J-BAR is the new Jewelers Board of Appraisal Review, a not-for-profit membership trade association for appraisers and users of appraisal professionals that will set minimum standards for jewelry appraisal practice, provide education, and act as an umbrella appraisal organization. Its aim is to unite the appraisal industry within one group. As a wholly owned subsidiary of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC), J-BAR also will be a clearinghouse for resolving disputes involving appraisals.

J-BAR will offer the industry an appraisal methodology system, a legal standard, and streamlined general appraisal practices. J-BAR’s mission includes making quality education easily available to its members, with a focus on understanding and following the law as it applies to jewelry appraisals and related services. J-BAR was not formed to bring a standard set of ethics to the appraisal process but instead focuses on the laws and legalities behind providing an effective appraisal.

JVC points out that J-BAR is a neutral, non-political venue for dispute resolution and monitoring and is not a competitor for membership revenues. Membership standards may include some level of appraisal education.

J-BAR will be the resource for anyone interested in or affected by appraisals. This list includes the jewelry industry at large, appraisers, appraisal organizations, insurance companies, legal organizations, and the public.

Cecilia Gardner, JVC’s executive director and legal counsel, is the interim director of J-BAR. An advisory board is in place until a permanent board is named. The board should be in place by December 2001. All inquiries about J-BAR should be directed to the JVC office.

J-BAR was made possible by a Jewelers Circular Keystone (JCK) Industry Fund grant.