Valuers’ Conference Presentation Titles Announced for the NAJ Summit 2024
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The National Association of Jewellers’ Institute of Registered Valuers (IRV) has announced the presentation titles at this year’s Valuers’ Conference, taking place at the NAJ Summit from June 22-24, 2024.
The 2024 Valuers’ Conference includes a packed roster of presentations, masterclasses and workshops designed for the entire jewellery trade, from jewellery valuers, retailers and sales professionals to students and designers who wish to expand their professional horizons.
The main presentations are delivered as lecture-style talks to Conference attendees, with all presentations taking place on Saturday, June 22.
Branko Deljanin is recognised internationally as an expert in diamond grading and gemstone identification. Branko will dive into a Historical Review of Diamond Industry Methods for Identifying Synthetic and Treated Diamonds.
The presentation explores how diamond dealers, gemmologists, appraisers, and retailers can use tools to help them accurately ID synthetic diamonds.
Dr Maria McLennan, the world’s first forensic jeweller, will deliver another unique presentation titled Forensics: Jewellery, The Body, and Identity. Maria will discuss the links between jewellery, identity, and the human body, exploring how applying a wide variety of tools, techniques, and approaches within the jewellery design industry can assist forensic investigators with identifying human remains.
Joanna Whalley enjoyed three decades at the Victoria & Albert Museum, leading the Metals Conservation team and as Lead Conservator of the museum’s jewellery gallery. In her talk, Valuing Conditions, Joanna will take a closer look at deterioration, damage and some of the more popular methods of repair and alteration. An essential step in assessing an object’s value lies in accurately assessing its condition. Yet, how easy is it to spot damage, deterioration, or even downright fakery?
Dr Thomas Hainschwang discusses the testing processes used at the GGTL Laboratories to determine whether colours in diamonds are natural or the product of treatment. This can be especially challenging in green diamonds, which Thomas will explain in detail during his talk, Coloured Diamonds: The Processes and Challenges of Colour Origin Determination.
Gemmological Minds: Gemstone Profiling to Catch the Offenders! is the title of Conference regular Kerry Gregory. The FBI catches criminals by profiling and analysing the characters of people based on observation, behaviour, and evidence. We can be gemstone profilers and become better gemmologists using similar techniques to identify gemstones efficiently and accurately.
Sarah Fergusson, Senior Specialist for Watches at Bonhams, will present, Valuing Time: Pricing Watches in a Changing Market. This presentation will explore the rise of the category over the last 40 years, with mention of the Covid bubble and its aftermath and delve into issues affecting value of vintage watches, including originality, documentation and biographies.
Charles Bexfield delivers his talk, An Overview of the UK Gemstone Market.
The presentation will explore how gemstone prices have changed over the last few years, as our economy and other external factors have influenced consumer spending. He will also compare the US and EU markets to our own and consider the factors causing price fluctuations around the world.
NAJ Chair and Fellow of the IRV, Heather Callaway, shares,
“We are excited to announce a wide-ranging selection of presentations from a highly esteemed list of international experts. From diamond identification to watches, forgeries, market analysis and even forensics, we are confident this year’s Conference will provide knowledge-enhancing talks and plenty of discussion.”
What is the NAJ Summit?
The extended weekend, taking place from the 22-24 June 2024 at Park Regis Hotel, Birmingham, will once again feature the Valuers’ Conference hosted by the Institute of Registered Valuers and the Retail Jeweller’s Congress hosted by the JET Business Network, creating an unmissable three days of connecting with peers and knowledge-sharing.
NAJ Tickets are priced at day rates, with significant discounts available when booking multiple days or additional tickets.
Receive 20% off the price of a second ticket and 30% off a third ticket when purchasing tickets for multiple staff members.
The day rate includes access to the talks and workshops on your chosen day, plus food and refreshments.
1 day – £245 + VAT (NAJ/IRV members) / £295 + VAT (non-members)
2 days – £360 + VAT (NAJ/IRV members) / £410 + VAT (non-members)
3 days – £455 + VAT (NAJ/IRV members) / £495 + VAT (non-members)