About the Award
David Wilkins (1931-1994), former Chairman of the National Association of Goldsmiths (the NAJ's predecessor) Valuations Committee, had a distinguished career in the jewellery industry and was widely known and respected both for his outstanding personal qualities and great expertise. More than any other individual David sought to encourage high standards of conduct and professionalism in respect of valuations.
The award that he sponsored remains as his legacy in promoting the aims for which he strove for so long.
The National Committee of the National Association of Jewellers may award the David Wilkins Trophy if a valuer has demonstrated outstanding skill, dedication or service in respect of jewellery appraisal and valuation.
The Trophy comprises an Elizabethan-style silver dish which is inscribed with the winner's name who retains it for the relevant year.
The award was first presented in 1994 in memory of the late David Wilkins, who was instrumental in setting up the Institute’s predecessor, the N.A.G. Registered Valuer Scheme, and comprises an Elizabethan-style silver dish which is inscribed with the winner's name who retains it for the relevant year. It is complemented by the award of a £100 gift token to spend with the Gem-A to supplement the winner’s personal reference library and/or add to the equipment they use.
Nomination and Qualifying Criteria
There is no official list of criteria that will enable a nominee to fulfil the citation but the following examples of conduct may provide some guidance:
- Consistently producing valuations of an exceptional standard.
- Giving help and guidance to colleagues or to members of the public.
- Be a Member or Fellow of the Institute of Registered Valuers
- Working to promote and further the aims of NAJ Institute Registered Valuers.
- Providing information/resources for NAJ Institute Registered Valuers.
- Achieving exceptional results in training and/or examination.
- Demonstrating high integrity.
- Showing diligence in research and information gathering.
- Displaying general conduct that is likely to enhance the reputation of NAJ Institute Registered Valuers.
Rules
- Nominees may include members of the Valuations Steering Group.
- A nomination must be for a member or fellow of the NAJ Institute of Registered Valuers.
- Past IRV winners can be nominated.
- When considering nominations, the Valuations Steering Group may call for further proof or particulars to support a particular nomination and may, at its discretion, exclude a nomination without stating reasons.
- The Valuations Steering Group shall seek nominations annually by written notice to all NAJ Institute of Registered Valuer Members/Fellows and NAJ Members.
- The selection from the nominations received will be by ballot of the NAJ Institute Registered Valuers.
- These rules may be amended at any time by the Valuations Steering Group, which has absolute discretion in all matters to do with the award of the Trophy.
2026 Shortlist
- Rosamond Clayton
- Leona Fish
- Sammantha Maclachlan
- Jacqueline Sanders
- Jonathan Seth Solomons
- Alexia Taylor
- Gaynor Wright
2025 Winner
We are delighted to announce that the winner of the 2025 David Wilkins Award is Mehdi Saadian
At the 36th NAJ Valuers’ Conference in June this year, the winner of the annual David Wilkins Award was announced as Mehdi Saadian GIA GG, IRV, MAE, managing director of Jewellery Advisory Services. The pinnacle of achievement for jewellery valuers, the Award is especially prestigious as only Institute of Registered Valuers (IRV) members can vote for it. During the gala dinner, the trophy was handed to Mehdi by IRV chair Heather Callaway and NAJ chair Adam Jacobs.
It is awarded to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding skill, dedication or service in respect of jewellery appraisal and valuation. The trophy, which was first presented in 1994, comprises an Elizabethan-style silver dish which is inscribed with the winner's name who retains it for the relevant year.
What was the impetus behind entering the world of gemmology?
My gemmology world journey began in 2006 at a gemmological school in Tehran, Iran, and then led me to apply for the Graduate Gemology (GG) diploma at GIA in London in 2007. Not only did I fall in love with this country, but I also knew it was where I wanted to build my future. After completing my studies, I applied for a work visa and began working in retail, where I first learned about the NAJ and IRV. I was eager to join the IRV and prepared my application, but was then offered a role at GIA London as a gemmology instructor.
And what about valuing?
Even as my responsibilities at GIA expanded, valuation remained at the forefront of my professional aspirations. I put my IRV plans on hold and focused on teaching and training, a passion that led to my promotion to school director in 2016. After attending the Loughborough Conference several times, I knew that I had to pursue valuing and became an IRV member. I was drawn by the science and challenge of jewellery valuation. I wanted to understand the finer details of appraising, so I joined the International Society of Appraisers and completed their Appraisal Foundation Course to gain a fresh perspective. Later, I joined the Academy of Experts to deepen my knowledge of how expert witnesses contribute to the justice system in jewellery-related cases. It's a unique part of my career that I deeply enjoy – being part of complex legal cases and helping to serve justice.
What does it mean to you to win the David Wilkins Award?
Winning the Award is a profound honour. This recognition from the Institute of Registered Valuers and my peers means so much more than just a trophy; it's a validation of my deep-seated commitment to excellence and to upholding the highest professional standards.
The award's criteria highlight what I believe is truly essential in our profession: a dedication to sharing knowledge, helping fellow valuers, and actively contributing to the goals of both the IRV and the Association. Receiving this award inspires me to continue my work and reinforces my belief in the importance of our shared ethos.
What qualities do you believe led to you receiving the David Wilkins Award?
I believe it’s my unwavering commitment to professionalism and integrity. I've always aimed to uphold the highest standards in my valuation work, ensuring every report is as accurate, impartial, and detailed as possible.
Beyond that, I believe this award recognises my dedication to the future of the IRV. I have a great passion for our Institute, which led me to contribute to its ongoing success by putting together a five-year plan and assisting with the strategic vision to future-proof the Institute for generations of valuers to come. To me, this award is a testament to the fact that my passion for the profession and willingness to go above and beyond have been recognised and valued by my peers.
The other nominees were...
- Nick Bailey
- Rosamond Clayton
- Sammantha Maclachlan
- Jonathan Seth Solomons
- Barry Sullivan
- Alexia Taylor
- Dr Richard Taylor
- Joanne White
Previous Winners
Since the Award was first presented in 1994, the winners have been as follows:
- Terence J Watts - 1994
- Alan J Smith - 1995
- Roy V Huddlestone – 1996
- J Louise Butterworth – 1997
- Peter J R Jackson – 1998
- Brian R Dunn – 1999
- Michael S J Norman – 2000
- Philip L Stocker – 2001
- Rosamond S Clayton – 2002
- Paul Templeton – 2003
- John S Harris – 2004
- Heather McPherson – 2005
- David J Callaghan – 2006
- Alan Hodgkinson – 2007
- Peter Buckie – 2008
- Steven Jordan – 2009
- Adrian S Smith – 2010
- Michael S Inkpen – 2011
- Jonathan Lambert – 2012
- Shirley Mitchell – 2013
- Peter Hering - 2014
- Graham Price and Barry Sullivan (joint) - 2015
- Geoff Whitefield - 2016
- Tim Bicknell - 2017
- Michael Inkpen - 2018
- Shirley Mitchell- 2019
- Barry Sullivan - 2020
- Barbara Leal - 2021
- Jacqueline Sanders - 2022
- Susan Pennington - 2023
- Craig O'Donnell - 2024