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On August 28-31, 2016, the American Society of Appraisers participated at the 82st Annual Conference on Assessment Administration in Tampa, Florida. This three-day event, hosted by the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO), brought over 1,200 administrators and decisions makers from across the world in order to give an extraordinary experience. This conference offered eight in-depth educational tracks which included Commercial, Residential, Legal and Legislative, Management and Professional Development, Technology Trends and Tools, Special Issues, and Education in Action and Mass Appraisal. ASA was fortunate enough to be represented by skilled real property appraisers Mike Pratt, ASA and Ronald Prat, ASA.

ASA’s booth generated a tremendous amount of traffic and interest in the society’s Ad Valorem/Mass Appraisal specialty designations. Mike and Ronald gave way ASA handouts/brochures and promotional items, and informed attendees about the Society’s Real Property Discipline’s educational and accreditation programs. The purpose in attending this event was to promote the Society’s Ad Valorem/Mass Appraisal designation program and the reciprocity with other private professional organizations in an effort to bolster membership.

For more information about Ad Valorem/Mass Appraisal specialty designations, visit ASA online, call (800) 272-8258.

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Editor’s Note: ASA’s New York City Chapter hosted an ASA Rising Stars Networking Event on Thursday, September 15, 2016 at the Connolly’s Pub in New York, NY. This event offered networking opportunities and a live broadcast of the Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets football game. We got the opportunity to speak with Nicholas Tzoumas, ASA from Marshall & Stevens, Incorporated, one of the events’ hosts, to get the full scoop.

Why did your chapter create this event?
This idea was driven by National’s initiative to attract a younger membership to the local chapters as well as the organization as a whole. Our goal was to reach out and connect with individuals who are ASA member as well as individuals who may not be as familiar with the organization but are interested in learning more in an informal setting. We thought that this was a great way of introducing them to the organization and showing them what we are doing in the New York City Chapter.

Can you give us a brief summary?
The event was setup cocktail style with high-top tables, open floorplans in a private area of the pub. We offered typical food served at a football game watch including mozzarella sticks, chicken wings, chicken fingers, etc. Everyone wore a name badge and networked with each other through the duration (even after) the event.  Other New York City Chapter officers and I tried to facilitate as many conversations as possible but in reality the room seemed to be flowing the entire evening without us getting involved.

Are you able to say that you hit the demographic you were hoping for?
I am very happy to say that we definitely reached our target audience. Looking at our attendance list about half were not part of the ASA organization and those who were members about 30 percent did not have the designation. It ranged from all ages but I would say about 90 percent were under the age of 40. This was by far one of the best attended events in recent years for the New York City Chapter.

 

Does your chapter plan on hosting these types of events in the near future?
We are certainly planning to host one Rising Stars event a year. From the feedback we received from our attendees, they liked the idea of not having an educational component. They enjoyed the relaxed and casual atmosphere which they felt allowed them to meet other people in the profession. In the future we hope to hold this type of event in the beginning and towards the end of the year.

ASA congratulates the New York City Chapter for their hard work in hosting this marvelous event. For more information on upcoming events visit ASA Online or call us at (800) 272-8258.

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The American Society of Appraisers is set to provide the first half of the Society’s popular Principles of Valuation four course series onsite for DLL Financial Services on November 7-12, 2016 in Eindhoven, Netherlands.

ME201-OOO – Introduction to Machinery and Equipment Valuation, is an introduction to appraisal terminology and concepts providing students with a solid foundation in appraisal of machinery and equipment. This course covers machinery and equipment appraisal terminology; functions and purposes of appraisals; introduction of the three approaches to value; depreciation and factors affecting depreciation; field inspection techniques and safety; introduction to the issues of indexes in machinery and equipment appraising; basic pricing exercises for current and obsolete assets; and ethics and professional standards.

ME202-OOO – Machinery and Equipment Valuation Methodology, explores in depth the ideas introduced in ME201 and provides students with a better understanding of the types of value commonly used in the appraisal of machinery and equipment. This course addresses the issues of price vs. value, indirect costs, use of and development of indexes, age-life concepts, recommended rounding of figures, types of values for machinery and equipment appraisals, reproduction cost new, replacement cost new, replacement cost depreciated, fair market value in use, orderly liquidation value, forced liquidation value and supporting conclusions for various purposes.

The two classes are expected to draw students from not only the Netherlands, but also from other countries like Australia, Brazil, Germany, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Instruction will be provided by Richard A. Berkemeier, ASA. Mr. Berkemeier, who serves as the Society’s Machinery & Equipment Discipline Education Chair, is an independent senior asset management professional offering more than 20 years of appraisal experience within the capital markets, including risk management, inventory assessment, appraisal review, liquidation expertise, debtor-in-possession financing and collateral management.

The ASA Philadelphia Chapter is co-sponsoring with DLL on these course offerings. Tuition is $2,400 USD ($1,200 USD/per course), which includes all course materials and can be paid online with a major credit card or by PayPal through the Philadelphia Chapter website. If you have any questions, please contact Richard Jordan, ASA, 610-386-3421 or at rjordan@leasedirect.com.

DLL Financial Services is a global provider of asset-based financial solutions in the Agriculture, Food, Healthcare, Clean Technology, Automotive, Transportation, Construction, Industrial and Office Technology industries. DLL collaborates with equipment manufacturers, dealers and distributors in more than 35 countries. Offerings include vendor finance, commercial finance, life cycle asset management, consumer finance, leasing and factoring. DLL is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rabobank Group.

For more information about ASA’s Onsite Course Program, visit ASA online, call +1 (703) 478-2228 or e-mail, asainfo@appraisers.org.

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Editor’s Note: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) has signed an agreement with the American Society of Appraisers (ASA) to be the sole provider for three years of required coursework for professional aircraft appraisers to apply for worldwide accreditation. As part of the agreement, Embry-Riddle will develop and update four courses in coordination with ASA materials, composed of 30 hours. Starting off the course series is the Introduction to Machinery and Equipment Valuation (Aviation Specific) to be held on Thursday, October 27-Sunday, October 30, 2016 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Campus in Daytona Beach, FL. ASA sat down with Dr. Michael Williams, Dr. Sunder Raghavan, ASA, Dr. Vitaly Guzhva, ASA, David Crick, ASA, and Richard Berkemeier, ASA to get the inside scoop.

What are your thoughts on the ASA/Embry-Riddle education program being held on the campus of Embry-Riddle?
Dr. Michael Williams: Aerospace is a very complex industry that requires both the practical and theoretical aspects. Fortunately for us our faculty, through the training of ASA, are able to bring these two criteria together to help our academic efforts. Partnering with ASA, who hold outstanding instructors assisting us, is the perfect thing to do.

What does Embry-Riddle bring to the table in terms of appraisal education?
Dr. Sunder Raghavan, ASA: Embry-Riddle is ranked number one in aviation aerospace. The idea of having this course in an educational institution, which has access to flight lines, helps students gain practical experience. Students will be able to explore the aircraft, examine them, and gain a sense on how to appraise it. Embry-Riddle has a great flight department that organizes tours for students when they first enter into the program. This gives their education value by not only giving them a physical idea on how to approach an appraisal but also a practical sense on what the aircraft are.

What can students expect when taking this Embry-Riddle course (Introduction to Machinery and Equipment Valuation- Aviation Specific) and what can students expect for future Embry-Riddle courses?
Dr. Vitaly Guzhva, ASA: This is an introductory course that shows you the basics of aircraft appraisals. Our expectations are to give students a combined academic and practical approach in each of our courses. Student will be able to look forward to a variety of guest speakers related to aircraft appraisals as well as field trips on and off campus.

Are the ASA/Embry-Riddle classes respected globally?
David Crick, ASA: A number of students have been involved with Embry-Riddle prior to this program. The cross section of international students is mandatory for this industry because there is a significant portion of aviation assets that are located around the world. It is important to have international appraisers that are outside of the United States that understand the methodology and the process of appraising aircraft. By having both ASA’s and Embry-Riddle’s methodologies, it allows appraisers to expand on different areas rather than being limited to what they know.

As ASA’s Machinery and Technical Specialties education chair, instructor, and course developer how is the program going?
Richard Berkemeier, ASA: ASA has taught these courses with Embry-Riddle from around the globe including Europe, Australia and the United States. The program is recognized as the gold standard for aircraft appraisal education that hold the best and the brightest. Students include banks, leasing companies, insurance companies, appraisal firms, and Embry-Riddle students. Not only is this a world class appraisal education with a global student body, it sets the gold standard for Appraisal Education. Great instructors, speakers, facility, tours are all on the Daytona Beach Embry Riddle Campus.

More exciting and informative sessions are offered at Embry-Riddle throughout the year. Jeffrey Dunn will give you an up close and intimate view of the industry from a banking perspective with the Ups and Downs of Business Aviation. Paul Cardarelli will speak on the state of the aviation market as observed by JETNET iQ.

The American Society of Appraisers would like to thank all those who have contributed to these growing programs and to the advanced of aviation education.

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Dr. Michael Williams is Dean of the College of Business and Professor of Information Systems at Embry-Riddle.  He has a PhD in Computer Technology and is a certificated Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) technician.  His academic areas of expertise include information systems, radio frequency identification (RFID), electronic commerce, intermodal transportation and aviation maintenance management.

 

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Dr. Sunder Raghavan, ASA started his career by receiving his PhD at Washington State University in Finance and Economics. He later joined Embry-Riddle 15 years ago focusing his research on airline mergers & acquisitions and aircraft leasing. He is currently a Seno Professor of Finance and Master of Science in Aviation Finance (MSAF program coordinator. In collaboration with the International Society of Transport Aircraft Trading (ISTAT), whose members are involved in operating, manufacturing, maintaining, selling, purchasing, financing, leasing, appraising, insuring or other activities related to the commercial aviation sector, he has been expanding the aviation finance and leasing programs.

 

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Dr. Vitaly Guzhva, ASA is a Professor of Finance at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.  As a corporate pilot, researcher, and educator Dr. Guzhva has over 20 years of experience in aviation, including providing opinions of value for aircraft and components of aviation infrastructure.

 

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David Crick, ASA has over 20 years of specialized valuation experience in many different sectors with considerable knowledge of corporate valuation requirements for mortgage security assessments, litigation support & liquidation disposals, which he regularly uses for fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft valuations in many different international jurisdictions.

 

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Richard Berkemeier, ASA is a senior asset management professional offering more than 20 years of appraisal experience within the capital markets, including risk management, inventory assessment, appraisal review, liquidation expertise, debtor-in-possession financing, and collateral management.

 

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Jeffrey Dunn has over 16 years of experience in the aviation industry and currently serves as Vice President of Asset Management/Aircraft for Citizens Asset Finance. Jeff began his aviation career in the United States Air Force (1999-2008) where he worked as a jet engine depot-level mechanic on Pratt and Whitney TF33-P-5/P-7 engines (RC-135 aircraft) and General Electric F110-GE-100 engines (F-16 aircraft).  After being honorably discharged in 2008, Jeff gained his Airframe and Powerplant rating from the Federal Aviation Administration and worked as an aircraft mechanic at J.A. Air Center for 2 years (2008-2010).

 

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Paul Cardarelli is part of the very foundation that built and supports JETNET.  He has been with the company from its inception in 1988 when he began his career working in the Research Department.  There he gained his knowledge of the business aircraft sales trade and the market in which occurs.  In 1994 he was promoted to Sales Director, and today manages a staff of thirteen with responsibility for all JETNET subscription sales worldwide.

 

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For more information about the ASA/Embry-Riddle aircraft appraisal education program, visit ASA online, call (800) 272-8258 or e-mail asainfo@appraisers.org.

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ASA is thrilled to announce the offering of the Arts in Public Places tour being held on Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. In this session, each student will learn the project sequence, guidelines, the selection process, installation, maintenance and deaccessioning of the art being displayed under Broward County’s Public Art & Design Program. This tour is complimentary to all registered students and will be held from 2pm-6pm eastern time.

As an iconic location for displaying art, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport has been a prime example on the efforts of the enhancement of urban design. Three out of the 54 artworks that are being displayed have received awards from the American for the Arts under the Public Art category in the United States. The airport holds a variety of art collection such as stainless steel sculptures, terrazzo artworks, paintings, and several other pieces. One of the most notable art pieces comes from Duane Hanson, who specialized in lifelike sculptures. Many tourist and residents of Broward County have agreed that the program has helped improved the visual environment of art and has become a stepping stone for others to follow.

This session and offsite tour is taking place under the International Appraisers Conference, in conjunction with the Advanced Business Valuation Conference, at Boca Raton Resort & Club. To register or to learn more visit ASA Online or call (800) 272-8258.

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The American Society of Appraisers (ASA) is recognized and respected for being a global leader of multidiscipline education for the appraisal profession. ASA is leading the way in delivering professional valuation education through innovative eLearning platforms. ASA offers its education through interactive webinars led by the professions best instructors. New OnDemand courses that are globally accessible anywhere and anytime are continually being added to our lineup of education offerings as well as classroom courses domestically in the United States and in many countries around the world.

Charged with the implementation and management of the numerous logistics impacting these efforts is ASA’s HQ Education Team. Last year alone, these dedicated education staff members supported over 100 classes and serviced the professional development needs of more than 4,300 professionals. The department also works closely with discipline and local chapter representatives, course developers, ASA’s pool of esteemed instructors and presenters, external consultants and servicing vendors.

The HQ education team is currently comprised of four people: Nathaly Alcocer, Cinthia Giannakos, Samantha Jones and Stephanie Paratore:

Nathaly Alcocer, eLearning Assistant, is responsible for assisting with ASA’s eLearning course administration and supporting all students and faculty participating in ASA’s OnDemand offerings and webinar programs. She has been with ASA for two years. Nathaly’s extensive customer service background, bi-lingual Spanish language skills and over 10 years of work experience enable her to respond quickly to member inquiries or support requests. Prior to ASA, Nathaly held positions with several companies, most notably the American Academy of Audiology and State Farm Insurance. Nathaly may be reached at (703) 733-2101 or nalcocer@appraisers.org.

 

Cinthia Giannakos, Senior Manager, eLearning, is responsible for ASA’s online and distance learning program development to include webinar and virtual offerings. She has been with ASA for three years. Cinthia’s educational background, technical expertise and 10 years of work experience enable her to utilize the latest technology solutions in her role. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications with a concentration in Creative Advertising from Virginia Commonwealth University, and is also currently pursuing an additional degree in Web Design and Interactive Media from The Art Institute of Washington. Prior to ASA, Cinthia worked as an eLearning program manager for the American Industrial Hygiene Association. Cinthia may be reached at (703) 733-2106 or cgiannakos@appraisers.org.

Samantha Jones, Education Assistant, manages all contracted domestic and international education and handles all logistics before, during and after the course(s). Samantha supports students and faculty, prepares client invoices and inputs student information into ASA database. She also handles retakes and challenges for all ASA courses and manages ASA’s University Partner Program. She has been with ASA just over a year. Samantha’s educational experience, attention to detail and eight years of work experience provide her with a valuable skill set crucial to her role. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish and International Studies from Kenyon College, a Master of Science degree in Fashion Apparel Manufacturing with a concentration in Advanced Apparel Manufacturing from Philadelphia University. Prior to ASA, Samantha held both service and operational positions for organizations and institutions like Philadelphia University, Fairfax County Public Schools and several notable greater New York metro Garment Manufacturers. Samantha may be reached at (703) 733-2107 or sjones@appraisers.org.

Stephanie Paratore, Senior Manager, Education Programs, manages ASA’s Principles of Valuation (POV) courses, handles logistics for pre-, during, and post-POV courses, manages chapter education courses including correspondence, logistics, course materials and invoicing and maintains ASA’s database with updated course dates, cancellations, instructors and pricing. She has been with ASA for over a decade. Stephanie’s tenure, along with her educational background and 11 years of work experience provide her with valuable insight into key education-related components of ASA’s management systems. She has a Bachelors degree in Health Science with a minor degree in Business Administration from George Mason University. Prior to ASA, Stephanie worked for the American String Teachers Association as an office assistant and the National Association of Health Underwriters as an assistant manager of education. Stephanie may be reached at (703) 733-2137 or sparatore@appraisers.org.

Together, these four individuals work to ensure an enriching educational experience for members and other allied professionals.

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On August 1, 2016 ASA’s Chicago Chapter participated at the Illinois Coalition of Appraisal Professionals (ICAP) annual seminar. This event took place at the Lisle Sheraton Hotel, where over 300 professionals attended. The ASA presenters were Chicago Chapter President David B. Koller, ASA, Chicago Chapter Vice President Brian McCabe, ASA, Chicago Chapter Secretary Dan Daitchman, ASA, and Barton DeLacy, ASA.

The chapter panel focused on the challenges that Real Property Appraisers are facing today. Barton DeLacy, ASA, a real property appraiser, moderated the discussion entitled How to Expand Your Appraisal Practice during the conference. The main topic was about the opportunities given to real property appraisers when they collaborate with appraisers from other disciplines. The panel consisted of two Business Valuation appraisers, Dan Daitchman, ASA and Brian McCabe, ASA along with Machinery and Technical specialties appraiser, David Koller, ASA.

After the panel, all three current officers of the Chicago Chapter spent the day answering questions and giving insight on their own experiences.  Other ASA Chicago Chapter member volunteers were Steven Thomas, ASA and Patricia H. Atwood, ASA. The conference provided networking and educational opportunities for both attendees and exhibitors.

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Editor’s Note: The American Society of Appraisers is hosting a Personal Property class Business of Appraising— What You Need to Know about Running Your Appraisal Practice on Friday, October 14-Saturday, October 15, 2016 from 9:00am to 4:30pm at the Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino, California. ASA received a preview of course from instructor Joy Berus. 

Q: Can you tell us a little about how this class was formed?
A: I have found through the course of my career that many clients and colleagues do not understand the process of setting up and running an appraisal practice. This course was developed to help take you through the process on what to do, where to start, and how to maintain it once you have it running.

Q: What can attendees expect to take away from this class?
A: This class will provide both new and experienced personal property appraisers insight into setting up and running a successful appraisal practice. Students will receive valuable tips and advice on important business and legal issues that many valuation professionals face. Topics being discussed will include contracts, business entities and trusts, employees and independents contractors, leases, expenses, taxes, liabilities, getting paid and more.

Q: Why should appraisers of personal property or gems & jewelry attend this class?
A: This course is appropriate for new or experienced appraisers wishing to update and review current issues pertaining to conducting an appraisal business.

Q: Can you give us some background information about yourself?
A: I am a nationally known expert in the practice of art law with over 20 years of experience. My unique practice focuses on art and other tangible assets as an asset class with the goal of maximizing value and minimizing tax liability. I have specialized knowledge in art law, personal property law, tax law, appraisal law, UCC, and transactional law. I serve the needs of individual, corporate and museum clients who own all types of tangible assets from paintings, sports memorabilia, jewelry, and wine to classic cars.

 

To register for this class or for more information visit ASA Online

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The American Society of Appraisers announces a new webinar series focusing on topics geared towards appraisers and allied professionals who specialize in personal property.

The series will kick off August 17, 2016, with Books for the Generalist Appraiser, presented by Alan Aimone, ASA. This online webinar will focus on information required for a book appraisal. The instructor will give recommendations on the approach to inspecting and examining a book while introducing the six value factors to valuing published material. The webinar will take an inside look at aspects of the book market, publishing trends, characteristics of an advanced book collection and more.

Webinar airs 1-3p.m. ET | $79 members; $99 non-members | 2 CE credit

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Appraising Music Memorabilia: Issues and Opportunity will follow, airing on September 28, 2016, and presented by Stephen M.H. Braitman, ASA. This online webinar will serve as a primer for the general personal property appraiser on what to look for when confronted with a music collection, and will provide an overview of the current market for records and music memorabilia, including LPs, 45s, posters, sheet music, photographs, signed guitars and more. The most important takeaway will be the knowledge to know within a relatively short time whether a collection is worth serious evaluation or not.

Webinar airs 1-2p.m. ET | $39 members; $69 non-members | 1 CE credit

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How Due Diligence and other Provisions of IRS Circular 230 Apply to Appraisers will be airing on October 26, 2016, presented by Steve Whitlock. This online webinar will provide an overview of the history and provisions related to appraisers in Title 31 of the Code of Federal Regulations. It will explain how appraisers are impacted by IRS standards for professional conduct and several key questions will be discussed such as: What due diligence obligations and other key provisions of Circular 230 apply to appraisers? Why might the IRS Office of Professional Responsibility sanction an appraiser? What sanctions can be taken, and how are they publicized? What is the difference between sanctions and penalties? What penalties apply to appraisers?

Webinar airs 1-2p.m. ET | $39 members; $69 non-members | 1 CE credit

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Closing out 2016, Secret Shortcuts in Microsoft Excel to Create Easy Inventory Valuation Reports will air November 9, 2016, with presenter Teresa Bell. This online webinar is for the self-taught Excel user who knows there must be an easier way of producing inventory claims reports. You’re right. There are super easy ways. In the “Appraiser’s World” time is of the essence. Stop wasting time clicking around in Excel trying to find the tools you need. You will finally learn how to make Microsoft Excel work for you instead of you working for Microsoft Excel. This fun and interactive 90 minute session will fly by as we explore how to easily design inventory valuation reports so that they are easier for your colleagues/clients to understand and read.

Webinar airs 1-3p.m. ET | $79 members; $99 non-members | 2 CE credits

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Kicking off the New Year, Appraising 20th & 21st Century Studio Craft will air on February 15, 2017, presented by Peter Held, AM. This online webinar will give appraisers the resources to better understand the market (retail, secondary, auction). Appraisers will also receive clarification on issues of identification when appraising 20th & 21st century studio crafts. Discussions of craft materials and techniques will help prepare the appraiser in establishing values for insurance, charitable contributions, and estate planning.

Webinar airs 1-3p.m. ET | $79 members; $99 non-members | 2 CE credits

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ASA online webinars provide an excellent, cost-effective learning environment that not only saves busy professionals time and money, but also keeps them updated on the latest tips, trends and issues impacting their practice and professional growth. Register online for an ASA webinar today, or by calling (800) 272-8258.

Have a busy schedule and can’t make a live online webinar? ASA has a full lineup of recorded webinars for immediate OnDemand download. Visit ASA’s Marketplace for a complete listing of available titles.

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Editor’s Note: The American Society of Appraisers new GJ207 – Jade: Identification, Treatment and Value course will be held Wednesday, September 14, 2016 in Boca Raton, FL. For those new to this topic, let’s take a closer look to learn more with Q&A from course instructors, Branko Delijanin and Angelina Yip

How has the industry of Jade changed over the past few years?
The price had gone sky-high, there is almost no limit of how much a high quality piece of jade would cost. B jade (impregnated) is getting harder to detect and advanced instruments need to be used.

What new issues do you see in the Jade industry?
Some jade dealers in the Far East have recently perfected a method of making lower quality jade appear very similar to its top quality counterpart. Dyed quartzite has been selling as “Canadian jade” at major shows by some Asian dealers.

What do you think the future will hold for the Jade industry?
More and more B and C jade (dyed) and jade simulants will be in the market because of affordability. Nephrite Jade prices will continue to rise due to higher demand for jade in China and Asia.

Why should a GJ appraiser, gemologist, jeweler or dealer attend this course?
Gemologist should understand more about how to separate jadeite from its simulants and how to screen for A, B, or C jade. Appraisers, jewelers and dealers will have better understanding of the quality of Jade and how to appraise, buy or sell such.

What topics will the course cover?

• Separation of Jadeite Jade from Nephrite Jade
• Identification and Jade imitations with standard instruments
• Use of spectroscopy and microscopy in detecting dyed jadeite jade
• Screening for Jade (A, B or C) with UV lamp
• Testing of Jade with advanced instruments at CGL-GRS Swiss Canadian gemlab
• Quality grading of Nephrite and Jadeite Jade
• Providing information on Jade pricing and researching prices

How to use standard gemological equipment for identification?
How to use the basic equipment for identification; learn about the different treatments of jade, and valuation. They will also get handout material of each PowerPoint slide and Jade article by instructor published in “Business Jewellery”.

Can you give us some background information about yourself?
[Branko Deljanin] As a research gemologist with extensive experience in advanced testing of diamonds and gemstones, I have conducted on-site research on gems and colored diamonds in Sri Lanka, Russia, Brazil and Australia, and managed many projects on natural, treated and synthetic gems and diamonds. I am also an instructor of “Advanced Gemology” programs on diamonds and gems and have taught in Canada, USA, Russia, Brazil, Europe (UK, Turkey, Greece, Spain, and Italy), Australia and Asia (Hong Kong, Thailand).

[Angelina Yip] I have always been fascinated with gemstones, especially jadeite. I hold credentials as a Graduate Gemologist (GIA), Accredited Senior Gemologist (AGA), and Registered Master Valuer (RMV) and have extensive training in the identification and evaluation of various jewellery and all types of gemstones including diamonds, coloured stones, jadeites and pearls.