ISG RGA Program for Professionals

Eligibility: The ISG Registered Gemologist Appraiser title is now available to graduates of other recognized gemological schools and institutes. Graduates holding the following professional gemology titles may participate in the ISG Appraisal Program without the need to take the full Gemology Program:

• ISG Registered Gemologist
• GIA Graduate Gemologist
• Gemologist, GIA
• FGA of the Gem-A
• TIJT Gemology Program Graduate
• AIGS, Thailand
• FCGmA Canadian Gemological Association
• GAA Australia
• Certified Gemologist, American Gem Society
• Certified Gemologist Appraiser, American Gem Society

Program Description: The ISG Appraisal Program for industry professionals is composed of four courses: Introduction to Watches, Identification of Synthetic Gemstones, Jewelry Insurance Appraisal and Evaluating Damage Jewelry. The Introduction to Watches and Identification of Synthetic Gemstones courses are intended to bring your gemology education up to the level required for our Registered Gemologist program. The Jewelry Insurance Appraisal and Evaluating Damaged Jewelry courses are unique in the industry and are required of all RGA candidates. Both of these courses are based on our insurance industry certified Continuing Education courses that we teach to insurance agents and adjusters. These courses have been developed by licensed insurance professionals with many years experience in the handling of actual jewelry insurance claims. The courses are based on studies of actual insurance claims, with photographs and case study that can only be found in our program. Courses are delivered via online or .PDF downloads of the course notes, and DVD Lectures that accompany the individual lessons. You will be studying with professional, licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Adjusters with professional designations from the GIA, Gem-A, AGS, and ISG. You save $447.00 by registering for the complete RGA for Professionals Package over the single course prices.

Examinations: At the end of each course you will take a written Theory Final Exam of the course material. Once both appraisal program courses are complete, you will take the ISG Practical Appraisal Final Exam where you will be sent jewelry items to appraise and return to the ISG office for evaluation and examination. Once complete, you will be awarded the title of ISG Registered Gemologist Appraiser, and your listing will be added in our RGA Directory that is provided to the insurance industry. There is also a Color Vision Exam that is available to ISG students to test their visual acuity and to check to see if they need further testing.

Annual Recertification: All Registered Gemologist Appraisers are required to take an annual recertification. This is composed of a DVD lecture course on the latest updates in the world of insurance law, policy changes, and the latest developments in the gemology industry. You will take an online written exam at the end of the DVD lecture to test your understanding of the updates. Cost is $50.00 for the update which includes all materials and exams. This allows us to insure that we are providing the insurance industry with a listing of appraisers who always keep on top of the latest developments in the study of jewelry appraisal.

ISG105 - Introduction to Watches

This course will provide the student with a foundation level introduction to watches and the watch markets. Upon completion of this course the student will be able to:

1. Identify various types of watch movements. Verify the authenticity of a watch versus a replica.
2. Work with a jewelry store watch sales department.

Lessons: 6 plus 1 hour DVD lecture. Prerequisites: None

ISG104 - Identification of Synthetic Gemstones

This course will provide the student with a broad spectrum of synthetic gemstones including the definitions of a synthetic gemstone, the processes by which they are made, and the identification techniques. Upon completion of this course the student will be able to:

• Identify the specific laboratory processes used to make a synthetic gemstone.
• Identify 26 of the most often seen synthetic gemstones on the current market.

Lessons: 26 plus 2-CD PowerPoint Presentation. Prerequisites: ISG102 Identification of Colored Gemstones

ISG107 - Jewelry Insurance Appraisal

Successful completion of this course will allow the licensee to obtain specific skills in the evaluation of jewelry as personal property coverage and claims. The specific knowledge will be as follows:

1. Insurance terms and definitions so you can communicate as a professional with insurance agents, underwriters, and adjusters.
2. Your legal responsibilities as an appraiser, both to the clients and to the insurance adjuster.
3. How to establish your appraisal business and make it work.
4. How to promote your appraisal service to the insurance industry.
5. Professional service fees and how to keep your appraisal business profitable.
6. Understanding the insurance policy with a complete overview of all elements that go in to make an insurance policy work.
7. Appraisal of Personal Property including the structure and purpose of the jewelry appraisal.
8. Evaluation and documentation procedures.
9. Understanding the insurance replacement value and how it differs from other values.
10. Appraisal office security procedures
11. Expert witness, arbitration and mediation. Important topics that you need to know and study.
12. Appraiser resources, including important links to help support you during your appraisal work.

Lessons: 12 including a timed written Final Exam

ISG108 - Evaluating Damaged Jewelry

Successful completion of this course will allow the licensee to obtain specific skills in the evaluation of damaged jewelry coverage and claims. The specific knowledge will be as follows:

1. Understanding of jewelry and gemological terms and definitions as applied to jewelry appraisals and damage reports.
   
2. Identification of coverage issues related to damaged jewelry listed on appraisals submitted for coverage.
3. Skill in viewing damaged jewelry photographs and evaluating the cause based on evidence included in the photograph.
   
   • Ability to identify and discern actual damage events from:
     
   • Fraud
     
   • Faulty workmanship
     
   • Manufacturing defects
     
   • Wear and tear
     
   • Failure to maintain
4. The licensee will be able to verify the types of damage, cause of damage, and the requirements necessary to repair or replace the jewelry item based on the condition, source, value, and design.
5. Lastly, the licensee will be have the knowledge to get the best return on salvage of the jewelry items. This will include the disposal of broken diamonds and gemstones, scrap gold, damaged watches, and other items of salvage that will occur when adjusting damaged jewelry items.

Lessons 8 with DVD Lecture and timed written Final Exam.

Final Exams: Appraiser Final Exam: Two jewelry items sent to you for appraisal that will be returned to the ISG office for evaluation.

ISG Color Vision Testing included with this program.

ISG Registered Gemologist Appraiser for Professionals: $695.00

Here is what you get......

The tuition for the ISG Registered Gemologist Appraiser Program for Professionals is US$695.00. This includes all of the following items:

• ISG Gemology Courses including Introduction to Watches and Identification of Synthetic Gemstones
• ISG Appraisal Program including two (2) insurance industry approved appraisal courses.
• DVD course lectures.
• Identification of Synthetic Gemstones CD set containing over 200 full screen reference library of images to help you identify synthetics..
  
• ISG Color Vision Testing
• Final Appraisal Theory Exam, and Final Practical Exam where we send you two (2) jewelry items to appraise and return to the ISG office.
• Listing in the ISG Registered Gemologist Appraiser Directory at JewelryAdjuster.com.
• Full promotional support of the ISG to present you to the insurance industry as a qualified jewelry appraiser.
  ISG Registered Gemologist Appraiser Seal.....included with your registration.