(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: [email protected] | [email protected]
Honoring a Legacy: How Smith & Son Jewelers Exceeded Every Goal With Wilkerson
When Andrew Smith decided to close the Springfield, Massachusetts location of Smith & Son Jewelers, the decision came down to family. His father was retiring after 72 years in the business, and Andrew wanted to spend more time with his children and soon-to-arrive grandchildren.
For this fourth-generation jeweler whose great-grandfather founded the company in 1918, closing the 107-year-old Springfield location required the right partner. Smith chose Wilkerson, and the experience exceeded expectations from start to finish.
"Everything they told me was 100% true," Smith says. "The ease and use of all their tools was wonderful."
The consultants' knowledge and expertise proved invaluable. Smith and his father set their own financial goal, but Wilkerson proposed three more ambitious targets. "We thought we would never make it," Smith explains. "We were dead wrong. We hit our first goal, second goal and third goal. It was amazing."
Smith's recommendation is emphatic: "I would never be able to do what they did by myself."
