Resources and Tips

Appraising advice and insights from our fellow expert members

Are Your Appraiser’s Credentials Real?

Are Your Appraiser’s Credentials Real? Recently, ISA appraisers and their clients have noticed numerous advertisements and promotional material from other personal property appraisers who may have completed a Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) course and describe themselves as a “USPAP Certified Appraiser.” Others may deem their appraisal reports “USPAP Certified Appraisals.” Both …

Another Tax-Shelter Scheme Bites the Dust

I noted a year-end news item last week that will be of interest to those involved with donation appraisals, and familiar with the ongoing battles between the Canada Revenue Agency and those seeking to avoid taxes through various tax-sheltering donation schemes. To date, the CRA has denied more than 5.9 billion dollars in donation …

Behind the Headlines

London Sale Sets World Record for Picasso Ceramics

June 21, 2013: A ceramic vase by Pablo Picasso, which has sold for a new world record price of almost £1 million for ceramics by the artist at a Christie’s sale (photo from Christies).   PABLO PICASSO (Spanish, 1881-1973) Large Vase with Veiled Women (Grand Vase …

It’s Not Right – Fakes, Fear and Litigation

“It’s Not Right”: Fakes, Fear and Litigation

It is no wonder authenticators are dwindling in numbers and appraisers, writers of catalogue raisonnés and just about everyone else in the art world seems to run in fear of litigation when there is doubt about the authenticity of a work of art. Getting it wrong, or getting …

6 Expert Tips From a Gemologist About Buying Jewellery on Holiday

As gems and jewellery specialists, we are frequently asked by our clients for valuations on their gem stones or jewellery purchases. Often this happens after the client has made a purchase during their holidays. They arrive home suddenly filled with self doubt and the cold reality of their impulsive purchase. For the majority of …

What’s the Big Deal About Ai Weiwei?

Toronto has been invaded by the art work of Ai Weiwei. His bronze sculptural installation at Nathan Philips Square of Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads (a reinterpretation of the originals looted from the Old Summer Palace in Beijing in 1860), and the exhibition “According to What?” at the Art Gallery of Ontario, have permeated the …

Art Collecting at Art Toronto: How ISA Appraisers Can Assist You

The idea of collecting art, starting an art collection can seem overwhelming. It usually starts with that first emotional purchase, that piece of art you just had to have. You did not know you were going to fall in love and begin collecting original art. Now it has opened doors and shown you a …