Valuers' Conference Headline Speakers Announced for the NAJ Summit 2024

The 2024 Valuers' Conference includes a packed roster of presentations, masterclasses and workshops designed for the entire jewellery trade, from jewellery valuers, retailers and sales professionals to students and designers who wish to expand their professional horizons. 

Seven expert speakers will deliver their diverse and informative talks on Saturday, 22 June.

Branko Deljanin is recognised internationally as an expert in diamond grading and gemstone identification. Branko will delve into the world of identifying laboratory-grown diamonds, exploring how diamond dealers, gemmologists, appraisers, and retailers can use tools to help them accurately ID synthetic diamonds.

Dr Maria McLennan returns to the NAJ Summit by popular demand. The world's first forensic jeweller will deliver another unique presentation sure to fascinate and spark debate amongst attendees.

Joanna Whalley is a freelance metals conservator and gemmologist working in the field of jewellery and precious metal objects. Joanna enjoyed three decades at the Victoria & Albert Museum, leading the Metals Conservation team and as Lead Conservator of the museum's jewellery gallery.   

Dr Thomas Hainschwang is the founder of Gemlab (Liechtenstein) and has been working on the analysis of diamonds, coloured stones and pearls for the past 28 years. He is a respected expert in the field of gemmological research, with extensive experience in the complex topic of coloured diamond.

Kerry Gregory, a firm favourite and regularly returning speaker at the Valuers' Conference, reveals how to be gemstone profilers and become better gemmologists—using techniques to identify gemstones efficiently and accurately. 

Sarah Fergusson is Senior Specialist for Watches at Bonhams, with over 12 years of experience in the auction industry. A keen watch collector and enthusiast, Sarah is a regular co-host on the Scottish Watches podcast, the number one watch podcast internationally. 

Finally, Charles Bexfield rounds out this year's must-see speakers. As well as running his own business full-time, Charles teaches gemmology and diamond diplomas at Gem-A, where he has taught for over five years. Charles was the youngest tutor in the Association's 116 years. He has also lectured all over the world for numerous conferences and associations.

NAJ Chief Executive Ben Massey says, 

"We are delighted to reveal this year's keynote speakers for the NAJ Summit. They represent a wealth of knowledge and experience across a wide range of gemmological and jewellery topics. We look forward to welcoming attendees to what promises to be the most accessible NAJ Summit to date."

The NAJ Summit 2024

The 2024 NAJ Summit will take place from 22 to 24 June at the Park Regis Hotel, Birmingham, providing an accessible and modern venue for attendees.

The extended weekend will once again feature the Valuers' Conference hosted by the Institute of Registered Valuers and the Retail Jeweller's Congress hosted by the JET Business Network, creating an unmissable three days of connecting with peers and knowledge-sharing.

The first day of the Valuers' Conference will feature a series of informative keynote talks delivered by a diverse range of speakers. On the second day of the conference, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in smaller, more specialised workshops and masterclasses, where they can gain practical, hands-on knowledge.

On Monday, 24 June, the Retail Jeweller's Congress hosted by the JET Business Network celebrates its 15th year, bringing together the JBN community and other jewellery retailers for a series of talks, panel discussions and exercises designed to help take your business further.

Registration will open soon, with further information available in the coming weeks.