Exhibitor Line-up Confirmed for the 2026 Valuers’ Conference

By MH

May 10, 2026

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The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) has confirmed the full exhibitor line-up, keynote speakers, and workshop programme for the 2026 Valuers’ Conference, hosted by the Institute of Registered Valuers (IRV) and taking place on 16–17 May 2026 at the Edgbaston Park Hotel, Birmingham.

Supported once again by headline sponsor Bonhams, the Conference offers two days of expert insight, professional development, and practical learning for jewellery valuers, appraisers, and gemmology professionals at all stages of their careers.
Registration closed on 29th April

Exhibition highlights
Delegates will have the opportunity to meet nine leading exhibitors showcasing specialist services and solutions supporting best-practice valuation:

Bonhams – Market-leading UK auctioneers for jewellery and watches, with international expertise and record-setting results.
Marcus McCallum Ltd – Hatton Garden gemstone and pearl specialists offering hand-selected, one-off stones sourced globally.
Instappraise – A cloud-based platform designed to standardise and streamline professional jewellery appraisals.
UltraVault by Malca-Amit – High-security private vaulting for jewellery, watches, precious metals, and collectables.
TH March – The UK’s largest specialist jewellery insurance broker, supporting the trade since 1887.
Sell Diamond – Trusted international buyers of diamonds, fine jewellery, and luxury watches, offering transparent valuations and immediate payments.
Gem-A – The world’s longest-established provider of gemmology education, delivering globally recognised qualifications.
GVUK Design – Jewellery manufacturing technology specialists, including CAD software, laser systems and 3D printing.
NAJA – The National Association of Jewellery Appraisers, setting international benchmarks for jewellery appraisal education and standards.

Speakers and conference programme
Day One – Saturday 16 May features keynote presentations from internationally recognised experts, including:

Francesca Cartier Brickell, author, and historian of the Cartier family
Jonathan Darracott, Global Head of Watches, Bonhams
Mark Cullinan, CEO, Cullinan Diamonds
Sarah Caldwell Steele, Curator of Jet, Whitby Museum
Dr Yun Luo, Director of Metrology and Quality Control, GIA
Justin K Prim, internationally renowned gem cutter, and educator

Day Two – Sunday 17 May is dedicated to extended hands-on workshops and masterclasses, including sessions on:

Auctioneering and estimating strategies
Valuing Asian jewellery
Coloured gemstone pricing
Gem cutting science and cut design
Identifying black gem materials
Watch complications and value
Estimating weights of mounted gemstones

All workshops have been extended to two hours to allow deeper practical engagement and discussion.
Sammantha Maclachlan, IRV Chair, shares, “The Valuers’ Conference continues to be an essential event for sharing knowledge, strengthening professional standards, and supporting valuers at every stage of their career. With an outstanding speaker line-up, extended workshops, and a strong exhibitor presence, 2026 promises to be one of our most rewarding Conferences yet.”