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
TrendsMar 09, 2026
Jake Gyllenhaal Is Bulgari’s Latest AmbassadorBulgari named Gyllenhaal as its brand ambassador for his embodiment of artistic depth, intellectual curiosity, and warmth.
Events & AwardsMar 09, 2026
TJS Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnersAwards were given to four students, one apprentice, and an emerging jeweler.
AuctionsMar 09, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Lead White-Glove SaleThe top jewelry lot of the late model’s estate sale, hosted by John Moran Auctioneers, was an Oscar Heyman & Brothers for Cartier necklace.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
GradingMar 06, 2026
Tom Moses Leaving GIA After Nearly 50 YearsMoses, who started at GIA’s Santa Monica lab in 1976, will leave the Gemological Institute of America in May.
Weekly QuizMar 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Lab-GrownMar 06, 2026
Charles & Colvard Files for Bankruptcy, Citing Price PressuresIncreased competition, falling lab-grown diamond and moissanite prices, and the rising cost of gold took a toll on the moissanite maker.
CollectionsMar 06, 2026
Zome’s ‘Solara’ Earrings Embody Celestial BeautyThe earrings, our Piece of the Week, feature pink tourmalines as planets orbiting around an aquamarine center set in 18-karat rose gold.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
MajorsMar 06, 2026
Pomellato’s 2026 IWD Campaign Spotlights Economic Abuse“The Price of Freedom” campaign video for International Women’s Day confronts the quiet violence of financial control.
Policies & IssuesMar 05, 2026
Tariffs to Increase to 15% This Week, Treasury Secretary Says Also, a federal judge has ordered that companies that paid tariffs implemented under the IEEPA are entitled to refunds.
CollectionsMar 05, 2026
Common Era Honors ‘Difficult Women’ in CollectionThe ever-growing collection, which just expanded with the addition of Olga of Kyiv, features cameos of 12 women from history.
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Engagement Ring Trends 2026: What’s In, and WhyWe asked a jewelry historian, designer, bridal director, and wedding expert what’s trending in engagement rings. Here’s what they said.
Events & AwardsMar 05, 2026
AGS Announces Conclave 2026 Speaker LineupThe annual event will be held in Orlando, Florida, from Sept. 14-17.
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Caitríona Balfe Fronts Only Natural Diamonds CoverThe “Outlander” star modeled for the digital cover of the magazine’s spring issue, which features a story on her relationship with jewelry.
MajorsMar 05, 2026
Registration Opens for CIBJO Centenary CongressThis year’s annual congress, which will mark the confederation’s 100th anniversary, will take place this fall in Italy.
MajorsMar 04, 2026
Michael M Opens First StoreBeverly Hills was chosen as the location for the brand’s first store, designed as a “private residence for modern monarchs.”
Policies & IssuesMar 04, 2026
Luxury Brands Temporarily Shutter Middle East StoresKering, Apple, and other retailers have reportedly temporarily closed stores in the Middle East region in light of the recent conflicts.
EditorsMar 04, 2026
Q&A: Brilliant Earth’s CEO on the New Beverly Hills StoreBeth Gerstein discusses the vibe of the new store, what customers want when fine jewelry shopping today, and the details of “Date Night.”
Events & AwardsMar 04, 2026
JIS Miami Spring Show to Feature New Gifts Pavilion, Pop-Up Trends TalksNearly half of buyers are prioritizing silver and fashion collections this season, organizers said.
TrendsMar 04, 2026
Spinelli Kilcollin Rides Free In Year of the Horse CampaignThe “Live Now. Polish Later.” campaign features equestrians wearing the brand’s jewels while galloping across the icy plains of Kazakhstan.
MajorsMar 04, 2026
LeachGarner Names New Brand DirectorThe precious metals provider has promoted Jennifer Ashworth to the role.
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards GrantNelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on March 13.
MajorsMar 03, 2026
Swiss Refiner Completes Acquisition of Gannon & ScottThe American precious metals refiner’s day-to-day operations remain the same post-acquisition.
TrendsMar 03, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: AquatopiaThese aquamarine jewels channel the calming energy of the March birthstone.
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2026
AGTA Adds Another New Category for SpectrumThe “Innovative Design” category and award will debut in the Spectrum division of this year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards.
EditorsMar 02, 2026
Jewelry at the Actor Awards: Reimagining Hollywood GlamourDiamond jewelry was the star of the event formerly known as the SAG Awards.
SurveysMar 02, 2026
Consumer Confidence Edges Up in FebruaryConsumers were somewhat less worried about the future, though concerns about rising prices and politics remained.
