NAJ Summit 2024: An Overview of Valuers’ Conference Presentations

The National Association of Jewellers’ Institute of Registered Valuers (IRV) has revealed the lineup of presentation titles for the forthcoming Valuers’ Conference, an integral component of the NAJ Summit scheduled from June 22-24, 2024. 

This year’s conference, hosted at the Park Regis Hotel, Birmingham, aims to cater to a wide array of professionals within the jewellery sector, including valuers, retailers, sales personnel, students, and designers, offering them an opportunity to broaden their professional expertise.

Conference Agenda and Key Presentations

Scheduled for Saturday, June 22, the conference will feature a variety of lecture-style talks, encompassing topics from diamond identification to the valuation of timepieces in a fluctuating market. Notably, the conference will welcome renowned experts from around the globe, each contributing their unique perspective and specialised knowledge to the event.

Diamond Industry Insights

Branko Deljanin, a globally recognised figure in diamond grading and gemstone identification, will present a “Historical Review of Diamond Industry Methods for Identifying Synthetic and Treated Diamonds.” This talk is designed to equip diamond dealers, gemmologists, appraisers, and retailers with the knowledge to accurately identify synthetic diamonds using advanced tools.

Forensic Jewellery Analysis

Dr Maria McLennan, the first forensic jeweller in the world, will deliver a presentation titled “Forensics: Jewellery, The Body, and Identity.” Her talk will explore the connection between jewellery, identity, and the human body, shedding light on how various tools and techniques within the jewellery design industry can aid forensic investigators.

Conservation and Valuation

Joanna Whalley, with a three-decade tenure at the Victoria & Albert Museum, will address the importance of assessing an object’s condition in her talk, “Valuing Conditions.” She will discuss the challenges in detecting damage, deterioration, or counterfeits, crucial for accurate valuation.

Gemstone and Diamond Coloration

Dr Thomas Hainschwang will share insights into the “Coloured Diamonds: The Processes and Challenges of Colour Origin Determination,” focusing on the complexities of determining the naturalness of colours in diamonds, especially green diamonds, based on tests conducted at the GGTL Laboratories.

Gemstone Profiling

Kerry Gregory will introduce the concept of “Gemmological Minds: Gemstone Profiling to Catch the Offenders!” drawing parallels between criminal profiling by the FBI and gemstone profiling, which aims at enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of gemstone identification.

Watch Valuation

Sarah Fergusson, Senior Specialist for Watches at Bonhams, will explore the evolution and valuation of vintage watches in her presentation, “Valuing Time: Pricing Watches in a Changing Market,” highlighting the impact of the Covid bubble and factors influencing the value of vintage timepieces.

UK Gemstone Market Analysis

Charles Bexfield will offer an “Overview of the UK Gemstone Market,” examining the dynamics of gemstone pricing in response to economic shifts and comparing the UK market with those of the US and EU.

NAJ Chair and Fellow of the IRV, Heather Callaway, remarks, “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.”

Registration and Ticketing Information

The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) has established day rate pricing for the NAJ Summit 2024, offering attendees substantial discounts for multi-day bookings or when purchasing tickets for additional staff members.

Attendees will benefit from a 20% discount on the cost of a second ticket and a 30% discount on a third ticket, incentivising group participation from jewellery businesses and educational institutions.

Comprehensive Access Package

Each day rate ticket grants the holder access to an array of talks and workshops scheduled for that day. Additionally, the ticket price covers meals and refreshments, ensuring a comfortable and engaging experience for all participants.

Ticket Pricing Structure

• For NAJ/IRV Members:
  • One day: £245 + VAT
  • Two days: £360 + VAT
  • Three days: £455 + VAT
• For Non-Members:
  • One day: £295 + VAT
  • Two days: £410 + VAT
  • Three days: £495 + VAT

These ticketing options are designed to accommodate a range of participation levels, from single-day attendance to full summit engagement, reflecting the NAJ’s commitment to providing flexible and accessible learning and networking opportunities for professionals across the jewellery sector.

For detailed registration information and pricing, interested parties are encouraged to contact Adam Cook via email at adam.cook@naj.co.uk.