Events & AwardsSep 11, 2026
The Edge Awards Scholarships to 2 Young Jewelry ProfessionalsEvents & AwardsNov 03, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Name 2026 Scholarship Winners
The winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.
The three winners of Instappraise and the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers scholarships are Kirstin Viland, Joanna Kovacs, and Shari Lukacs.
New York—Jewelry appraisal software solutions provider Instappraise and the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA) have announced the three winners of their joint scholarships.
The companies first partnered together in 2024 to launch two joint scholarships and recently upped it to three.
These scholarships expand access to advanced triaging, professional credentials, and modern appraisal technology for jewelry appraisal professionals.
“NAJA is pleased to continue working with Instappraise to support serious students and practicing professionals who want to advance their expertise,” said Gail Brett Levine, executive director at NAJA.
“This scholarship program helps members pursue meaningful credentials while contributing to stronger appraisal practice throughout the industry.”
The program supports candidates at multiple stages of professional development through three scholarships, including scholarships for a non-NAJA member seeking formal appraisal training, a current NAJA member beginning the NAJA Appraisal Studies Course, and a NAJA Certified Member pursuing the Certified Master Appraiser designation.
The 2026 scholarship winners are Kirstin Viland, Joanna Kovacs, and Shari Lukacs.
“The Instappraise scholarships are designed to remove barriers to professional development and help appraisers strengthen the quality, consistency, and credibility of their work,” said Raphael Boivin, founder of Instappraise.
“We are proud to recognize this year’s recipients and support their continued growth in a field where education, ethics, and technology are increasingly important.”
Viland is the recipient of the non-NAJA member scholarship who is looking for formal training within the jewelry appraisal profession.
She said she is incredibly grateful for the opportunity.
“I am honored to receive this scholarship as it allows me to continue to build on my education by expanding my knowledge of properly and professionally appraising gems and jewelry. I look forward to building a foundation with NAJA based on gemological knowledge and appraisal standards,” said Viland.
Kovacs received the current NAJA member scholarship and is beginning the NAJA Appraisal Studies Course.
“I am very honored and humbled to receive such a prestigious award from NAJA and Instappraise. This award allows me to continue upgrading my credentials and knowledge as a GIA graduate gemologist,” said Kovacs.
Lukacs won the NAJA Certified Member scholarship and is advancing toward the Certified Master Appraiser designation.
She thanked both NAJA and Instappraise for the opportunity and challenge the scholarship allows her to pursue.
“Achieving the next level of my education will show dedication to a career that I enjoy. It will also give me a professional edge and knowledge to better serve my client,” said Lukacs.
Related stories will be right here …
The companies first partnered together in 2024 to launch two joint scholarships and recently upped it to three.
These scholarships expand access to advanced triaging, professional credentials, and modern appraisal technology for jewelry appraisal professionals.
“NAJA is pleased to continue working with Instappraise to support serious students and practicing professionals who want to advance their expertise,” said Gail Brett Levine, executive director at NAJA.
“This scholarship program helps members pursue meaningful credentials while contributing to stronger appraisal practice throughout the industry.”
The program supports candidates at multiple stages of professional development through three scholarships, including scholarships for a non-NAJA member seeking formal appraisal training, a current NAJA member beginning the NAJA Appraisal Studies Course, and a NAJA Certified Member pursuing the Certified Master Appraiser designation.
The 2026 scholarship winners are Kirstin Viland, Joanna Kovacs, and Shari Lukacs.
“The Instappraise scholarships are designed to remove barriers to professional development and help appraisers strengthen the quality, consistency, and credibility of their work,” said Raphael Boivin, founder of Instappraise.
“We are proud to recognize this year’s recipients and support their continued growth in a field where education, ethics, and technology are increasingly important.”
Viland is the recipient of the non-NAJA member scholarship who is looking for formal training within the jewelry appraisal profession.
She said she is incredibly grateful for the opportunity.
“I am honored to receive this scholarship as it allows me to continue to build on my education by expanding my knowledge of properly and professionally appraising gems and jewelry. I look forward to building a foundation with NAJA based on gemological knowledge and appraisal standards,” said Viland.
Kovacs received the current NAJA member scholarship and is beginning the NAJA Appraisal Studies Course.
“I am very honored and humbled to receive such a prestigious award from NAJA and Instappraise. This award allows me to continue upgrading my credentials and knowledge as a GIA graduate gemologist,” said Kovacs.
Lukacs won the NAJA Certified Member scholarship and is advancing toward the Certified Master Appraiser designation.
She thanked both NAJA and Instappraise for the opportunity and challenge the scholarship allows her to pursue.
“Achieving the next level of my education will show dedication to a career that I enjoy. It will also give me a professional edge and knowledge to better serve my client,” said Lukacs.
As winners of the scholarships, Viland, Kovacs, and Lukacs will receive access to NAJA Appraisal Studies Courses, covered 2026-2027 membership dues, and a one-year Instappraise software subscription.
Instappraise said these benefits will help the winners build the skills and tools needed to prepare clear, compliant, and professional appraisal reports.
The scholarships reflect both Instappraise and NAJA’s shared commitment to raising professional standards across the jewelry appraisal community, said the companies.
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