The International Society of Appraisers (ISA) is one of a handful of appraisal organizations that provide education and organizational support to its members, promoting highly qualified and ethical appraisers. Gems and jewelry represent just one area of personal property appraising covered under the ISA umbrella.

At this year’s annual ISA conference, held in San Antonio, Texas, a Media Award was given to JCK senior editor Gary Roskin for his article, “Bad Appraising Lands Good Jeweler in Court.” (JCK, January 2001, p. 128) The Media Award is not an annual award, but a special recognition given only when the ISA board of directors finds it appropriate and worthwhile to do so.

In a letter written to JCK on Jan. 9, Christian Coleman, executive director of ISA, complimented JCK for publishing the article. “This case provides some excellent evidence supporting the need for quality professional personal property appraisal training,” he wrote. Coleman went on to say that “this case points out the dangers of someone representing themselves to the public as a professional appraiser, without having obtained the proper training, more strongly than I ever could. It also shows the consequences of making certification statements without ensuring that all i’s have been dotted and t’s have been crossed.

“I am sure this landmark case, and your reporting of it, will be cited hereafter in appraisal studies courses offered by the major personal property appraisal associations. Please continue your unstinting efforts to make the public, as well as the professionals, aware of the value of formal appraisal training—and of the risks they run without it.”

Both the ISA and the American Society of Appraisers have requested permission to use the article in their appraisal course materials. It can currently be read online at ISA-Appraisers.org.