Events & AwardsDec 09, 2025
MJSA Showcase Pavilion Returning to JA New York SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference
“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
The National Association of Jewelry Appraisers will hold its 65th annual “Ace It” Winter Conference in Tucson on Jan. 30-Feb. 1, 2026.
Rego Park, N.Y.—The National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA) has announced the details for its annual in-person conference in Tucson, Arizona, next year.
The 65th “Ace It” Winter Conference is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 30, through Sunday, Feb. 1, at the Tucson Convention Center.
Programming will take place in the convention center’s Maricopa Room.
An optional hands-on workshop is set for Jan. 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Robert James will lead the event, titled “Expert Witness Workshop! On the Stand: Expert Witness Techniques for Jewelry Appraisers.”
He will provide a complete overview of how jewelry appraisers can expand their services to include expert witness and litigation consulting for attorneys and insurance offices.
The talk will cover office requirements, expert witness fees, working with attorneys, investigation techniques, structuring the expert witness report for state and federal courts, deposition rules and procedures, trial rules, and procedures, and how to market expert witness services to law offices and insurance companies.
All attendees will receive a QR code to obtain a copy of the presentation.
The following two days will feature presentations, Q&As, and more hands-on sessions.
Presenters include “longtime favorites,” as well as first-time speakers, each set to discuss relevant topics with information that members can take back to their business and employ immediately, said NAJA.
Saturday will begin with registration and coffee at 7:30 a.m., followed by a welcome address at 8 a.m.
Jenny Luker, president at Platinum Guild International USA, will kick off the education sessions with “Platinum Unveiled: Properties, Hallmarks, and Appraisal Considerations,” an overview of what to know when appraising platinum jewelry, at 8:30 a.m.
It will be followed by gem cutter Justin Prim giving a session titled “Beauty, Value, and the Power of Gem Cutting” at 9:30 a.m. Prim will discuss the cutting process, how cutting can affect a gemstone’s final color, how to distinguish well-cut stones from poorly cut stones, and how recutting a stone can add to its value.
At 11 a.m., Stuller’s Guy Borenstein will give a talk titled, “Certified Hybrid Master Sets – Concept, Assembly, and Availability Details,” an overview of the grading tool and its features.
At 1:30 p.m., Stuart Robertson, president of Gemworld International Inc., will present “Colored Stones – Their Market and Price Trends,” a discussion on market fluctuations in supply, demand, and price for the 10 best-known gemstone varieties of the last 20 years.
The day will close with “The Landmark Changes at Tiffany,” at 3 p.m. The hands-on seminar, led by appraiser and specialist in Tiffany & Co. history, Lauren Abramowitz, will educate attendees on marks to look for when appraising Tiffany branded jewelry.
It will be followed by Robert James’ two-hour “Taking the Fear out of Watch Appraisals Workshop,” beginning at 4 p.m., which will offer training grounded in the USGI Certified Watch Professional program standards.
Related stories will be right here …
The 65th “Ace It” Winter Conference is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 30, through Sunday, Feb. 1, at the Tucson Convention Center.
Programming will take place in the convention center’s Maricopa Room.
An optional hands-on workshop is set for Jan. 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Robert James will lead the event, titled “Expert Witness Workshop! On the Stand: Expert Witness Techniques for Jewelry Appraisers.”
He will provide a complete overview of how jewelry appraisers can expand their services to include expert witness and litigation consulting for attorneys and insurance offices.
The talk will cover office requirements, expert witness fees, working with attorneys, investigation techniques, structuring the expert witness report for state and federal courts, deposition rules and procedures, trial rules, and procedures, and how to market expert witness services to law offices and insurance companies.
All attendees will receive a QR code to obtain a copy of the presentation.
The following two days will feature presentations, Q&As, and more hands-on sessions.
Presenters include “longtime favorites,” as well as first-time speakers, each set to discuss relevant topics with information that members can take back to their business and employ immediately, said NAJA.
Saturday will begin with registration and coffee at 7:30 a.m., followed by a welcome address at 8 a.m.
Jenny Luker, president at Platinum Guild International USA, will kick off the education sessions with “Platinum Unveiled: Properties, Hallmarks, and Appraisal Considerations,” an overview of what to know when appraising platinum jewelry, at 8:30 a.m.
It will be followed by gem cutter Justin Prim giving a session titled “Beauty, Value, and the Power of Gem Cutting” at 9:30 a.m. Prim will discuss the cutting process, how cutting can affect a gemstone’s final color, how to distinguish well-cut stones from poorly cut stones, and how recutting a stone can add to its value.
At 11 a.m., Stuller’s Guy Borenstein will give a talk titled, “Certified Hybrid Master Sets – Concept, Assembly, and Availability Details,” an overview of the grading tool and its features.
At 1:30 p.m., Stuart Robertson, president of Gemworld International Inc., will present “Colored Stones – Their Market and Price Trends,” a discussion on market fluctuations in supply, demand, and price for the 10 best-known gemstone varieties of the last 20 years.
The day will close with “The Landmark Changes at Tiffany,” at 3 p.m. The hands-on seminar, led by appraiser and specialist in Tiffany & Co. history, Lauren Abramowitz, will educate attendees on marks to look for when appraising Tiffany branded jewelry.
It will be followed by Robert James’ two-hour “Taking the Fear out of Watch Appraisals Workshop,” beginning at 4 p.m., which will offer training grounded in the USGI Certified Watch Professional program standards.
On Sunday, following 7:30 a.m. coffee service and morning notes, Duncan Parker will start at 8:30 a.m. with “History of Platinum.”
Stuller’s Harold Dupuy will follow at 9:30 a.m., with his talk, “Our Changing Industry,” an exploration of the current state of the jewelry industry.
At 11 a.m., Renee Newman, the author of “Pearls,” which was published this fall, will lead “Surprising Facts about Pearls You May Not Know.”
“The Luminescence of Diamond – The Science, Beauty, and Applications of a Little Understood Phenomenon,” will be presented by Dr. Thomas Hainschwang at 1:30 p.m.
The day will wrap up with Sammantha Maclachlan presenting “Through the Lens: Discovering the Secret Worlds Within Gemstones,” an exploration of the art and science of photomicrography, at 3 p.m. and conclude with Celine Rose David’s presentation “Eggs and Hammers: Art Deco Jewelry Innovation” at 4 p.m.
The final program is subject to change, NAJA said.
For more information or to register, contact NAJA Executive Director Gail Brett Levine at 718-896-1536 or via email at office@NAJAAppraisers.com or naja.appraisers@netzero.net.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail AcademyAs part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.
WatchesDec 30, 2025
Bulova, Stetson Collab on Watches With Western FlairThe new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.
CollectionsDec 30, 2025
Rahaminov Diamonds Pops Up in FloridaIts residency at Yamron Jewelers will run through May 2026.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
IndependentsDec 29, 2025
In Memoriam: Industry Friends We Lost in 2025From influential executives to innovative designers, we pay tribute to the people we said goodbye to this year.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Tanishq Opens New Stores in Florida, VirginiaThe retailer is expanding into areas with large Indian and South Asian populations.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Nanis Opens First Flagship Store The Italian brand has opened its first flagship amid the peaks of the Dolomites in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
CrimeDec 24, 2025
LA Jewelry District Couple Pleads Guilty to Hiding Millions from IRSThe couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in DecemberConsumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.
AuctionsDec 24, 2025
Bonhams to Open New U.S. Flagship in NYCIn February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.
Events & AwardsDec 24, 2025
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.
Events & AwardsDec 23, 2025
Bulgari Reimagines Costume Designers Guild AwardThe LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
Kering to Acquire Stake in Raselli Franco GroupThe luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
For Future Reference Vintage Enters Bloomingdale’sThe company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.
CrimeDec 22, 2025
Customs Seizes Hundreds of Fake Rolex, Cartier WatchesIn the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.
EditorsDec 22, 2025
How Helzberg Is Reimagining Its StoresHelzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.
Recorded WebinarsDec 22, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: Looking Back on an Eventful Year Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
MadaLuxe Group Acquires Ippolita The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
LVMH Names New Bulgari CEOLaura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.
EditorsDec 19, 2025
2025 Jewelry Superlatives: A Yearbook-Style Year in Review The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.
AuctionsDec 19, 2025
Jean Schlumberger’s ‘African Cat’ Is Purr-Fection Need a gift for the cat lover who has everything? Look no further than our latest Piece of the Week.
AuctionsDec 18, 2025
Audemars Piguet Reclaims Historic Pocket Watch at AuctionIt purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.
Lab-GrownDec 18, 2025
Kira Jewels Debuts Custom Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry ServiceThe lab-grown diamond grower now offers custom engagement and fashion jewelry through its Kira Custom Lab Jewelry service.
EditorsDec 18, 2025
Terry Chandler Looks Back on 40 Years of Opportunity, Change, and FriendsChandler got his start at Michelson Jewelers and has served as DCA president and CEO since 2001. He will retire at the end of the month.
WatchesDec 18, 2025
Bob’s Watches to Open Store in New York’s JFK AirportThe boutique is slated to open this week inside Terminal 8, offering pre-owned Rolex watches and more to international travelers.
