JVA Annual Conference 2025
For Jewellery and Watch Valuers, Students and industry associates
Jewellery Valuers Association (JVA) Annual Conference ~ 12th-14th September 2025
Holywell Park, Loughborough
The JVA Conference offers an unmissable blend of expert-led presentations, practical workshops, and exceptional networking opportunities. Whether you're starting your journey as a Registered Valuer or are a seasoned professional in jewellery, watches, or silverware, the conference caters to all experience levels and areas of the industry.
Over three days, delegates will hear from top global experts, take part in hands-on sessions, and connect with peers during breaks and evening events.
The JVA Conference App allows attendees to personalise their schedule, access the full brochure, and engage with fellow delegates and sponsors.
Held at Holywell Park, Loughborough University—a hub of learning and development—the venue reflects the JVA’s commitment to:
- Academic: Supporting Continuing Professional Development
- Professional: Upholding the standards of JVA Registered Valuers®
- Personal: Enabling meaningful connections across the industry
With speakers from the UK, Europe, Australia, and the USA, this dynamic and enriching event promises to benefit everyone who attends.
Alongside our expert-led seminars and hands-on sessions, we’ve also created plenty of space for you to connect—with colleagues, peers, and industry leaders. These moments, whether over coffee or during our evening events, often spark the most valuable conversations of all.
We look forward to welcoming you back to Holywell Park in September for what is guaranteed to be another outstanding conference ...
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"Being able to rub shoulders with so many of your peers and like-minded people left me completely motivated.
I genuinely believe becoming a member of the JVA is one of the best and most important decisions of my career. The JVA conference has only enhanced this decision."
Raymond Morath-Gibbs FGA DGA
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"When choosing where to spend my conference budget, I always look to the JVA conference knowing I will receive full value for my conference dollar, in fact, at the JVA conference, I receive a 150% value!
The brilliant speakers, the informative workshops, and the networking, more than contribute value and reconnecting with friends and adding new friends is just adding more value. Thank you JVA!"
Anita Beardwood FCGmA
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"A really friendly, super informative conference packed with interesting lectures and great workshops with a real chance to get our hands on some real jewels!
The opportunity of handling items from hundreds of years ago was not to be missed. A wonderful experience and I'm already looking forward to next year."
Barbara Kolator FGA DGA EG
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From Friday 12th September until the conference draws to a close on Sunday 14th September at 5.15pm, we have an exciting programme of talks and workshops lined up designed to suit all abilities.
Lunch and coffee breaks are great networking opportunities where you can be reunited with old friends, make new acquaintances, and build personal and professional relationships that will last a lifetime.
We will be dining in the Burleigh Court Restaurant on Friday and Saturday evenings, a time to relax and enjoy the company of your fellow delegates.
We are looking forward to welcoming a record attendance to the JVA Annual Conference 2025!
JVA Annual Conference Program 2025
We’re looking forward to welcoming you back to Holywell Park for three days of practical, relevant content to support your everyday work. The conference is designed with you in mind, choose the workshops that matter most to you and your business, and take away knowledge and insights you can put into practice straight away.
Take advantage of the opportunity of a professional headshot, included in your conference fee, to update your profile photo with a high-quality, professionally taken image.
Held at Holywell Park Conference Centre over the 12th - 14th September 2025 with an EXCLUSIVE seminar for Conference attendees on Monday 15th - see the Program for details ... email conference@thejva.org for details on how you can join us next year, whether as a delegate, exhibitor or sponsor, we'd love to hear from you!
We are delighted to welcome our speakers for 2025 ...
Robert Weldon GIA GG
Weldon most recently served as the director of GIA’s Richard T. Liddicoat Gemological Library in Carlsbad, California, where he led a team of librarians and subject matter experts. He positioned the library to be a critical archive for researchers and students and the trade, but also a significant content producer, much of it digitized, providing greater access. Weldon is the recipient of the 2020 Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology.
As a writer and photographer for Gems & Gemology, GIA’s scholarly publication, Robert sees and handles superb gemological treasures from around the world. Using his gift for photography and storytelling, he often writes feature, peer-reviewed articles for the journal. His images have enriched numerous articles in G&G and other publications and books. He counts over 40 covers of the journal to his name.
Weldon has been involved in the production of several books, including Splendour & Science of Pearls, which he co-authored and edited. A Rough Guide for Artisanal Miners is an educational book which he has also delivered and lectured with to artisanal miners in Tanzania, Kenya, Zambia, and other East African countries; this as a part of GIAs Artisanal mining program, funded through its Endowment.
Robert Weldon is currently working on a book for the noted Somewhere in the Rainbow Collection.
Sia Åkerlund FGA, DGA, IMJVA
Sia Åkerlund is a Gemmologist FGA, DGA, GD, GP and Head of Jewellery at Scandinavia's largest pawnbroker, Pantbanken Sverige with more than 30 shops in 3 countries. She is vice president of the Swedish Gemmological Association and the secretary of the Swedish Valuers Association and a committee member of the JVA.
Kym Hughes FGA, FGAA, DipDT, DipVal, IMJVA
Kym Hughes is highly respected in the valuation industry, with extensive experience and knowledge of the manufacturing techniques of modern and antique jewellery from around the world. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Kym has also completed both national and international qualifications in gemmology and valuation. She currently lectures both within Australia and internationally on a range of subjects. As past National President and current President of the Queensland Division of the National Council of Jewellery Valuers in Australia, Kym is uniquely positioned as one of the world’s leading valuation experts.
Her rigorous appraisal process is supported by sophisticated analytical equipment which can accurately test the origin, type, and treatment of gemstones. The testing is performed by Symmetry’s sister company Spectra Laboratory, one of the best equipped gemstone analytical laboratories in Australia.
Stasia Parker FGA FIPG
Stasia Parker is a multi-award winning jewellery illustrator and designer, with a strong background in manufacturing and gemmology. She paints jewels for high end brands and her paintings have been displayed all over the world.
Stasia has been the main focus of a Financial Times article and has had her work featured in Harpers Bazaar, Forbes, Tatler and exhibited at Gem-Geneve, Shenzen Jewellery Museum, JCK and Hong Kong Jewellery Fair to name but a few places. She also had work in Katerina Perez’s recent Paraiba book and the 2025 Jewellery Trend Book.
Çiğdem Lüle, PhD, FGA, GIA GG, DGA
Dr. Çiğdem Lüle is a mineralogist and award winning gemmologist specialising in independent appraisals and litigation support involving gems, minerals, and jewellery. With credentials from GIA and Gem-A, and a PhD in Mineralogy, she has served clients such as the FBI, SEC, US Marshals, and major law firms.
Dr. Lüle is the founder of TheGemAppraiser℠ and Kybele LLC, and serves as Executive Director of the Association of Independent Jewellery Valuers. She is a published author, frequent speaker, and recognized leader in the gemological community.
Lisa Levinson MSc
Lisa Levinson is the Head of the UK at the Natural Diamond Council, where she leads with a mission to inspire emotional connections to natural diamonds—celebrating their cultural relevance and excitement—while championing the values and social benefits that define the diamond industry.
Previously, Lisa worked at De Beers Group in Botswana and UK, the Canadian diamond cutting company HRA Group, and in the management consultancy sector in Sweden. Lisa holds a MSc in Marketing from Stockholm School of Economics and a MCom in Financial Management from University of Cape Town.
Stuart Robertson GIA GG
Stuart Robertson, GIA GG., is an award-winning gemologist and gemstone trend and pricing analyst. He is currently president of Gemworld International, Inc., and the research director for the GemGuide.
Stuart is a recipient of the prestigious Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology (2011.) He received the AIJV Valuer of the Year Award in 2014 and The Scottish Gemmological Association’s Catriona Orr McInnes Award in 2019.
Craig O'Donnell FGA
Craig has been a jewellery, silver, and watch valuer with the Birmingham Assay Office for over 25 years. In addition to his valuation work, he plays a key role in training the next generation of jewellery valuers. A passionate educator, Craig regularly delivers talks and workshops on a wide range of topics, from Arts and Crafts jewellery and silver to period jewellery catalogues, silver spoons, and jewellery styles.
He currently serves as Chairman of the Gem-A Midlands Branch and is Curator of the Birmingham Assay Office’s silver collection. In 2024, Craig was honoured with the prestigious David Wilkins Award for Valuer of the Year.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
We sincerely appreciate our sponsors’ generous support. Their dedication to education and professional development helps make this conference a meaningful space for learning, collaboration, and growth.
Diamond sponsors
Chubb
Expert insurers of your most valued possessions
We combine the precision of craftsmanshipSM with deep experience to conceive, craft and deliver the very best insurance coverage and service.
From your home, car, and possessions that you care about, you have a lot to protect. And for that, you want a particular kind of protection and level of service, that you know you will receive from a firm that has a century of experience.
Ruby sponsors
The Guild of Valuers & Jewellers
The Guild of Valuers & Jewellers are the UK's leading specialists in professional jewellery & watch valuation and registration services, proudly delivering first-class Valuation Services nationwide for over 30 years. At the heart of GVJ is our bespoke Valuation Software GuildPro; the UK’s only valuation software tool, adhering to the highest UK industry standards, for expert jewellery valuers. Take your valuation expertise to another level using the latest web technology to produce beautifully presented, comprehensive and professional valuations with ease and speed.
GemA
The Gemmological Association of Great Britain, or Gem-A, is the world’s longest established provider of gem and jewellery education. Our Gemmology Diploma evolved from the first gem course proposed for the UK jewellery trade in 1908, and our prestigious Gemmology and Diamonds Diplomas — taught in five different languages and 26 countries around the world — are recognised throughout the world.
Heritage Auctions
Heritage Auctions is the largest collectibles auctioneer and third largest auction house in the world, as well as the largest auction house founded in the U.S. With more than 1 million online bidder-members registered on HA.com. This loyal and growing community of collectors is a testament to the usefulness of our website, our reputation for professional business practices and our vast expertise in the field of art and collectibles.
Sapphire Sponsors
Connoisseurs
Connoisseurs, known for its product innovation, has transformed the jewellery care industry with products such as the Jewellery Beauty Wipes and the Diamond Dazzle Stik®, the most successful product launched in the company’s history. A sleek, cosmetic-like pen which makes it easy to clean diamonds and precious gemstone jewellery on the move, it is compact and portable. Twist, Brush and Dazzle!
Fellows
With over 140 years’ experience, Fellows Auctioneers hosts several auctions a month across a variety of departments. Items that go under the hammer range from jewellery, watches, designer handbags to antiques and more. Fellows offers competitive charges to both buyers and vendors, worldwide free delivery, and no-obligation auction valuations.
Quantum Leap
QL2 – Jewellery Appraisal Software
Fast. Flexible. Cloud-Based.
QL2 is the most flexible Jewellery Appraisal Software in the industry. Built on the latest cloud technology, it simplifies and accelerates the appraisal process for the discerning jeweller and independent appraiser.
Designed for speed, accuracy, and ease of use, QL2 helps you produce polished, professional appraisals—anytime, anywhere.
Silverton
Silverton Ltd, has been a respected name in the jewellery trade since 1975—operating from the same address ever since. A family-run business, we offer a wide range of gemstones, loose diamonds, and finished jewellery in 18ct gold and platinum.
We proudly supply retail jewellers, working jewellers, manufacturers, and trade professionals across the industry.
Charles Bexfield
Charles Bexfield Ltd is a trusted name in fine quality gemstones, diamonds, and lapidary craftsmanship. Based in the heart of Hatton Garden, we are proud to support some of the world’s most prestigious jewellers with exceptional stones and decades of industry knowledge.
Backed by deep expertise in Gemmology, our team provides clients with confidence in both the authenticity and brilliance of our stones. Over the years, our reputation has been built on trust, transparency, and a personalised approach to meeting the diverse needs of the industry.
Emerald Sponsors
Celsteel Diamond
Celsteel – Family-Run Diamond Experts in Hatton Garden
We stock diamonds from 0.7mm to 7 carats, including GIA-certified stones in a wide range of shapes—round, princess, pear, emerald, marquise, and more.
At Celsteel, we value genuine relationships and are here to support your diamond needs, from loose stones to custom jewellery.
Get in touch – we’re ready to help.
Marcus McCallum
Marcus McCallum Ltd – Exceptional Gemstones & Pearls Since 1984
Based in Hatton Garden, we specialise in one-of-a-kind gemstones and a wide range of fine pearls. With a passion for gemmology at our core, our expert team personally sources each piece from trusted partners around the world.
Our hand-picked collection reflects decades of experience, global connections, and a commitment to quality that supports the jewellery trade at every level.
G F Williams
G.F. Williams & Co. is a trusted wholesaler of coloured gemstones, pearls, and diamonds, based in Hatton Garden, London. With over 50 years of trading history and 100+ years of combined expertise, we serve a global clientele — from manufacturers and collectors to designers and bespoke jewellers.
Our broad inventory spans a wide range of gem types, colours, and qualities. Backed by experienced gemmologists, we’re committed to responsible sourcing and helping you find the perfect stone.
GVUK Design Ltd.
GVUK Design brings the very best in technology to the jewellery industry, supporting everything from manufacturing to R&D and prototyping. Their comprehensive range includes laser welders, engravers and cutters, jewellery CAD software, industry-leading fume and dust filtration solutions, as well as professional-grade 3D printers and 3D scanners.
With a focus on innovation and reliability, GVUK Design provides jewellers and manufacturers with the tools to work smarter, cleaner, and more creatively.