Events & AwardsJun 17, 2024
Instore Show, Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference to Co-LocateEvents & AwardsJun 18, 2024
NAJA Announces Its Mid-Year ‘Ace It’ Conference
The conference will focus on the “practical ‘how to’ of appraising gems and jewelry,” said NAJA Executive Director Gail Brett Levine.
The National Association of Jewelry Appraisers mid-year conference will take place in connection with the Instore show, slated for Aug. 10 to 12 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill.
Rosemont, Ill.—The National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA) has announced the details of its 62nd mid-year conference.
Slated for Aug. 10 to 12, the “Ace It” conference will take place at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill.
It will focus on the “practical ‘how to’ of appraising gems and jewelry,” said NAJA Executive Director Gail Brett Levine.
The mid-year event follows the association’s winter conference, its annual gem market-focused event that took place earlier this year in Tucson.
It will include hands-on workshops, presentations, and exhibits. A mock auction at Heritage Auctions’ Chicago location also will take place.
There will be a total of 10 presentations at the conference, each provided by experts from appraisal and related fields.
“Fakes, Counterfeits, Frauds, and Misrepresentation” will be presented by Duncan Parker, an FGA, and vice president and jewelry specialist at Dupuis Fine Jewellery Auctioneers.
“NAJA’s Report Writing Standards: A Usage Guide” will be hosted by Deborah Finleon, a GIA graduate gemologist (G.G.) and CMA at DJF Appraisal Services.
“The Cost Approach: A Basic Tool” will be held by Dave Atlas, CSM, a GIA G.G., and DGLA-DACO.
“Watching the Market: Current Trends in the Watch Market” will be presented by Reginald Brack, senior vice president and head of the watch department at Freeman’s | Hindman Auctions.
“A Practical Approach to Building a Pricing Database During Trade Shows” will be hosted by Stuart Robertson, a GIA G.G. and president of Gemworld International.
“Power Search Tips: Finding and Refining the Best Comps” will be co-hosted by Jessica DuBroc, a GIA G.G. and director of fine jewelry at Heritage Auctions New York, and Gina D’Onofrio, an FGA and the director of fine jewelry at Heritage Auctions Beverly Hills.
“Deaccessioning a Collection: Preparing Your Clients for Success” will be held by Vera Prather, a GIA G.G. and director of fine jewelry at Heritage Auctions New York, and Ana Wroblaski, a GIA G.G. and director of fine jewelry at Heritage Auctions Beverly Hills.
“Driehaus Museum: A Jewel Box of a Museum” will be presented by Lisa Key, executive director of the Driehaus Museum.
“Review of Ethical Standards and Their Application in Our Daily Practices” will be hosted by Steve Turner, CSM, a GIA G.G., and the president of Gemcorp.
“Appraisal Software Solutions: Exploring Their Use, Benefits, and Limits” will be moderated by Lance Nygaard, a GIA G.G., and Robertson. The three panelists are: Raphael Bovin from Instappraise, Richard Drucker from GAS, and Thom Underwood from QL2.
There will also be an optional workshop on Saturday titled “Decoding the Intangible Value Factors of Colored Stones” with Cigdem Lule, Ph.D. and FGA.
To attend this session, there is an additional fee of $200.
Related stories will be right here …
Slated for Aug. 10 to 12, the “Ace It” conference will take place at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill.
It will focus on the “practical ‘how to’ of appraising gems and jewelry,” said NAJA Executive Director Gail Brett Levine.
The mid-year event follows the association’s winter conference, its annual gem market-focused event that took place earlier this year in Tucson.
It will include hands-on workshops, presentations, and exhibits. A mock auction at Heritage Auctions’ Chicago location also will take place.
There will be a total of 10 presentations at the conference, each provided by experts from appraisal and related fields.
“Fakes, Counterfeits, Frauds, and Misrepresentation” will be presented by Duncan Parker, an FGA, and vice president and jewelry specialist at Dupuis Fine Jewellery Auctioneers.
“NAJA’s Report Writing Standards: A Usage Guide” will be hosted by Deborah Finleon, a GIA graduate gemologist (G.G.) and CMA at DJF Appraisal Services.
“The Cost Approach: A Basic Tool” will be held by Dave Atlas, CSM, a GIA G.G., and DGLA-DACO.
“Watching the Market: Current Trends in the Watch Market” will be presented by Reginald Brack, senior vice president and head of the watch department at Freeman’s | Hindman Auctions.
“A Practical Approach to Building a Pricing Database During Trade Shows” will be hosted by Stuart Robertson, a GIA G.G. and president of Gemworld International.
“Power Search Tips: Finding and Refining the Best Comps” will be co-hosted by Jessica DuBroc, a GIA G.G. and director of fine jewelry at Heritage Auctions New York, and Gina D’Onofrio, an FGA and the director of fine jewelry at Heritage Auctions Beverly Hills.
“Deaccessioning a Collection: Preparing Your Clients for Success” will be held by Vera Prather, a GIA G.G. and director of fine jewelry at Heritage Auctions New York, and Ana Wroblaski, a GIA G.G. and director of fine jewelry at Heritage Auctions Beverly Hills.
“Driehaus Museum: A Jewel Box of a Museum” will be presented by Lisa Key, executive director of the Driehaus Museum.
“Review of Ethical Standards and Their Application in Our Daily Practices” will be hosted by Steve Turner, CSM, a GIA G.G., and the president of Gemcorp.
“Appraisal Software Solutions: Exploring Their Use, Benefits, and Limits” will be moderated by Lance Nygaard, a GIA G.G., and Robertson. The three panelists are: Raphael Bovin from Instappraise, Richard Drucker from GAS, and Thom Underwood from QL2.
There will also be an optional workshop on Saturday titled “Decoding the Intangible Value Factors of Colored Stones” with Cigdem Lule, Ph.D. and FGA.
To attend this session, there is an additional fee of $200.
The conference will be co-located with the Instore show.
“We are excited to present this conference in connection with Instore. Access to the Instore Show provides an excellent opportunity for us to integrate mid-level market research into the conference agenda as well as for attendees to expand their network of established trade resource,” said Levine.
Registration for the conference is $425 for NAJA members before July 15 or $525 after; $600 for new members, including fees plus the conference; $650 for nonmembers before July 15 or $750 after; or $50 for vision screening on Sunday only.
For more information on the conference and to register, contact Gail Brett Levine by phone at 718-896-1536 or by email at office@NAJAAppraisers.com or naja.appraisers@netzero.net.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
CollectionsJun 06, 2025
Piece of the Week: Harwell Godfrey’s ‘Granny Squares Eleanor’ Necklace As an homage to iconic crochet blankets, the necklace features the nostalgic motif through a kaleidoscope of cabochon-cut stones.
SourcingJun 05, 2025
A Rare Suite of Rubies Has Arrived in Las VegasThe “Royal Ruby” Collection is a quintet of untreated rubies curated by collector Jack Abraham.
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las VegasThe entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.
Brought to you by
The True Power Behind the Counter: Why Sales Associates Are the Heart of the Jewelry BusinessWhen investing in your jewelry business, it's important not to overlook the most crucial element of success: the sales associates.
MajorsJun 05, 2025
Platinum Guild International Updates Leadership TeamTwo existing executives have been given new roles.
Weekly QuizJun 05, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
Zillion Announces 'Women in STEM' Scholarship RecipientMeredith Tiderington, an electrical engineering student, was selected for the award.
Lab-GrownJun 04, 2025
GIA Reverting to More General Terminology for Lab-Grown DiamondsIt will quit assigning the stones specific color and clarity grades in favor of applying “new descriptive terminology.”
Brought to you by
Clienteling Isn’t a Buzzword. It’s an Essential Business Model.More shoppers are walking out without buying. Here’s how smart jewelers can bring them back—and the tool they need to do it right.
Events & AwardsJun 04, 2025
As JCK Talks Returns, Don’t Miss These 12 SessionsFrom design trends to sustainability, here’s a roundup of can’t-miss education sessions at JCK Las Vegas.
CrimeJun 04, 2025
10 Safety Tips for the Las Vegas Shows The Jewelers’ Security Alliance offers advice for those attending the annual trade shows.
MajorsJun 04, 2025
Amy Curran Promoted at Hill & Co.Her new role is director of strategic initiatives.
CollectionsJun 03, 2025
In Her Latest Collection, Viviana Langhoff Is Leaning Into GoldThe designer is embracing bold pieces with weight to them in “AU79,” a collection she celebrated with a creative launch party.
FinancialsJun 03, 2025
Signet Jewelers Sees Turnaround in Q1 With Sales Ticking Up 2%On an earnings call, CEO J.K. Symancyk discussed what’s working for the company and how it’s preparing for the potential impact of tariffs.
SurveysJun 03, 2025
Consumer Confidence Improves in May The index partially rebounded after months of decline, due in part to the U.S.-China deal to temporarily reduce import tariffs.
CollectionsJun 03, 2025
Dakota Johnson Is Roberto Coin’s New Brand AmbassadorThe actress stars in the latest campaign set in Venice, Italy, and is set to participate in other creative initiatives for the jeweler.
GradingJun 03, 2025
Mason-Kay Jade Adds ‘Fei Cui’ to Jade ReportsThe company has joined other labs, including GIA and Lotus Gemology, in adopting the Chinese term for "jadeite jade."
SourcingJun 02, 2025
Gemfields’ June Auction to Include 36-Carat RubyThe large stone will be offered at its June sale along with a selection of secondary-type rubies from a new area of the Montepuez mine.
GradingJun 02, 2025
GSI Opens New Lab in Thailand Located in Bangkok, the laboratory is Gemological Science International’s 14th location worldwide.
TrendsJun 02, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Three Gems for June Those born in June have a myriad of options for their birthstone jewelry.
SourcingJun 02, 2025
David Allouche Joins Grandview Klein DiamondsThe diamond industry veteran has been named its senior sales executive.
FinancialsMay 30, 2025
Movado’s Q1 Sales Slip Amid ‘Challenging’ Retail Environment The company plans to raise the prices of select watches to offset the impact of tariffs.
Policies & IssuesMay 30, 2025
Tariffs & Designers: Navigating Pricing in an Unstable EnvironmentBetween tariffs and the sky-high cost of gold, designers enter this year’s Las Vegas shows with a lot of questions and few answers.
CollectionsMay 30, 2025
Piece of the Week: Renato Cipullo’s ‘Hematite Blaze’ NecklaceDesigned by founder Renato and his daughter Serena Cipullo, it showcases a flame motif representing unity and the power of gathering.
Policies & IssuesMay 30, 2025
Trade Court Declares Trump’s Tariffs InvalidHowever, the tariffs remain in effect in the short term, as an appeals court has stayed the U.S. Court of International Trade’s decision.
CollectionsMay 29, 2025
Britney Spears Files Trademark for New Jewelry LineThe pop icon is one step closer to launching her “B Tiny” jewelry collection, a collection she first began posting about last fall.
Supplier BulletinMay 29, 2025
Inoveo Platinum Grain, Exclusively Distributed by StullerSponsored by Stuller
SourcingMay 29, 2025
Grizzly Auctions 6,620-Carat EmeraldIt was featured in the miner’s latest sale, which brought in $24.8 million.
