Laboratory-Grown Diamond Conversations to Take Place at NAJ Summit 2021 with Speakers Named
21 Jul 2021
Image: Julia Griffith FGA DGA EG
The upcoming NAJ Summit 2021 will put laboratory-grown diamond conversations within reach of attendees with a selection of workshops as part of the Valuers’ Conference, from 11th-13th September 2021.
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Three speakers will focus specifically on laboratory-grown diamonds as well as wider issues of disclosure, detection and market value. These insightful discussions will take the form of masterclasses as well as hands-on workshops to give retailers, suppliers and valuers experiencing handling stones and using basic equipment.
Julia Griffith FGA DGA EG, Founder of The Gem Academy, will host a workshop titled “Identifying Laboratory-Grown Diamonds,” and will demonstrate possible ways of identifying stones and the limitations of testing. Her session will include basic observation skills, magnetism, UV reactions, strain effects under crossed-polarised filters, as well as commercially available screening equipment.
Griffith says,
My practical workshop will give attendees the rare chance to handle a range of laboratory-grown diamonds that exhibit tell-tale features that disclose their artificial origin. Beginners will gain insight into when a definitive conclusion for origin can be made and when further testing with advanced instrumentation is required. Those with more experience will have a chance to see features and perform tests that they may have only read about previously. All attendees will gain awareness of the possibilities and, more importantly, the limitations posed upon us when testing for laboratory-grown diamonds.
Elsewhere, Dr. Richard P. Taylor PhD FGA DGA, Company Director of Taylor & Co Valuations Ltd will dedicate one of three masterclasses at the Valuers’ Conference to “Managing the Risks and Embracing the Opportunities” of laboratory-grown diamonds. His session will discuss the prevalence of synthetic gem diamond in the retail market, the risks for the retailer and the threat the industry faces. As Taylor explains, even those with no interest in trading synthetic diamonds will “inevitably come face to face with synthetic products and will need to be prepared”. For example, Taylor will discuss the legal framework and responsibilities for retailers regarding the sale, repair, purchasing and second-hand trading of laboratory-grown stones.
He continues,
I don’t consider ‘Synthetic vs Natural’ a controversial subject. I do, however, consider it to be a highly relevant topic that is potentially a significant market disruptor. As such it creates huge potential risks for companies and individuals operating in the industry. It also creates huge new market potential. I want everyone attending to come away from the masterclass with a perspective of the market from the past, present and future that will enable them to create a business strategy to maximise potential and minimise risk and make the best decisions to suit their own business.
Finally, Andrew Fellows, Gemmology and Diamond Lecturer at Birmingham City University, will deliver a third session that delves into the history of synthetics and the technology that is now out there to grow them, including HPHT and CVD methods. As part of his workshop, Fellows will have a range of samples of different laboratory-grown diamond forms to inspire and educate attendees.
The Institute of Registered Valuers’ Conference will take place across all three days of the NAJ Summit 2021 and will offer a broad array of workshops and masterclasses suitable for the entire trade.
IRV administrator, Sandra Page, says,
Laboratory-grown diamonds and the importance of accurate disclosure and detection are relevant topics right now. I am thrilled that the Valuers’ Conference can host not one but three specialists who can shine a spotlight on this topic and share their insights in a way that’s relevant to retailers, valuers, gemmologists and brand owners.
NAJ Summit attendees will have the opportunity to ‘pick-and-choose’ from a selection of talks and networking opportunities hosted by the IRV, as well as attend the Retail Jewellers’ Congress on Monday, September 13th, although some popular events may need to be booked in advance.
The Summit will take place at the De Vere Staverton Estate in Northampton, which offers a leisure club, spa and 18-hole golf course. It is conveniently located for UK business owners and within easy access of the M1, Birmingham Airport and West Coast Mainline, with a journey from London Euston to the venue taking just over 60 minutes.
Tickets for the NAJ Summit 2021 are competitively priced, with discounts available for on-site accommodation and ‘three for two’ ticket puchases. Attendees can visit for one, two or all three days. Partners for this year’s event include Clarity & Success, Pursuit, Clogau, T.H. March, Parify and Green Rocks.
To view the most up-to-date Valuers’ Conference schedule, download the NAJ Summit 2021 Brochure below.
Download the NAJ Summit Brochure
Buy tickets for the NAJ Summit 2021
Source: The National Association of Jewellers