A Bill of Rights for Appraisal Clients

By Gary Roskin -- JCK Online, 4/1/2007 2:00:00 AM

The National Association of Jewelry Appraisers has distributed to more than 700 members a client's bill of rights that's suitable for framing and display in appraisal offices or gem labs. A member-only benefit, the document was the result of a six-month study benchmarking similar documents from other industries including the American Society for Quality and the American Society of Association Executives.

“We made it specific to our industry, specific to appraisers, and specific to the NAJA Code of Ethics,” writes NAJA executive director Gail Brett Levine. “We also copyrighted it and are only giving it out to members. It shows responsibility and professionalism. The client's bill of rights shows that the first concern is for the client, not the assignment, not the jewelry, not the appraiser, and not the fee.”

The National Association of Jewelry Appraisers Client's Bill of Rights

The client will have the right to an objective appraiser who does not have any conflict of interest regarding the property being appraised.
The client will have the right for the appraisal charges to be explained before the process.
The client will have the right for explanations of the appraisal process.
The appraiser will interview the client to determine the proper type of appraisal to perform.
The appraiser will research the proper markets for the values needed.
The appraiser will explain the reasons for a proper appraisal.
The appraiser will explain the function and purpose of the appraisal.
The appraiser will respect the confidentiality of the client.
The appraiser will retain a record of the appraisal for at least five years.
The appraiser will complete the assignment within a prearranged or reasonable time period.
The client will have the right to call NAJA to verify the appraiser's membership.
The client will have the right to complain, in writing, to NAJA if they feel they have not been treated properly and have a grievance.
The appraiser will, at all times, adhere to the NAJA Code of Ethics.