Workshops and Masterclasses Announced for NAJ's 2025 Valuers' Conference
23 Apr 2025
The National Association of Jewellers' Institute of Registered Valuers (IRV) is delighted to announce the workshops and masterclasses at this year's Valuers' Conference, proudly supported by headline sponsor Bonhams. The event will take place on 7–8 June at the Edgbaston Park Hotel, Birmingham.
The 2025 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.
The workshops and masterclasses take place across the day on Sunday, June 8, featuring a broad selection of knowledge-expanding and practical sessions designed for the whole trade. A total of 26 workshop sessions will run throughout a packed day of learning and knowledge sharing.
Workshop highlights include…
Çiğdem Lüle and Stuart Robertson – Colour Stone Grading and Pricing by Gemworld
Gain hands-on experience grading coloured gemstones using a system similar to the diamond 4Cs, with pricing based on the GemGuide structure.
Dimitri Zlatev (Gemmology Obsession) – Social Media Best Practices
One-to-one sessions offering tailored advice and action plans to strengthen your jewellery brand's social media presence.
Harriet Kelsall – The Elusive History of the Medici Pearls
Discover the captivating history of the Medici Pearls, now the Hanover Pearls, through the lens of power, intrigue, and storytelling.
Jacqueline Sanders – Step-by-Step Guide to Getting You on the Road as a Jewellery Valuer
A practical guide for aspiring valuers that outlines Jacqueline's proven strategies for successfully launching a valuation career.
Julia Griffith – Diamonds v. Synthetic Diamonds: What's the Difference?
This interactive session will cover identification methods, unique reactions of laboratory-grown diamonds, and practical implications for valuation.
Kate Flitcroft – Auction Estimates in Practice
Review how to value jewellery for auction, compare pricing methods, and apply them to real-world examples.
Kerry Gregory – Testing Mounted Gemstones
Kerry has begged, borrowed, but not stolen(!) a wonderful array of common, rare and unusual gemstones mounted in jewellery for you to improve your skills.
Lisa Levinson - All Things Diamonds!
Join Lisa Levinson, Head of UK for the Natural Diamond Council, in an exploration of the importance of valuers and valuations for the natural diamond industry—terminology, diamond verification and verified facts.
Mehdi Saadian – Your Blueprint for a Successful Jewellery Valuation Business
Learn the core strategies needed to launch and grow a professional jewellery valuation practice.
Rachel Kinsella – Open Market Research at Auction: Insights and Discussion
A practical session on how to conduct efficient auction research aimed at students and new valuers.
Sammantha Maclachlan – Photomicrography: The Micro World of Gems
Explore the inner world of gemstones using photomicrography, and learn how to use this knowledge in valuations.
Sarah Caldwell Steele – Jet Set Go! A Valuer's Guide to the Dark Stuff
Unpack the complexities of identifying black gemstones—especially Whitby jet—using reliable, low-tech methods suitable for valuers.
Download the Event Guide for the full workshop schedule
IRV Chair Heather Callaway shares,
"We are delighted with this year's selection of workshops, offering a practical range of speakers and topics for valuation professionals at all levels. With refinements to the day, including longer 90-minute sessions, we are confident that delegates will appreciate the new format.
"Places on some workshops are limited, so we urge people to book their places as soon as possible to avoid disappointment."
The workshops join a full schedule of keynote talks on Saturday, June 7, including talks from…
• Kate Flitcroft FGA – Co-Head of UK Jewellery, Bonhams
• Dr Aaron Palke – Senior Manager of Coloured Stone Research, GIA
• Dr Tehmina Goskar – Research Curator, Museum of Cornish Life
• Adrian Hailwood – Founder & Managing Director, The Watch Scholar
• Jason Williams – Director, G. F Williams
• Dr Çiğdem Lüle - Executive Director of AIJV
• Dr Richard Taylor - Director Chairman, Taylor & Co Valuations Ltd
Ticket Prices:
Registration is now open, with one- and two-day tickets available. Special discounted rates apply for NAJ and IRV members.
NAJ/IRV Members
Two-day ticket: £390 + VAT
One-day ticket: £255 + VAT
Non-Members
Two-day ticket: £440 + VAT
One-day ticket: £395 + VAT
On-site accommodation is available at a reduced delegate rate for Saturday night.
The first day of the Conference features keynote talks from leading experts across the jewellery and watch sectors. Day two offers in-depth masterclasses and workshops, providing hands-on experience and specialist insight.
Saturday evening concludes with a three-course gala dinner, where the prestigious David Wilkins Award will be presented, and the new MIRV and FIRV members will be celebrated.
View Valuers' Conference
Source: National Association of Jewellers