The National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA) has announced the 62nd ACE©IT Mid-Year Conference will be held August 10-12, 2024, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL.
Appraisal fundamentals, NAJA report writing standards, resolving and disclosing ethical considerations during appraisals, detecting fakes and misrepresentations, resources and tips for conducting research of comparables, exploring current trends in the high-end watch market and more are topics that will be covered at the Conference.
The Mid-Year Conference has a major distinction from the association’s yearly Tucson event. “Historically, the August Conference is where NAJA focuses on the “Appraise” in Appraiser, said Stuart Robertson, Conference Chair. “The Tucson conference is more gem and gem market product focused, however, the Mid-Year program emphasizes the practical ‘how to’ of appraising gems and jewelry.”
For this program, NAJA Executive Director Gail Brett Levine worked to forge a wonderful opportunity to organize the conference in connection with the Instore Show. “We are excited to present this conference in connection during Instore. Access to the Instore’s jewelry show provides an excellent opportunity for us to integrate mid-level market research into the conference agenda as well as for attendees to expand their network of established trade resources,” stated Levine.
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. The weekend features hands-on workshops, presentations, exhibits, a mock auction at Heritage Auctions Chicago location, networking and relationship building opportunities as well as plenty of Q&A – all designed to achieve the conference goal: Provide new information and insights that support and enhance attendees in their professional appraisal practices.
Presentations include:
Fakes, Counterfeits, Frauds, and Misrepresentation – Duncan Parker, FGA, Vice President and Jewellery Specialist at Dupuis Fine Jewellery Auctioneers
NAJA’s Report Writing Standards: A Usage Guide – Deborah Finleon, GIA GG, CMA, DJF Appraisal Services
The Cost Approach: A Basic Tool – Dave Atlas, CSM, GIA GG, DGLA-DACO
Watching the Market: Current Trends in the Watch Industry – Reginald Brack, SVP, Head of Watch Department, Freeman’s Hindman Auctions
A Practical Approach to Building a Pricing Database During Trade Shows – Stuart Robertson, GIA GG, President, Gemworld International, Inc.
Power Search Tips: Finding and Refining the Best Comps – Jessica DuBroc, GIA GG, Director of Fine Jewelry Heritage Auctions New York and Gina D’Onofrio, FGA, Director of Fine Jewelry, Heritage Auctions Beverly Hills
Deaccessioning a Collection: Preparing Your Client for Success – Vera Prather, GIA GG, Director of Fine Jewelry, Heritage Auctions New York and Ana Wroblaski, GIA GG, Director of Fine Jewelry, Heritage Auctions Beverly Hills
Driehaus Museum: A Jewel Box of a Museum – Lisa Key, Executive Director, Driehaus Museum
Review of Ethical Standards and Their Application in Our Daily Practices – Steve Turner, CSM, GIA GG, President, Gemcorp, Inc.
Appraisal Software Solutions: Exploring Their Use, Benefits and Limits – panelists include: Raphael Boivin, Instappraise, Richard Drucker, GAS, & Thom Underwood, QL2; moderators: Lance Nygaard, GIA GG & Stuart Robertson, GIA GG
Registration: NAJA Members $425 before July 15th and $525 after July 15th; New member plus conference $600; Nonmembers $650 before July 15th and $750 after July 15th; Vision screening $50 (Sunday only); Optional workshop $200 (Saturday only)
Optional Saturday Workshops:
Decoding the Intangible Value Factors of Colored Stones – Cigdem Lule, PhD, FGA
NAJA Conference Exclusive: Baubles and Bubbly, Bids and Bites: An Evening at Heritage Auctions, Chicago.
The final program is subject to change. For more information or to register please contact the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers, Gail Brett Levine, GIA GG, Executive Director, at 718-896-1536, office@NAJAAppraisers.com or naja.appraisers@netzero.net. Visit NAJA online at najaappraisers.com.
