Leading Gems & Jewelry Organizations Partner to Offer Advanced Gemological Training

RESTON, Va. - April 26, 2013 - PRLog -- RESTON, VA (April 26 2013) – The American Society of Appraisers (ASA) (http://www.appraisers.org/) is pleased to announce its partnership with the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) (http://www.gia.edu/) to offer advanced gemological training to gems and jewelry professionals.

A pilot course developed by GIA for ASA titled “Advanced Diamond Grading” will be held July 17-18 at GIA’s Carlsbad, CA flagship campus with instruction provided by GIA personnel.

“Continuing education is of paramount importance to practicing jewelry appraisers”, says Teri Brossmer (http://www.appraisers.org/FindanAppraiser/MemberBio.aspx?MemberID=ur5k0FFb6Rw%3d), a Glendora, CA based gemological and valuation expert who holds ASA, MGA® and G.G designations. As education chair for the society’s gems and jewelry discipline, Brossmer adds “We strive to provide our members with the best jewelry appraisal education available and since GIA is the preeminent laboratory for diamond grading, this collaboration is a perfect fit. The subject matter covered in this course is immediately applicable to our daily practice as professional jewelry appraisers.”

The course will include clarity and color grading techniques employed in the GIA laboratories, followed by hands-on; mounted diamond grading considerations; identification of diamond treatments and synthetics; and ends with a tour of the Carlsbad laboratory.

Following the course, on July 19, an optional certification examination for the Master Gemological Appraiser® designation will be given. The MGA® program has been administered by ASA’s gems and jewelry discipline since 1993 and is the only one of its kind requiring periodic re-testing in gemological expertise. It is considered the highest designation in the field of gems and jewelry appraising.

The seminar is open to everyone, but limited to 24 participants. Tuition is $795 for ASA members and $895 for non-members. Registration for the MGA® examination is $150. To register or for more information visit ASA online (http://www.appraisers.org/Education/ClassSchedule.aspx) or call (800) 272-8258.

American Society of Appraisers

The American Society of Appraisers (http://www.appraisers.org/) (ASA) is an international organization of appraisal professionals and others dedicated to the education, development and growth of the appraisal profession. ASA is the oldest and only major organization representing ALL disciplines of appraisal specialists, originating in 1936 and incorporating in 1952. ASA’s headquarters is in the metropolitan Washington, DC area. To learn about membership in ASA or find an accredited appraiser near you, visit www.appraisers.org or call (800) 272-8258.

Gemological Institute of America (GIA)

An independent nonprofit organization, GIA (Gemological Institute of America (http://www.gia.edu/)), established in 1931, is recognized as the world’s foremost authority in gemology. GIA invented the famous 4Cs of Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat Weight in the early 1950s and in 1953, created the International Diamond Grading System™ which, today, is recognized by virtually every professional jeweler in the world. Through research, education, gemological laboratory services, and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science, and professionalism.