(PRESS RELEASE) The Winter Conference has a major distinction in that it focuses on gemological product knowledge. For this program, NAJA Executive Director Gail Brett Levine worked to forge a wonderful opportunity to organize the conference in connection with the AGTA Show. “We are excited to present this conference in connection during the Tucson event. Access to the AGTA’s GemFair provides an excellent opportunity for us to integrate what we learned in the classroom and taking it to the floor show.” stated Levine.
NAJA is pleased to have both new, as well as a host of member favorites, experts from the gemological fields joining for the exchange of educational information and professional development. The weekend features hands-on workshops, presentations, exhibits, 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 our attendees in their professional appraisal practices.
Presentations include:
Saturday, February 1
- Edwardian or Belle Époque Jewels Duncan Parker, FGA
- The Challenges in Gemological Testing of Natural and Synthetic Diamonds in all Colors and Sizes Thomas Hainschwang, PhD, DUG
- Gems with a Star: A Fascinating and Colorful World Martin Steinbach, FGG
- Photomicrography: A Micro World within Gemstones Samantha Maclachlan, FGA
- There’s Always Something New to Learn About Turquoise! Helen & Richard Shull, GIA GG
- Period Jewels vs Style Jewels Celine Rose David, PhD, GIA GG
Sunday, February 2
- Jewelry Industry Insights – Perception and Reality Harold Dupuy, FGA
- In Search of Mayan Jade ~ Green, Lavender, Blue & Black, Exploring Historic and Contemporary Artworks Helen Serras – Herman, GIA GG
- Gimme Your Issues: Watches Edition Reginald Brack & Marisa Palmer, GIA GG
- Helpful Books for Your Professional Library Jo Ellen Cole, GIA GG
- Broken Bangle – The Blunder-Besmirched History of Jade Nomenclature Richard Hughes, FGA
- Trick or Treatment -Detecting Enhancement in Ruby & Sapphire Billie Hughes, FGA
Registrations:
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- NAJA Members: $425 before January 15th and $525 after January 15th
- Nonmembers: $650 before January 15th and $750 after January 15th
- Vision screening $50 (Sunday only)
- Optional Opal Workshop $50 (Friday, January 31st only)
Friday Optional Opal Workshop – A Playful Array of Color Travis Lejman, FGA
The final program is subject to change.
For more information or to register please contact:
National Association of Jewelry Appraisers
Gail Brett Levine, GIA GG, Executive Director
Phone: 718.896.1536
Email: office@NAJAAppraisers.com | naja.appraisers@netzero.net
Four Decades of Excellence: How Wilkerson Transformed a Jeweler's Retirement into Celebration
After 45 years serving the Milwaukee community, Treiber & Straub Jewelers owner Michael Straub faced a significant life transition. At 75, the veteran jeweler made a personal decision many business owners understand: "I think it's time. I want to enjoy my wife with my grandchildren for the next 10, 15 years."
Wilkerson's expertise transformed this major business transition into an extraordinary success. Their comprehensive approach to managing the going-out-of-business sale created unprecedented customer response—with lines forming outside the store and limits on how many shoppers could enter at once due to fire safety regulations.
The results exceeded all expectations. "Wilkerson did a phenomenal job," Straub enthuses. "They were there for you through the whole thing, helped you with promoting it, helping you on day-to-day business. I can't speak enough for how well they did." The partnership didn't just facilitate a business closing; it created a celebratory finale to decades of service while allowing Straub to confidently step into his well-earned retirement.
