Events & AwardsJul 17, 2025
JA to Hold Learning Workshops This FallEvents & AwardsJul 21, 2025
NAJA’s 2025 ‘Ace It’ Conference To Go Virtual
The mid-year conference for jewelry and watch appraisers is slated for Aug. 9 to 10 on Zoom.
The two-day online conference will be recorded and available for registered attendees until midnight on Aug. 17.
Rego Park, N.Y.—The National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA) has announced that its “Ace It” mid-year conference will be virtual.
The 64th annual conference is slated for Aug. 9-10, from noon to 4 p.m. EST each day over Zoom.
Each session will be recorded and available for registered attendees until midnight on Aug. 17.
Organizers opted to make this year’s conference virtual in deference to Converge, a new industry event co-hosted by the American Gem Society and the Geological Institute of America, which is slated for Sept. 7-10 in Carlsbad, California.
The goal of the “Ace It” conference is to provide the latest information and insights that support and enhance attendees in their professional appraisal practices, said NAJA.
New and member-favorite experts will lead sessions on appraisal contracts, gold jewelry from the 1960s, high end Swiss watches, trademark identification, Tiffany & Co. jewelry, and jewelry forensics.
Another session, led by the author, will explore the process of creating the book “Women of Jewelry.”
There will be a total of eight presentations at the virtual conference.
Duncan Parker, an FGA, will kick off the conference with “Jewels Before the End of a Fixed Gold Price: The 1960s” session at noon on Saturday, Aug 9.
“Cash and Contracts” will be co-hosted by Deborah Finleon, a GIA G.G., and Sherlene Bradbury, a GIA G.G., at 1 p.m.
“Swiss Luxury Watches, Understanding the History, Assessing the Value” will be led by Michael Johnson, a GIA G.G., at 2 p.m.
Closing the sessions on Saturday, will be the “Jewelry Forensics” presentation led by Al Gilbertson, a GIA G.G., at 3 p.m.
Related stories will be right here …
The 64th annual conference is slated for Aug. 9-10, from noon to 4 p.m. EST each day over Zoom.
Each session will be recorded and available for registered attendees until midnight on Aug. 17.
Organizers opted to make this year’s conference virtual in deference to Converge, a new industry event co-hosted by the American Gem Society and the Geological Institute of America, which is slated for Sept. 7-10 in Carlsbad, California.
The goal of the “Ace It” conference is to provide the latest information and insights that support and enhance attendees in their professional appraisal practices, said NAJA.
New and member-favorite experts will lead sessions on appraisal contracts, gold jewelry from the 1960s, high end Swiss watches, trademark identification, Tiffany & Co. jewelry, and jewelry forensics.
Another session, led by the author, will explore the process of creating the book “Women of Jewelry.”
There will be a total of eight presentations at the virtual conference.
Duncan Parker, an FGA, will kick off the conference with “Jewels Before the End of a Fixed Gold Price: The 1960s” session at noon on Saturday, Aug 9.
“Cash and Contracts” will be co-hosted by Deborah Finleon, a GIA G.G., and Sherlene Bradbury, a GIA G.G., at 1 p.m.
“Swiss Luxury Watches, Understanding the History, Assessing the Value” will be led by Michael Johnson, a GIA G.G., at 2 p.m.
Closing the sessions on Saturday, will be the “Jewelry Forensics” presentation led by Al Gilbertson, a GIA G.G., at 3 p.m.
On Sunday, Aug. 10, the conference will begin with “Trademark Identification for Jewelry Appraisers” by Scott Papper, a GIA G.G., at noon.
At 1 p.m., Linda Koslof-Turner, a GIA G.G., will host “What it Took to Write this Book ‘Women of Jewelry’ Stories from the Author.”
“Peeking into the Blue Box” will be hosted by Lauren Abramovitz, a GIA G.G., at 2 p.m.
Gary Roskin, an FGA, will close out the conference at 3 p.m. with his session titled “Appraising, Your Valuable Time & Experience: How to Improve your Worth by Sharing Your Knowledge.”
Registration for the “Ace It” mid-year conference is $150 for NAJA members and $200 for non-members.
Registration can be completed here.
For more information, contact Gail Brett Levine at 718-896-1536, office@NAJAAppraisers.com, or naja.appraisers@netzero.net.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
EditorsAug 24, 2026
Q&A: Reeds Jewelers VP Genna Zimmer on 80 Years in BusinessThe third-generation jeweler shared how the North Carolina retailer is celebrating this milestone and the love story that started it all.
CollectionsAug 24, 2026
Francesca Villa Honors Napoleon, His Empresses In New CapsuleThe “Empresses” capsule uses 19th-century medals depicting Napoleon, Joséphine, and Marie-Louise across five one-of-a-kind pieces.
SurveysAug 21, 2026
These Are 2026’s Hottest Retailers, Says NRFThe retailers at the top of the list offer affordable products and fun, discovery-fueled experiences.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
WatchesAug 21, 2026
Bremont Names Former Vacheron Constantin Exec CMODaniel Bing was formerly the marketing director for the Americas at Vacheron Constantin.
Weekly QuizAug 20, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsAug 21, 2026
Bijules, Kamyen Serve Up ‘Topspin’ Tennis Bracelet Ahead of US OpenIn our Piece of the Week, the designers reimagine the tennis bracelet with green enamel wrapped around a strand of “Desert Diamonds.”
PodcastsAug 20, 2026
Episode 8: Diamond Industry Update With David Bonaparte & Ronnie VanderLindenThe industry veterans join the podcast to discuss diamond marketing, the FTC Jewelry Guides, and lobbying for lower tariffs.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
TechnologyAug 20, 2026
A New AI-Powered Gemstone Identification App Is HereFounder Vik Westermann said the app is a “starting point” to inspire people to work with appraisers and gem labs, not replace them.
AuctionsAug 20, 2026
Storied Unicorn Brooch Up for Auction Gallops to New Home The Verdura brooch, which belonged to the late Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, was sold to a private collector in Asia.
Events & AwardsAug 20, 2026
MJSA Education Foundation Names 5 Scholarship WinnersThe five students were awarded a total of $10,000 through the nonprofit’s 2026 “Future of Jewelry Making” scholarship.
MajorsAug 20, 2026
Plumb Club Elects 2026-2027 BoardSteven Lerche is now beginning his term as the youngest member to become president of The Plumb Club’s elected executive committee.
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Mike Alexander To Succeed Scott Murphy as Jewelers Mutual CEO Murphy will retire at the end of the year and Alexander, currently the company’s president, will take over at the start of 2027.
Policies & IssuesAug 19, 2026
Spinelli Kilcollin Embraces Dupes With Trade-In ProgramThe jeweler is encouraging customers who own lookalike rings to come into the store and trade them for credit towards an authentic piece.
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Zales Wants You to Wear Fine Jewelry Every DayThe new campaign, “You Are The Occasion,” discourages shoppers from saving their fine jewelry for special occasions only.
SourcingAug 19, 2026
Vasant Mehta, a Dedicated Diamond Industry Leader, Dies at 81Mehta led India’s GJEPC through the 2008 financial crisis and was respected worldwide for his wisdom, integrity, and knowledge.
CrimeAug 18, 2026
2 California Men Arrested in Fatal Vehicle Smash RobberyOne is the driver who allegedly crashed a car into a Sacramento jewelry store in April, striking a 71-year-old employee who later died.
ColumnistsAug 18, 2026
Peter Smith: The IKEA Effect and Bridal Branding In a new column, Peter Smith posits that people actually enjoy putting together IKEA furniture, and the same is true for engagement rings.
CrimeAug 18, 2026
Thieves Snatch $1M in Jewelry From New Jersey Jeweler9lakha Jewelers in Iselin, New Jersey, was the target of a smash-and-grab robbery on Aug. 8.
Lab-GrownAug 18, 2026
Ring Concierge, Kendall Jenner’s Tequila Brand Collab on GiveawayThe jeweler has partnered with 818 Tequila to gift lab-grown diamond studs to a bride-to-be and their bridal party.
Events & AwardsAug 17, 2026
Exhibition on Louis Comfort Tiffany’s Studios to Open at The MetThe exhibition will feature more than 100 drawings of stained-glass lampshades, windows, and more, many created by women and émigrés.
CollectionsAug 17, 2026
Marquise Diamonds Dance in Spinelli Kilcollin’s ‘Wren’ CollectionMarquise-cut diamonds in drop charms are the center of the new collection, reflecting the movement of a dancer in modular styles.
Events & AwardsAug 17, 2026
There’s a New Jewelry Show Coming to FloridaThe inaugural Fort Lauderdale Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show will be held from Jan. 28 through Feb. 1, 2027.
IndependentsAug 14, 2026
Smyth Jewelers to Open Fourth LocationThe family-owned jeweler will open a new showroom in Bel Air, Maryland, this fall.
CrimeAug 14, 2026
Wife of Man Convicted in Jeweler’s Murder Sentenced for Conspiracy Amanda Ileana Hernandez is married to Carlos Hernandez, one of two men in prison for the 2024 murder of Michigan jeweler Hussein Murray.
TrendsAug 14, 2026
Paul Morelli’s Latest ‘Wavey Vine’ Earrings Embrace ColorThe reimagined jewel, our Piece of the Week, trades the diamonds in the original 1998 design for blue, pink, yellow, and green sapphires.
Supplier BulletinAug 13, 2026
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSponsored by American Gem Trade Association
