Since its July launch, the Jewelers Board of Appraisal Review Resource Directory has been distributed to nearly 200 users of appraisal services (including lawyer organizations, appraisers, insurance companies, and consumer protection bureaus), says Cecilia L. Gardner, Jewelers Vigilance Committee executive director and general counsel. J-BAR is a department of the JVC.

The directory lists approximately 80 appraisers who have passed the J-BAR exam along with their education, credentials, appraisal experience and contact information, Gardner says. It includes the individual’s experience in insurance replacement and verification, their national and international certifications, and courtroom experience. Since J-BAR was launched, 500 persons have purchased and completed the home-study course. More than 200 have passed the test.

“Our J-BAR Directory … is a valuable tool for law enforcement and consumer protection agencies to use when seeking appropriate expertise in circumstances where jewelry appraisal experience is needed,” Gardner says.

The directory also contains the standards and codes of appraisal organizations, suggested appraisal forms, sample explanatory language, guidance for specific appraisal types, a checklist of elements to include in appraisals, a glossary of terms, education resources, and publications and organizations that offer further appraisal education.

The directory will be updated every two years, Gardner says.

An online J-BAR Resource Directory, will debut in September 2004 with updates added in real time. Online directory listings are $24.95. Online directory order forms accompany test results for those who pass the J-BAR exam. Directory purchase price is $30. To order, go to the JVC Web site, the J-BAR Web site, or call JVC at 212-997-2002.

JCK