All members of the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA) must comply with our published Code of Ethics and USPAP. These describe an appraiser’s obligation to their clients, to any third party relying on the appraiser’s work product as well as a member’s professional conduct. NAJA is committed to educating our membership in all aspects of jewelry appraising, revisions in laws and statutes impacting valuations, USPAP requirements, scientific developments
in gems and jewelry and ethical performance of their obligations as appraisers.
The grievance process allows the Ethical Issues Committee to determine if an ethics violation occurred by collecting and reviewing pertinent documentation and to then determine the appropriate actions when violations are found. One of the goals of NAJA is to protect the public by educating members. This includes reviewing ethics rules, instructing members to prevent future errors and disciplining members who violate those ethics rules, even when a violation is unintentional.
Many grievances are the result of poor communication or misunderstanding between client and appraiser. If you believe the appraisal did not properly serve the purpose for which you intended, we encourage clients to have a clear, blunt and truthful talk with the appraiser before filing any grievance. Our experience indicates that many situations can be resolved with proper communication of the client’s needs and expectations. If your problem remains unresolved, then proceed with the ethics complaint process.
The NAJA Ethical Issues Committee will begin an investigation when a complaint form is received. Many times, it will be clear from the documentation provided that the appraiser may have failed in some capacity in performing their job properly. The Committee will immediately begin the process of rectifying the matter with the appraiser. Upon receipt and review, should the Committee determine that there has been a violation of the NAJA Code of Ethics, then an explanation of the grievance is sent to the appraiser for a response. Once the appraiser responds to the Ethical Issues Committee, the course of action will be determined. At our discretion, the complainant may be informed of the appraiser’s response as well as any remedy offered by the appraiser and how the matter has been handled by the Ethical Issues Committee.
It is the goal of the Ethical Issues Committee to educate our members while resolving ethical concerns between NAJA members and the public. NAJA provides this line of communication for the public and the trade to direct any complaint. When an understanding cannot be reached or a situation remains unresolved, the Ethical Issues Committee has the right to take action with our member to correct, discipline or dismiss the member from NAJA. Our committee does not serve as mediators or advocates for either party.
