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.
The Latest
IndependentsSep 04, 2026
Orloff Jewelers Will Soon Unveil a Bigger, Better LocationThe California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.
CollectionsSep 04, 2026
Chelsea Gabrielle Transforms Pilates Reformer Springs Into Ring A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2026
JCK Industry Fund Accepting 2027 ApplicationsThe deadline to apply is Nov. 13.
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.
AuctionsSep 04, 2026
Christie's Names New Global Head of WatchesThe auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.
Weekly QuizSep 03, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsSep 03, 2026
Q&A: Simon G.’s CEO on Why He Won’t Use AI for Jewelry DesignZaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.
Events & AwardsSep 03, 2026
Here Are the First Recipients of Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.
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.
WatchesSep 03, 2026
Robert Pattinson Joins Jaeger-LeCoultre as Brand AmbassadorThe British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.
CollectionsSep 03, 2026
Sydney Evan Celebrates 25 Years With 4 New CollectionsThe “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.
CrimeSep 02, 2026
CA Jeweler Gets 5 Years in ‘Phantom Rolex’ Ponzi SchemeNelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.
AuctionsSep 02, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s “significant” collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction.
MajorsSep 02, 2026
Messika Names Former Omega Exec as New President, CEO of AmericasArnaud Michon, the former Omega USA President, will now lead Messika’s Americas region during its international development.
Events & AwardsSep 02, 2026
Emerald’s New Owner Introduces ‘Glitter in the Grove’The branding references the back-to-back jewelry shows that new parent company Forge will host in Miami's Coconut Grove this November.
AuctionsSep 01, 2026
UK Woman Uncovers Rare Patek Philippe Watch in Mom’s Jewelry BoxThe stainless steel Patek Philippe “Calatrava” watch from the 1930s sold for nearly $80,000 at a recent Hansons Cornwall auction.
ColumnistsSep 01, 2026
Your Jewelry Marketing Has a Bridal ProblemEngagement rings are important but don’t ignore the customers who are buying jewelry “just because,” Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Kering Names New Pomellato, DoDo CEOsFormer Pomellato CEO Sabina Belli has been named president of Kering Italia amid a shakeup of Kering's new Jewelry division.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Anne Marie Shulman Joins GPA GlobalThe veteran luxury packaging executive was appointed to help the company grow its North American business.
CrimeAug 31, 2026
$4M Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Necklace Snatched From Vienna Museum Once the property of an Egyptian queen, the necklace was part of a larger exhibition of VCA jewelry at the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK).
GradingAug 31, 2026
GIA, Gübelin Gem Lab Confirm New Paraíba Tourmaline Deposit in EthiopiaThe labs’ separate investigations each determined that the East African country is producing copper-bearing tourmaline.
Events & AwardsAug 31, 2026
Wisconsin Museum to Host Jewelry Exhibition“Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective” at the Oshkosh Public Museum will feature works by Fabergé, Lalique, and Louis Comfort Tiffany.
CollectionsAug 31, 2026
Catbird Launches First Men’s Jewelry CollectionThe “Worn Well” collection is Catbird's take on classic men's jewelry.
CollectionsAug 28, 2026
Dolly Parton Would Have Loved This Butterfly Necklace This Buddha Mama butterfly is our Piece of the Week honoring the legend, who embraced the beautiful insect as her symbol.
IndependentsAug 28, 2026
Day’s Jewelers Honored With 3 Workplace AwardsThe employee-owned jeweler was named a “Best Place to Work” in Maine, New Hampshire, and for women.
CollectionsAug 27, 2026
Pandora Expands ‘Talisman’ Collection as Lawsuit Continues The second iteration of the jewelry collection was inspired by the zodiac and the four elements: earth, water, air and fire.
CrimeAug 27, 2026
Customs Seizes Nearly 900 Pieces of Counterfeit JewelryThe package, intercepted in Indianapolis, contained fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry.
IndependentsAug 27, 2026
Jessica McCormack to Open First West Coast StoreThe new location in Costa Mesa, California, marks the brand’s second store in the United States and fourth standalone location worldwide.
