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 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.
The Latest

The New York-based jewelry brand has expanded overseas, opening a store in London’s Mayfair district.

Rising revenue does not automatically mean a healthy business, particularly in the current economic landscape, Smith writes.

These long, fluid drop earrings are sure to catch the eye.

Colored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.

Alberto Perez-Elias is one of four men charged with robbing a Cape Coral, Florida, jewelry store and is the only one still at large.


The designer, who once said she’d never sell lab-grown diamonds, debuted two capsule collections designed to be fun and easy to wear.

The diamond miner and marketer is undergoing another round of cost-cutting measures ahead of its sale by Anglo American.

DCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.

AGTA also has announced the lineup of judges for the colored gemstone cutting and jewelry design contest’s various categories.

Collectibles platform Arena Club’s new Time Boxes could contain a Rolex or Patek Philippe watch.

The “Constellation Plié” collar, our Piece of the Week, features diamonds arranged in a constellation of shining stars.

Shaun Wills joined the company in 2024 and was chief financial officer of the De Beers Brands and Consumer Markets division.

In honor of its 20th anniversary, the jewelry brand has released a limited-edition collection of Swiss-made timepieces.

“Human Being” highlights the similarities and differences between us through five sets of jewelry that celebrate fine craftsmanship.

Richemont will continue to provide operational services for the watch brand for a period while the group prepares to integrate it.

Nate Borgelt will lead the digital auction house and content platform’s new division as head of watches.

Enoch Platero, founder and designer behind Enoch Michael, is the first Native American jeweler to win the award.

AGS also announced the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.

The founder of the billion-dollar jewelry and lifestyle brand will debut as a full-time “Shark” on the upcoming season of the show.

Plus, why retailers should be ready to adjust as the U.S. population may decline this year for the first time since the Great Depression.

René Lalique’s “Woman Dragonfly With Open Wings” pendant, the first piece the museum acquired, was one of the jewels taken.

Arien Gessner and Moss Makhoulian have been elevated into newly created roles.

A podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.

The association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.

Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.

Around 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum dedicated to French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique.

The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.


























