PRESS RELEASE: Exhibitor Line-up Confirmed for the 2026 Valuers’ Conference

The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) has confirmed the full exhibitor line‑up, keynote speakers and workshop programme for the 2026 Valuers’ Conference, hosted by the Institute of Registered Valuers (IRV) and taking place on 16–17 May 2026 at the Edgbaston Park Hotel, Birmingham. 

Supported once again by headline sponsor Bonhams, the Conference offers two days of expert insight, professional development, and practical learning for jewellery valuers, appraisers, and gemmology professionals at all stages of their careers.

Registration closed on 29 April

Exhibition highlights

Delegates will have the opportunity to meet nine leading exhibitors showcasing specialist services and solutions supporting best‑practice valuation:

Bonhams – Market‑leading UK auctioneers for jewellery and watches, with international expertise and record‑setting results.

Marcus McCallum Ltd – Hatton Garden gemstone and pearl specialists offering hand‑selected, one‑off stones sourced globally.

Instappraise – A cloud‑based platform designed to standardise and streamline professional jewellery appraisals.

UltraVault by Malca‑Amit – High‑security private vaulting for jewellery, watches, precious metals and collectables.

TH March – The UK’s largest specialist jewellery insurance broker, supporting the trade since 1887.

Sell Diamond – Trusted international buyers of diamonds, fine jewellery and luxury watches, offering transparent valuations and immediate payments.

Gem‑A – The world’s longest‑established provider of gemmology education, delivering globally recognised qualifications.

GVUK Design – Jewellery manufacturing technology specialists, including CAD software, laser systems and 3D printing.

NAJA – The National Association of Jewelry Appraisers, setting international benchmarks for jewellery appraisal education and standards.

Speakers and conference programme

Day One – Saturday 16 May features keynote presentations from internationally recognised experts, including:

• Francesca Cartier Brickell, author and historian of the Cartier family
• Jonathan Darracott, Global Head of Watches, Bonhams
• Mark Cullinan, CEO, Cullinan Diamonds
• Sarah Caldwell Steele, Curator of Jet, Whitby Museum
• Dr Yun Luo, Director of Metrology and Quality Control, GIA
• Justin K Prim, internationally renowned gemcutter and educator

Day Two – Sunday 17 May is dedicated to extended hands‑on workshops and masterclasses, including sessions on:

• Auctioneering and estimating strategies
• Valuing Asian jewellery
• Coloured gemstone pricing
• Gem cutting science and cut design
• Identifying black gem materials
• Watch complications and value
• Estimating weights of mounted gemstones

All workshops have been extended to two hours to allow deeper practical engagement and discussion.

Tickets and booking

Delegate rates:

NAJ / IRV Members: £390 + VAT (2‑day) | £225 + VAT (1‑day)

Non‑Members: £440 + VAT (2‑day) | £265 + VAT (1‑day)

Gala Dinner (included with 2‑day ticket): £30 + VAT

Sammantha Maclachlan, IRV Chair, shares,

“The Valuers’ Conference continues to be an essential event for sharing knowledge, strengthening professional standards and supporting valuers at every stage of their career. With an outstanding speaker line‑up, extended workshops and a strong exhibitor presence, 2026 promises to be one of our most rewarding Conferences yet.”

Registration for the 2026 Valuers’ Conference is now open and closes on the 29th April.

For full programme details and to secure your place, visit:

www.naj.co.uk/Valuers-Conference-2026

About the NAJ

We are the leading voice for the UK Jewellery industry, shaping the way for our 1700 member companies employing 27,000 people. We protect, promote and prepare our members to make them Fit for the Future. The Association was formed in 2015 through the unification of the British Jewellers' Association (BJA) and National Association of Goldsmiths (NAG). The Institute of Registered Valuers is also part of the NAJ family, comprised of around 100 professional valuers with formal qualifications and substantial experience. Every NAJ member is required to abide by the NAJ's Code of Conduct - based on honesty, integrity and professionalism. 

www.naj.co.uk