The National Association of Appraisers (NAJA) has announced their Fall Webinar, “Now Just How Do I Appraise This?”, scheduled for Saturday, October 11, 2025 from noon until 5:00 PM EST. Unusual appraisal assignments challenge the professional gemologist appraiser frequently. This webinar will focusing on challenging appraisal topics such as wood jewelry, religious artifacts, body jewelry and antique & period jewelry items.
NAJA is pleased to have both new, as well as a host of member favorites, experts from the appraisal and related fields joining for the exchange of educational information and professional development. All designed to achieve the conference goal: provide the latest information and insights that support and enhance attendees in their professional appraisal practices.
The webinar will consist of five informative sessions, including:
Wood You Appraise This?
Noon – 1 PM
Duncan Parker, FGA
Among the materials used in jewelry, appraisers can start with researchable prices of diamonds and other gemstones, plus daily metal prices. Metalsmiths and setters can be consulted for labor costs. It is harder to price wood. Wood has appeared in jewelry, likely since people first wore decorative accessories. This session will look at the recent use of wood in jewels, and some varieties of wood featured, and explore some of the houses using wood in jewels, and how one might arrive at a value for jewels that include wood as a gem.
How to Appraise Religious Vessels?
1 – 2 PM
Leon Castner, ISA CAPP
Have you found the Holy Grail? Should you touch it or stay as far away as possible? Learn tidbits to help identify and value ecclesiastical (religious) items-particularly Jewish and Christian. Hopefully, the insight will tell you when to “dig right in” (a la Indiana Jones) or when to run for the hills (also Indiana Jones). From one who is as old as Indiana Jones’ father but still has the spirit of Indy!
How Do I Value this Old Stuff?
2 – 3 PM
Jessie English, GIA GG
Do you ever come across a piece of jewelry made with atypical materials, and you are not sure if it has value? Maybe you will get something with old plastics or glass, insects, or even taxidermy heads! Your first instinct might be that if it is not made of “precious materials,” then it cannot be worth anything. Not so fast, that might be more valuable than you think! Jessie will discuss the areas of valuing these odd treasures, including different value factors and where one might start with finding value comparisons.
Body Jewelry: From the Runway to Everyday
3 – 4 PM
Caitlin St. John, GIA GG
What is Body Jewelry and how commonly seen is this type of jewelry? Explore several types of examples, starting with high concept fashions at home on the catwalk, continuing through offerings from modernist makers such as Alexander Calder, and ending with current trends often spotted at contemporary venues such as Coachella. Along the way, discuss appraisal considerations and review helpful resources for these underrepresented jewels.
Pathway to Describing and Valuing Unusual Items
4 – 5 PM
Dave Atlas, GIA GG
When you see an item that is probably something you can handle, but do not know much about it, how do you begin and successfully complete an appraisal for it? What you do not know can be a small part of the overall process. What you do know will often lead you to answers and knowledge. Do not panic, take small bites, and fill your knowledge gaps.
Recording for all attendees will be available until October 18, 2025, midnight.
Registration for NAJA members is $50, nonmembers is $75.
Register here.
For more information contact the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers at 718-896-1536, office@NAJAAppraisers.com or naja.appraisers@netzero.net.
