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Recently I served as an expert witness in a consumer fraud case
involving the alleged misrepresentation of the quality of a diamond sold by a local
jewelry store. As a Master Gemologist Appraiser of the American Society of Appraisers, I
am required to do extensive testing in the color and clarity of a diamond, and to
extensively research the market to find an accurate value, not just the value of the
diamond if sold in my own store. After examining the client’s diamond and doing my
appraisal, I reviewed the defendant’s appraisal.
The defendant’s appraiser had no gemological or appraisal education, the color was
exaggerated by four grades compared to our gemological lab report, the value was seriously
inflated, and the bottom of the form stated "The appraiser is not responsible for any
errors stated regarding quality and value." This document was merely a piece of paper
written to satisfy the needs of a customer. Imagine if you prepared a professional
document, bound by the law, with these kind of inaccuracies!
If your client gets involved in an issue that deals with jewelry appraisal, be very
certain that your appraiser is someone who is top notch, professional and certified. You
can’t afford second best.
Susan Eisen, January, 1999.
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