The valuation side of the jewellery industry rarely receives the same level of attention as retail, design or gemstones, but it remains one of the most important areas of the trade.

Last weekend’s NAJ Valuers’ Conference in Birmingham highlighted why that is beginning to change.

Hosted by the Institute of Registered Valuers (IRV), the two-day event brought together jewellery valuers, students and wider trade professionals for a programme focused on education, technical expertise and industry collaboration. 

More importantly, the event reflected something wider happening across the sector: a growing interest in valuation as a long-term profession.

A Noticeable Shift in Student Engagement

One of the strongest takeaways from this year’s Conference was the increase in student participation.

According to the NAJ, attendance rose by 20%, with a record number of students taking part across the weekend. 

That matters because valuation has traditionally been seen as a quieter corner of the industry, often entered later in a career rather than pursued from the outset. The rise in younger attendees suggests the profession is becoming more visible and accessible to the next generation.

As the jewellery industry becomes increasingly focused on provenance, authentication, gemstones and secondary market value, the role of qualified valuers is only becoming more important.

Mark Cullinan speaking at the 2026 NAJ Valuers’ Conference in Birmingham. Image credit: NAJ.

Education Remains at the Centre

The Conference programme reflected the broad nature of modern valuation work.

Speakers included Francesca Cartier Brickell, Jonathan Darracott of Bonhams, GIA’s Dr Yun Luo and gem cutter Justin K Prim, covering topics ranging from jewellery history and watches to fluorescence in diamonds and gem cutting. 

Alongside the talks, the second day focused heavily on practical workshops and hands-on learning, including coloured gemstone pricing, watch valuation and identifying complex gem materials. 

That balance between theory, market knowledge and technical expertise is what continues to define valuation as a profession.

Sarah Caldwell Steele speaking at the 2026 NAJ Valuers’ Conference in Birmingham. Image credit: NAJ.

Why It Matters to the Wider Trade

The valuation profession is often closely connected to other parts of the jewellery industry without always being fully visible to consumers.

Insurance, auctions, resale, probate, retail and private client services all rely on accurate and trusted valuation work behind the scenes. As jewellery continues to move further into the worlds of investment, collecting and the secondary market, professional standards become increasingly important.

The Conference also demonstrated the value of bringing different generations of professionals together in the same room. Established valuers shared experience, while students and newer entrants brought fresh perspectives and energy into discussions around the future of the profession.

Jonathan Darracott of Bonhams speaking at the 2026 NAJ Valuers’ Conference in Birmingham. Image credit: NAJ.

The Jewels Club Take

The increase in attendance and student participation at this year’s Valuers’ Conference feels significant.

For a part of the industry that is sometimes overlooked publicly, the event highlighted a profession that is evolving, attracting new talent and continuing to place education at the centre of its future.

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Learn more about the NAJ and IRV: naj.co.uk