Registration Opens for the 2026 Valuers’ Conference with Exceptional Speaker Line-Up

By MH

March 16, 2026

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The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) is delighted to announce that registration is now open for the 2026 Valuers’ Conference, supported once again by headline sponsor Bonhams. The event will take place from 16–17 May 2026 at the Edgbaston Park Hotel, Birmingham.
Bringing together valuers, retailers, designers, students, and jewellery professionals from across the industry, this year’s Conference promises an exceptional programme of keynote presentations, hands-on workshops, and specialist masterclasses. Designed to support the development of both new and established professionals, the two-day event remains a highlight in the jewellery valuation calendar.

Keynote Speakers – Saturday, 16th May
This year’s Conference features six internationally recognised speakers from the worlds of jewellery, gemmology, diamonds, and watches:

Francesca Cartier Brickell – Author
A direct descendant of the Cartier family, Francesca Cartier Brickell is the best-selling author of The Cartiers. Her extensive independent research into her family legacy has made her a highly respected international lecturer on Cartier’s history.

Jonathan Darracott – Global Head of Watches, Bonhams
Jonathan Darracott has overseen some of the most significant private watch collections brought to auction, including the landmark 2,000-piece collection of a European Nobleman. A watchmaker as well as an auctioneer, he has led Bonhams to become the UK market leader in watch sales.
Mark Cullinan – CEO, Cullinan Diamonds
Great Grandson of Sir Thomas Cullinan, discoverer of the Cullinan Diamond Mine, Mark Cullinan brings over 30 years of experience in the diamond sector. His expertise spans diamond grading, rough diamonds, and global prospecting.

Sarah Caldwell Steele – Curator of Jet, Whitby Museum
A leading authority on jet, Sarah Caldwell Steele is a Fellow of the Gemmological Association and a PhD researcher at Durham University. Her work focuses on the identification and classification of ancient carbonaceous materials.

Dr Yun Luo – Director of Metrology and Quality Control, GIA
Dr Luo leads GIA’s measurement science team, driving innovation in diamond grading instrumentation and quality assurance processes. She has contributed to GIA research and laboratory accuracy since 2011.

Justin K Prim – Gemcutter
American-born and France-based, Justin K Prim is an internationally known gemcutter, educator and historian. Founder of the Faceting Apprentice Institute, he has authored several books and teaches extensively on gemcutting traditions.

Conference Programme – Day One
Features all keynote presentations, offering delegates insight into global developments in diamonds, gemmology, watches, heritage brands, and specialist materials.

Conference Programme – Day Two
Dedicated to practical masterclasses and workshops, now extended to two-hour sessions to allow deeper exploration of highly specialised subjects.

Gala Dinner – Saturday Evening
Delegates are invited to a three-course gala dinner, during which the prestigious David Wilkins Award will be presented. The evening will also celebrate newly appointed members and fellows of the Institute of Registered Valuers (IRV).

Registration and Ticket Prices
Registration is now open, with one and two-day passes available.
Special discounted rates apply for NAJ and IRV members.

NAJ/IRV members
Two-day ticket: £390 + VAT
One-day ticket: £225 + VAT

Non-members
Two-day ticket: £440 + VAT
One-day ticket: £265 + VAT

Heather Callaway, IRV Chair, concludes, “We are delighted to open registration for this year’s Valuers’ Conference and even more pleased to announce a fantastic line-up of international speakers. With more exciting announcements planned soon, we are confident that this year’s Conference will be one of the best yet.”