The National Association of Jewellers’ Institute of Registered Valuers (IRV) has announced the keynote speakers at this year’s Valuers’ Conference, taking place at the NAJ Summit from June 24-25, 2023.
The Valuers’ Conference, celebrating its 34th year, includes a packed roster of presentations, masterclasses and workshops designed for the entire jewellery trade wishing to expand their knowledge and professional horizons. Whether you are a practising jewellery valuer, retailer, student, designer or sales professional, the Conference will provide expert education in a friendly and welcoming environment.
The main presentations are delivered as lecture-style talks to Conference attendees with all presentations taking place on Saturday, June 24th.
CIBJO president, Dr Gaetano Cavalieri, will open proceedings as he addresses the challenges facing the jewellery industry in an uncertain world. Dr Cavalieri has served 20 years as president of CIBJO, the World Jewellery Confederation. They unite national jewellery and gemstone associations from more than 40 countries, including many of the industry’s major corporations and international associations.
Richard Drucker, the founder of Gemworld, the leader in gem pricing and market information, explores 40 years of pricing and beyond. What has influenced prices over these years, and what is in store for the future?
Lab director at the Gemmological Certification Services, Beth West, will challenge those in attendance to answer, what does the origin of a gemstone teach us? In an age when transparency and traceability are buzzwords in the industry, disclosing the gemstone’s origin is becoming increasingly important. In this talk, Beth West will consider why the idea of origin has outgrown what it once denoted within the industry and discuss how it could be used within the marketplace now.
Emily Barber and Jonathan Darracott from the international auction house Bonhams will share the stage and share their insights for jewellery and watches at auction. Darracott is Bonhams’ Global Head of Watches, while Barber serves as the auction house’s Jewellery Director.
Popular speaker Craig O’Donnell returns to the Valuers’ Conference programme to celebrate styles of Jewellery from 1880-2000. Craig, a silver specialist, and curator of the outstanding collection at the Birmingham Assay office will ensure attendees understand their art nouveau from their art deco, as well as other movements.
Finally, Vincent Pardieu, field gemmologist and founder of VP Consulting, will enthral the attendees with an update on the changing gemstone resources around the world. Vincent will also be delivering a masterclass reporting from his time hunting for gemstones in the Badakhshan province of Afghanistan.
NAJ Chair and Fellow of the IRV, Heather Callaway, shares,
“We are delighted to announce the line-up of guest speakers for the 2023 Valuers’ Conference. We have been ambitious in attracting international experts across valuing, gemmology, and the wider jewellery industry. With a diverse roster of presentations, we are confident this year’s Conference will provide knowledge-enhancing talks and plenty of discussion.”
Elsewhere, the Valuers’ Con-ference 2023 will host a series of workshops and masterclasses on Sunday, June 25th. The full line-up of sessions can be seen by downloading the Summit event guide.
A Valuers’ BBQ accompanies the event on the evening of Saturday, June 24th, where the David Wilkins Trophy will be presented to this year’s winner. The event will also recognise new Members of the Institute, those that have achieved Fellow status, and recent graduates in attendance.
The NAJ Summit returns this summer, offering a refined schedule and a new venue to benefit attendees. Taking place across an extended weekend from June 24-26, 2023, the NAJ has continued to tweak the format and structure of the Summit to ensure attendees receive the best experience across the three-day event.
NAJ Summit tickets are priced at day rates, with significant discounts available when booking across multiple days.
- 1 day – £245 + VAT (NAJ/IRV members) / £295 + VAT (non-members)
- 2 days – £360 + VAT (NAJ/IRV members) / £410 + VAT (non-members)
- 3 days – £445 + VAT (NAJ/IRV members) / £495 + VAT (non-members)
NAJ Award tickets are priced separately at £115 + VAT per person.
Attendees are encouraged to secure accommodation as soon as possible by using the NAJ’s dedicated accommodation portal, which includes special delegate rates when staying at the Park Regis hotel.
Further information
🌐 www.naj.co.uk/summit