Events & AwardsNov 28, 2022
Registration Is Open for AGA’s Annual Tucson Conference Events & AwardsDec 08, 2022
NAJA’s Winter Education Conference Returns to Tucson in 2023
The 59th Ace It event is scheduled for Jan. 29 and 30 at the Tucson Convention Center.
Rego Park, N.Y.—The National Association of Jewelry Appraisers’ annual in-person conference held during the Tucson gem shows will return in 2023 after a three-year hiatus.
The 59th Ace It Winter Education Conference is scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 29 and Monday, Jan. 30 at the Tucson Convention Center.
The first day will kick off with Richard Hughes of Lotus Gemology speaking on “Jade: China’s Gift to the World,” reviewing the major sources of jade around the world, touching on its identification, and exploring the modern movement in contemporary Chinese jade carving.
Billie Hughes of Lotus Gemology and GIA’s Wim Vertriest will then present “A Canary in the Ruby Mine: Low Temperature Heat Treatment Experiments in Burmese Ruby.”
In it, the two presenters will share the latest information from their current research on low temperature heat treatment. Attendees will also get to see before-and-after photomicrographs, spectroscopy, and fluorescence results that are important in recognizing treated material.
This will be followed by gem cutter Justin Prim giving a session titled “Beauty, Value, and the Power of Gem Cutting,” exploring how to distinguish a well-cut stone from a poorly cut stone and how cutting can affect the gemstone’s final color, which plays a huge role in its final value, among other topics.
Then mineralogist and archaeogemology expert Çiğdem Lüle will speak on “The Evaluation and Interpretation of Gem Carvings,” and independent jewelry appraiser and NAJA Education Chair Deborah Finleon will discuss “Communication, Consulting, and Contracting: 3 Cs That Can Make or Break an Assignment.”
The day will close with a session from Stuller’s Guy Borenstein called “Lab-Grown Diamonds—Screening Challenges.” This presentation will discuss various aspects of screening, the common screening techniques and technologies used for separation, and each technique’s weaknesses, limitations, and blind spots.
Related stories will be right here …
The 59th Ace It Winter Education Conference is scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 29 and Monday, Jan. 30 at the Tucson Convention Center.
The first day will kick off with Richard Hughes of Lotus Gemology speaking on “Jade: China’s Gift to the World,” reviewing the major sources of jade around the world, touching on its identification, and exploring the modern movement in contemporary Chinese jade carving.
Billie Hughes of Lotus Gemology and GIA’s Wim Vertriest will then present “A Canary in the Ruby Mine: Low Temperature Heat Treatment Experiments in Burmese Ruby.”
In it, the two presenters will share the latest information from their current research on low temperature heat treatment. Attendees will also get to see before-and-after photomicrographs, spectroscopy, and fluorescence results that are important in recognizing treated material.
This will be followed by gem cutter Justin Prim giving a session titled “Beauty, Value, and the Power of Gem Cutting,” exploring how to distinguish a well-cut stone from a poorly cut stone and how cutting can affect the gemstone’s final color, which plays a huge role in its final value, among other topics.
Then mineralogist and archaeogemology expert Çiğdem Lüle will speak on “The Evaluation and Interpretation of Gem Carvings,” and independent jewelry appraiser and NAJA Education Chair Deborah Finleon will discuss “Communication, Consulting, and Contracting: 3 Cs That Can Make or Break an Assignment.”
The day will close with a session from Stuller’s Guy Borenstein called “Lab-Grown Diamonds—Screening Challenges.” This presentation will discuss various aspects of screening, the common screening techniques and technologies used for separation, and each technique’s weaknesses, limitations, and blind spots.
The second day will start with the “State of the Industry—Post-COVID” by industry analyst Harold Dupuy from Stuller and follow with GIA’s Aaron Palke presenting “Demantoid Garnet: Gemology, Origin, and Treatment,” to give an overview of sources, methods for origin determination, and discussion of treatments.
Author and researcher Renee Newman will then discuss “Diamond Cuts & Qualities in Jewelry from 1300 until Now.”
This will be followed by Danusia Niklewicz of the HallMark Research Institute diving into hallmarks with “What in the World are These Marks?”
The penultimate session will be Warren Boyd from Potentate Mining updating attendees on the world of Rock Creek Montana sapphires, and finally Samantha Lloyd from Gem-A will close the day with a hands-on session about using the spectroscope.
“We really wanted this program to be extra special. After all, it’s our first in-person conference since January of 2020. In looking at program, I’d say we aimed for the ceiling but hit the stars,” said NAJA Executive Director Gail Brett Levine.
Registration is priced at $425 for NAJA members and $650 for non-members until Jan. 15. It then goes up to $525 for members and $750 for non-members.
For more information about the sessions or ways to register, visit NAJAAppraisers.com.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
Recorded WebinarsMar 31, 2023
Watch: How Is the Industry Doing When It Comes to Diversity?Annie Doresca and Michelle Graff welcome Reggie Johnson and Sheryl Jones for a frank conversation on the state of DEI in fine jewelry.
MajorsMar 31, 2023
Macy’s Longtime CEO to Retire Next YearJeff Gennette will step down in February 2024, passing the torch to the CEO of another notable retailer.
AuctionsMar 31, 2023
Piece of the Week: The Extraterrestrial Lunar NecklaceArtisan Martin Roberts fashioned lunar meteorites into 48 beads to create this out-of-this-world necklace.
Brought to you by
Full Disclosure at Your FingertipsDistinguishing natural diamonds from laboratory-grown stones – now more available than ever – has been difficult for jewelers. Until now.
MajorsMar 31, 2023
JBT Re-Elects Richard Katz as Board ChairmanAs for new members, the organization welcomed Jewelers of America’s Annie Doresca and Parag Jain of Parag Diamonds.
Weekly QuizMar 31, 2023
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
WatchesMar 30, 2023
At Watches & Wonders, a $20M Watch Makes Its DebutJacob & Co.’s new “Billionaire” timepiece features more than 200 carats of yellow diamonds.
AuctionsMar 30, 2023
See the Jewelry Collection Expected to Top Elizabeth Taylor’s at AuctionHeidi Horten, wife of department store magnate Helmut Horten, collected jewelry from Bulgari, Cartier, Harry Winston and Van Cleef & Arpels.
Brought to you by
Bringing Over 130 Years of Diamond Expertise to Modern GradingDe Beers Institute of Diamonds provides the very best in diamond verification, education and diamond services.
MajorsMar 30, 2023
Jewelers Mutual Marks a Major MilestoneThe jewelry industry insurer and solutions provider is celebrating 110 years in business this month.
SurveysMar 30, 2023
NRF Says Brick-and-Mortar Stores Remain ‘Primary Point of Purchase’The statement came as the National Retail Federation released its retail sales forecast for 2023.
AuctionsMar 29, 2023
10.57-Carat Purplish Pink Diamond Expected to Sell for $35M+Sotheby’s will auction the diamond, which it says is “arguably the most significant pink diamond to ever appear at auction,” in June.
MajorsMar 29, 2023
Blue Nile to Close Fulfillment Center, Lay Off WorkersThe retailer, recently acquired by Signet Jewelers, will lay off 119 employees in July.
WatchesMar 29, 2023
See All the New Patek Philippe Watches for 2023The Swiss watchmaker introduced 17 new models at Watches & Wonders Geneva.
MajorsMar 29, 2023
Mark Henry Jewelry Offering Complimentary ‘Masterclass’ on Sales from Peter SmithAs part of the promotion, Smith will share his sales expertise during a 90-minute training session.
EditorsMar 28, 2023
I’m Enchanted With Parmigiani Fleurier’s Perfect Travel WatchAt Watches & Wonders, the Swiss brand unveiled a follow-up to last year’s Tonda PF GMT Rattrapante.
CollectionsMar 28, 2023
Helzberg’s New Lab-Grown Diamond Collection Earns SCS CertificationThe “rêve” collection’s engagement rings and wedding bands are geared toward “sustainability minded customers.”
EditorsMar 28, 2023
This New Rolex Day-Date Tells Time … and AffirmationsA new word appears on the dial each day of the week.
IndependentsMar 28, 2023
D.C. Jeweler That Honored 50-Year-Old Gift Certificate Closes Bensons Jewelers closed for good Feb. 24, impacted in part by the decline in foot traffic downtown since the onset of the pandemic.
MajorsMar 28, 2023
Swarovski Names New GM of North AmericaKolja Kiofsky has been with the crystal and jewelry company since 2010.
AuctionsMar 27, 2023
Jewels to Shine in Upcoming ‘Golden Age’ of Hollywood AuctionThe Kruse GWS Auctions sale will include the replica “Taj Mahal” necklace Elizabeth Taylor made with Avon as well as a costume piece Marilyn Monroe wore.
MajorsMar 27, 2023
Pandora Promotes GM to Chief of Retail OperationsMassimo Basei is moving up, while Chief Commercial Officer Martino Pessina is stepping down.
AuctionsMar 24, 2023
Piece of the Week: The $5.8M Patek Philippe ‘Sky Moon Tourbillon’Sold by Christie’s Hong Kong, this masterwork of complications now holds the record for most expensive watch ever auctioned online.
FinancialsMar 24, 2023
Movado Predicts Declining Sales Amid ‘Volatile’ Retail EnvironmentThe watch company expects first-quarter sales to fall as much as 15 percent due to inflation and tough comps.
Lab-GrownMar 24, 2023
Lightbox Promotes General Manager to COOAdam O’Grady, general manager of the Lightbox Lab, has taken on the new role and will report directly to Lightbox CEO Antoine Borde.
WatchesMar 23, 2023
Which Brands Do Watch Enthusiasts Love Most? Chrono24 Takes a LookThe watch marketplace gathered data from 1.3 million collectors, highlighting the most popular timepieces and exploring value appreciation.
SourcingMar 23, 2023
Burgundy Diamond Backing Out of Ellendale Mine Deal Burgundy has opted not to exercise its option to buy the mining claims Gibb River Diamonds currently owns.
GradingMar 23, 2023
GCAL Introduces 8X Cut Grade for Proprietary CutsPatented and specialty cuts now can receive an 8X Proprietary Certificate, which can be customized to include a company’s brand and logo.
