NAJA, Instappraise Offering Scholarships for Aspiring Jewelry Appraisers

New York—Jewelry appraisal software solutions provider Instappraise and the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA) have partnered to offer scholarships for aspiring and established jewelry appraisers.

The scholarships are designed to foster the growth and development of professionals in the trade, Instappraise said, providing financial assistance and educational opportunities to appraisers committed to advancing their skills in the field.

Two scholarships are available: one for non-NAJA members, and one for current NAJA members.

All applicants must hold a Graduate Gemologist or equivalent degree, such as FGA, FGAA, FGG, FCGmA, or RGA.

The Instappraise NAJA Non-Member Scholarship, valued at $2,070, includes a one-year NAJA membership fee, lessons one through five of the NAJA Appraisal Studies Course, and a one-year subscription to the Instappraise.com appraisal software platform. 

The award provides the necessary resources for an aspiring appraiser to kickstart their journey toward proficiency, Instappraise said.

Applicants must complete lessons one through five within five months of accepting the scholarship. 

The course begins with appraisal theory and methodology and then advances through modules encompassing ethics, value theory, appraisal types, and fair market value. 

It also includes report writing, enhancing skills through quizzes, a final exam, and the completion of a final appraisal report. 

Completion of lessons one through five is needed for the Certified Member designation, but students should note the designation also carries a two-year appraisal experience requirement.

The Instappraise NAJA Member Scholarship, valued at $1,775, includes a one-year NAJA membership fee, lessons six through 18 of the NAJA Appraisal Studies Course, and a one-year subscription to Instappraise.com appraisal software platform. 

Designed specifically for existing NAJA members, it offers opportunities for professional development and advancement.

Applicants must complete lessons six through 18 within 12 months of accepting the scholarship.

Completion is needed for the Certified Master Appraiser designation, but students should note the designation also carries a seven-year appraisal experience and a NAJA Accredited Gemological Laboratory requirement.

Designations are exclusively available to active NAJA members, the association said, and are conferred based on a combination of education, experience points, successful exam results, and acceptance of the sample appraisal report.

Scholarship applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria and adhere to conditions outlined on the application website.

Candidates must also provide supporting documentation of their gemological qualifications and submit an essay on why they deserve the scholarship and how they expect the award will impact their professionalism and career aspirations.

Applications are open now on Instappraise.com. The deadline to apply is June 15. 

Recipients will be announced at NAJA's 62nd Annual "ACEit” Mid-Year Education Conference, which will be held from Aug. 10-12. 

Instappraise, established in 2019, has collaborated with various organizations to equip appraisers with tools to “standardize and streamline the appraisal process,” the company said, aiding partners in developing high-quality jewelry appraisal reports. 

“Teaming up with NAJA to sponsor two new scholarships represents an exciting new milestone for us. Our mission at Instappraise has always been to elevate the industry by providing the right tools to the right people and it all starts with education,” said Instappraise Founder Raphael Boivin.  

“NAJA is at the forefront of appraisal education and plays a major leadership role in training the next generation of professional jewelry appraisers. We hope the new scholarships will help increase awareness in the jewelry appraisal field and make advanced appraisal education more accessible to more individuals. We look forward to supporting students and working with the next generation of professionals.” 

Instappraise and NAJA share a dedication to excellence and innovation, they said, and together aim to empower those seeking to meet career goals while also contributing to the advancement of the trade.  

“This partnership with Instappraise is a continuation of the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers’ commitment to appraisal education and supporting individuals in their pursuit of professional achievements,” said Gail Brett Levine, NAJA executive director. 

The two companies said they remain committed to fostering excellence and innovation within the jewelry appraisal industry, and the scholarships represent a significant milestone in their shared mission to empower and support professionals in their career journeys. 

For more information on Instappraise, visit instappraise.com, call 866-351-5566 or email info@instappraise.com.  

To learn about NAJA, visit najaappraisers.com or contact Gail Brett Levine at naja.appraisers@netzero.net.