologists.org

2009 G&J Courses

GJ 206: at American Gem Society facility in Las Vegas May 27 – 29

1. MGA day scheduled on the 29^th for a fee of $275

2. Doug Garrod, FGA returns to provide a full day instructive seminar within the GJ206 course. The Seminar on May 27^th is open to gemologists not enrolled in the course for a fee of $190. Fees for MGA day, Doug Garrod seminar or Laboratory rental equipment sent to Christine York, 5905 W. Loop South Suite 180, Bellaire, TX 77401

3. Tuscany Suites Hotel room block

GJ205: Scheduled for July 20-22 at Hofstra University after Jewelry Camp (Antique Jewelry & Art Learning Institute)

1. Dorm rooms at the University are available at a per person fee of approximately $50; other venues include Marriot Hotel in Unionville, NY, to be arranged by student

Special: If you wish to attend both courses (GJ205-206) in the same year, the fee will be reduced, payable in a lump sum before the beginning of the first course. Fee schedule will be determined at the Tucson GJ meeting. Details will be posted on the ASA website at http://www.appraisers.org/courses/index.cfm?fuseaction=get_coursesbydisc&id=G

Upcoming Events

April 18^th: Sinkankas Symposium at GIA on “Spinel”: The Sinkankas Symposium will be held at GIA again this year, on Saturday, April 18. The topic will be "Spinel" and event organizer Roger Merk already has signed up a wonderful line up of speakers. We anticipate that the registration fee will remain at $65 per person this year. Further information will be provided on request once everyone has recovered from the Tucson experience. Registration forms for the Spinel Symposium will become available sometime in early March.

Says Jim Parrish, museum curator for the San Diego Mineral & Gem Society "It's a really great one-day symposium that's very interactive with the speakers, is comfortable and casual, and covers all aspects [of the gemstone]. It covers from the layman all the way to the professional scientist."

July 12^th to 15^th: ASA International Conference in Orlando. Look for details coming on the ASA website at www.appraisers.org

July 17^th to 19^th: Jewelry Camp at Hofstra University, New York. Details or on their website at http://www.jewelrycamp.org/Home.html

Report from ASA International Conference

By Scott Gordon, ASA, Master Gemologist Appraiser

The 2008 International Conference in Minneapolis was focused on some of the greatest opportunities we face as our gems and jewelry appraisal practices mature, especially in the spheres of law and government. Two lawyers provided candid looks at what it takes to be an expert witness, and two members of our own discipline opened the doors to appraising coins and watches, the latter as items seized by the federal government and entering the auction market.

The conference’s keynote speaker was Phillip Kolczynski, an attorney who specializes in aviation litigation in Irvine, CA, who presented “How to Be an Effective Expert Witness.” Into each of his major topics he threw a barbed point. For instance, in making sure we get paid properly, he advised that we justify a whole day’s charge for what can be a brief stint on the witness stand with the “prep time” that occurs outside the courtroom.

In discussing various ethical traps, he warned us to limit an attorney’s first contact with us to the general nature of the case, “nothing but what’s in the newspaper,” in order to protect ourselves against conflicts of interest, should the opposing lawyer also pursue hiring us. Our unbiased character is preserved by first entering a case as a consultant with expertise, before being designated an expert witness at trial. At this point, our entire work product becomes discoverable, so “don’t create things you don’t want the other side to know.” A way through this trap is to use “demonstrative aids,” e.g., a flip chart the expert creates “spontaneously” (thus not discoverable).

In all, Kolzzynski limned the tension between the attorney’s role as zealous advocates for the client’s cause and that of the appraiser as equally zealous seeker of truth, out of which the adversarial system creates justice. A mock deposition with an ASA member whose specialty is clocks gave us the flavor of the parry-and-thrust in a real courtroom.

The next day, we got another viewpoint from Jeffrey Brend, a CPA and lawyer in Chicago, on “Protecting Yourself from Attorneys.” He provided a superb brief in the notebook that accompanied the conference, as well as “The ABC’s of Testifying,” which formed the visual aid during his talk: “Avoid Absolutes, Bulletproof Reports, Class [Calmly Listen, Answer, Sit down, Shut Up],” on through Z.

Among his many salient points: use a signal to your side’s attorney, such as, “I didn’t quite catch that,” when the lawyer for the opposing side asks a question in cross-examination that may present a problem with your testimony, so that the expert can explain more fully during re-direct examination.

Also, “take the lawyer to lunch and prepare him;” this establishes the preparation, attitude and teamwork that will make your testimony effective. And, although the lawyer can’t introduce hearsay, the expert can “if of a type reasonably relied upon by experts…in forming opinions or inference upon the subject,” so, Brend said, the lawyer can in some cases pass hearsay on to the expert for inclusion in an appraisal report and subsequent testimony.

Over Monday, we also heard John Abbott, ASA, give us some basic information on “Understanding Coin Investments,” along with samples to grade, and a wealth of resource material; and Kirk Root, GG, ASA, present “Proper Authentication and Grading of Modern Wristwatches,” a fly-through of a large number of watches he has appraised in the course of his work for the U.S. Marshal’s service (which administers the appraisal and auction of seized property for many federal agencies).

Altogether, a very rewarding conference.

Report from GJ205 & Jewelry Camp

Posted by LaShawn Bauer on

http://gemologyonline.com/Forum/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=6358

Posted: Sun Aug 03, 2008 8:03 pm Post subject: ASA GJ205 Class and Jewelry Camp 2008, Hofstra University by LaShawn Bauer

ASA GJ205 Class and Jewelry Camp 2008, Hofstra University

Greetings One and All:

Well you all missed a really great venue.

First off, I attended ASA’s GJ205 on a scholarship from, The Bay Area, NorCal Chapter of ASA.

This totally blew me away as I have always done everything on my own and paid my own way for all of my professional education, training, tools and equipment.

Nancy Stacy is my Mentor and I’m one of her Protégées. Nancy egged, pushed and prodded me to go take the GJ205 class this year and not wait a year to take it. She personally went to bat for me and helped me get a scholarship to take this course and finish out my ASA classes so I can advance within ASA and apply for my Accredited Senior Appraiser title and also apply for my MGA (Master Gemologist Appraiser) title before the end of the year.

All I can say is every appraiser needs a great mentor like Nancy.

Thanks Nancy

The ASA GJ205 Class, I would highly recommend every serious or even semi-serious appraiser should take. It is slightly over 3 days long including the test.

However the way the material is presented makes everything fall into place and it makes so much sense once you cover the subject matter.

Mona Miller-Smith is an excellent instructor and her weakness is Good Chocolate so forget the apple for the teacher routine.

Gary Smith is also an excellent instructor and his weakness is Good Gourmet Coffee.

They both work very well together and they know the subject matter forward and backward.

If I had my way I would make it mandatory for every jewelry store owner, manager and employee to take this class just so they can see that appraising and appraisals are not as simple and straightforward like they think it is.

We will get into that more later on.

But seriously everyone needs to take this class no matter what your level is in appraising as this will give you a major boost and point you in the right direction.

To date there are only 47 ASA MGA’s in the ENTIRE WORLD!

Everyone who does Gem and Jewelry Appraising and Appraisals should strive to become the “BEST OF THE BEST” and that is to TEST and EARN the tile of ASA & MGA.

Now just think for a few moments about that statement.

Imagine what kind of advertizing bonanza and clout you will have by being able to openly advertize that you are the ONE and ONLY ASA MGA in your target market area?

However the BEST scenario would be to have at least 2 or even 3 ASA MGA’s in your area.

WHY!?!?! Because you will both be advertizing in the same area and be able to reach twice as many people at half the cost. You will both be charging professional fees for professional services and the general public will then take a serious look at you and your fellow college as compared to the dime-a-dozen Quacks, Hacks and Schlocks in your area.

A population of 200,000 people can easily support 2 or 3 ASA MGA’s with no problem at all once you show the public they don’t need to waste their hard earned dollars on POSERS, IMPOSTERS, IMPERSONATORS, HACKS, QUACKS & SCHLOCK Appraisers who know absolutely nothing at all about what real appraising and appraisals are all about.

Take a look in your local or area wide yellow pages and see how many attorneys, dentists, CPA’s there are in your area.

We seriously need more PROFESSIONAL APPRAISERS of Gems & Jewelry.

Anyway back to the ASA & Jewelry Camp.

I would also highly recommend every appraiser to attend Jewelry Camp as that is way cool. I learned so much and met so many of the Top People in Antique and Period Piece Jewelry Business along with writers and researchers.

Truly unbelievable.

I would list Jewelry Camp as a yearly pilgrimage for all appraisers just like Tucson is.

Not only do you get to learn and see some awesome pieces and get to talk to the authors and dealers but you also get to meet new people who will instantly become part of your growing network of contacts to call on when you come across something you aren’t familiar with.

Now I would like to address a question posed by my new friend and colleague Mervin Cohn, ASA asking why I never mentioned or talked about my affiliation with ASA.

I just recently joined ASA and I was a Candidate Member and now listed as an Associate Member of ASA.

I wanted to hold true to my vow of not mentioning ASA until I was ready to advance up the ladder of my Professional Vocation as a Professional Appraiser until I could pass muster so to speak but rest assured I will be an outspoken advocate of ASA and the other professional organizations I am affiliated with from now on.

Well I better close for now.

Later,

La Shawn

_________________

High Sierra Gem Lab

La Shawn Bauer, GG

Reno, NV

"Make No Mistake about it!!!"

"A gemologist IS NOT an Appraiser!!!"

Note: If you have not yet discovered www.GemologyOnline.com, you’re missing out on a multitude of great forums, with experts and enthusiasts from around the world. And it’s free! Just sign on and enjoy.

Tech Tips

If you still don’t have a website, read the advise below and take this time to get connected to the 21^st century—and you pool of potential clients. You can do a simple website yourself in Word and convert it to html. OR, spend some time looking at your colleague’s websites and contact some of the developers (usually in small text near the bottom of the page) of ones you like and see what they would charge for a simple website. –ed.

In his book “Hard Times”, the great writer Studs Terkel addressed a subject of great interest to everyone right now, the Great Depression. While the book is worth reading for the lessons it imparts, particular attention should be paid to some very important ideas discussed in the chapter entitled “Big Money”.

In an interview with one of the founders of the ad agency later known as D’Arcy Masius Benton & Bowles, William Benton describes how his business thrived during the depression.

His rules? (paraphrased)

Listen to your market and customers. They will tell you what they want.

There are some good investment opportunities that present themselves during a downturn in the economy. Take advantage of them.

The labor market will be glutted. Take advantage to hire well.

Look for innovative ways to market. Benton chose radio, in our age it is clearly the internet.

What is the main lesson to be learned? Rather than wailing and gnashing your teeth, you should look for ways this market can help you improve your business!

If Not Now, When?
If you are a little (or a lot) freaked out about having extra free time on your hands during the economic downturn, remember to use this time to do something to improve your business.

Now is the time to sign up for an appraisal course or attend the International Conference. Why? Because during slow times you can group your clients and leave for a few days without losing potential income. Thus, the real cost of the course is sharply reduced. When the economy picks up, you'll be wishing you had some of that extra time back!

Committee Members

Officers

Chair: Jennifer Thornton-Davis, GG, ASA Master Gemologist Appraiser

Vice Chair: Gary Smith, GG, ASA Master Gemologist Appraiser

Secretary: Marti Hubbard, GG, ASA

Treasurer: Christine York, GG, ASA Master Gemologist Appraiser

Board Members

Vickie Adams, GG, ASA Master Gemologist Appraiser

Tracy Aros, GG, ASA Master Gemologist Appraiser

David Bowie, GG, ASA

Monica Caldwell, GG, ASA Master Gemologist Appraiser

Teri Newman-Brossmer, GG, ASA Master Gemologist Appraiser

Nancy Stacy, GG, ASA Master Gemologist Appraiser

Thom Underwood GG, FGA, ASA Master Gemologist Appraiser

G&J Governor: Gary Smith, GG ASA Master Gemologist Appraiser

Committee Minutes

Minutes from the Gem & Jewelry Committee meeting, American Society of Appraisers

Hofstra University July 11, 2008

The meeting opened at 6:10 P.M. The following were present:

Officers	Members	Chairs	Guests
Jennifer Thornton-Davis, Chair	Nancy Stacy	Teri Newman-Brossmer
Gary Smith Vice-Chair	Thom Underwood
Marti Hubbard, Secretary
Christine York, Treasurer

Call to Order – Gary Smith

Roll Call – Marti Hubbard

Establish Quorum – Jennifer Thornton-Davis

Approval of minutes from Tucson, AZ G&J meeting, February 7, 2008

REPORTS

Jewelry Camp Guest – Ed Lewand ( not present)

Gary will get feed back regarding Jewelry Camp.

Suggestions for what G&J might do for meetings in the future are:

a.) have an east coast venue and alternate the next year with a west coast venue for ASA G&J

b.) G&J could attend the conference next year in Orlando and the following year in D.C.

c.) participate in Jewelry Camp with Gary or other G&J’s doing more classes or we could do an appraisal class as part of the program

Chris found the bags provided by ASA to be awesome as did everyone else. (Thanks to Teri and to those who donated to the cause.) Chris thanked Ed for letting us come into Jewelry Camp and permitting us to advertise ASA. The courses were good. ASA appraisals were mentioned in the General Assembly as were the fact that the bags each participant received were provided by ASA. Thom felt by being at the camp we were getting exposure. We could give away free knowledge and do a class on recruiting. Within 90 days, the committee will explore the possibility of returning to Jewelry camp as an appraisal class and/or how we might represent ASA at Jewelry Camp.

Education Chair – Vickie Adams (not present)

Education Report was passed out and reviewed. (See attached)

It was suggested that those in the Master Valuer classes should continue their education with GJ 205 and GJ 206 which would result in more class participation.

Instead of Webinar, we will go with another plan and instead of GJ 205, GJ 206 will be developed online. Jennifer will get the lesson plan ready for that in two months. Theory would be online for the course and a one day class with information in the morning and an exam in the afternoon would complete the requirements.

Motion to accept the online course was made by Gary, seconded by Jennifer. Unanimous vote to accept.

Treasurer Report – Christine York

See attached reports.

Chris has donated the cost of printing the raffle tickets. All are encouraged to sell raffle tickets as this is our biggest money maker. Besides sale at the conference, local chapters could be contacted to buy.

Motion to accept the treasurer’s report by Jennifer. Seconded by Chris. Unanimous vote to accept.

PR Report – Teri-Newman Brossmer

See attached report.

Question was asked as to whether we should hold monthly phone conference calls instead of two committee meetings per year. No further discussion.

New sources for PR contacts are needed.

Membership – David Bowie (not present)

Teri reported that David’s business is busy and he contacted Teri to do Membership. Most applicants are considering appraisals but are not ready at this time to pursue this course of action. Teri was able to get two names from the contacts who did attend GJ 205. It was suggested that Monica Caldwell handle membership as Teri is swamped with other PR duties. (Monica has agreed to do this.)

Credentials Verification and Compliance Report – John Abbott

John was not present.

IT Report - Thom Underwood

The ASA IT committee has been meeting every 6 weeks and the new computer hardware is in place. There was a review of the data management. Considerations in the management were to either buy a product or contract and lease. The program is in the middle of implementation but it appears to be doing well in updating their services. No discussion of their website.

Motion to accept the IT report by Chris. Seconded by Nancy. Unanimous vote to accept.

GJ 205 and 206 Reports – Gary Smith

In GJ 205, there were 10 students. Good excitement. All want to advance and were asked questions about ASA. The power point demonstration has been updated as has USPAP.

Task Force – Mentor Program – Jennifer Thornton-Davis

There is now an ASA mentor program. Nancy has signed up as a mentor. Mentor and protégé’s will meet the day before Conference.

Motion to accept the report by Thom. Seconded by Chris. Unanimous vote to accept.

Newsletter Report – Nancy Stacy

Send Nancy materials she can use in the newsletter.

Motion to accept the report by Thom. Seconded by Chris. Unanimous vote to accept.

New Business

1. Assign board members projects to accomplish goals of the committee.

The following are to be introduced by February:

a. the immediate past chair will remain on the board and have an overlapping of the chair and vice chair duties and terms.

b. fund raising

c. course development

d. developing surveys and processing them to learn the needs of membership and encourage growth

e. mentors who have taken the latest GJ 205 class and USPAP are to assist applicants with advancement by reviewing reports

f. answer; should the Webinars communicate connoisseurship rather than appraisal theory to start membership involvement?

2. Dates for GJ 205 and GJ 206 in 2009.

Gary is checking with his schedule to determine dates for the classes. AGS is a possibility for GJ206 in Vegas with the theory being online and the gemological section at AGS.

3. New board members:

Tracy Aros Term starts 7/1/08 Term ends 6/30/11

Teri Newman-Brossmer Term starts 7/1/08 Term ends 6/30/11

4. Committee member terms passed out to the committee

5. Jennifer reported that monthly phone conference calls for the Leadership Task Force have been attended by Jennifer, Gary, Chris and Marti.

6. There was discussion about USPAP with the 15 hour course to be given every five years and the 7 hour course to be given every two years.

Motion to remain in continuous session by Nancy. Seconded by Chris. Unanimous vote.

Meeting ended at 7:00 p.m.

Minutes respectively submitted by

Marti Hubbard

Attachments: Treasurer’s Report, PR Report and Education Report

Images

Mona Miller receives Certificate of Appreciation as outgoing GJ Governor	Gary Smith sworn in as new GJ Governor, along with new International Officers
Danusia Nicklewicz enlightens us on Hallmarks	Bill Whetstone helps Jennifer with a hallmark
Michael Holtzman (Rt) enjoys Jewelry Camp	Mona Miller and friend in Hallmark class
Marti Hubbard and Chris York in Pearl Session	Christ York enjoying the pearl session
Carole Richbourg, Sue Whittaker & Terri Newman-Brosmer at Jewelry Camp dinner	Alison LeBaron & an admiring Randy at Jewelry Camp dinner
Jennifer Thornton-Davis (L) at Jewelry Camp Dinner	If you have photos or reports from jewelry appraisal related events and would like to share, please email them to me at nancy@appraiser.net for inclusion in future newsletters! – Nancy Stacy