Jewellery Valuers Association

16/10/2026

🎓 Wonderful news from the JVA! 💎

We couldn’t be prouder of Gareth Brown FGA DGA FJVA, who has earned a distinction for his Master’s dissertation examining the fraud and money-laundering risks posed by undeclared synthetic diamonds in the UK’s pre-owned jewellery market.

Gareth is one of the country’s leading jewellery valuers, a much-valued Fellow and a generous member of our community. His willingness to share his knowledge, encourage others and contribute to the profession makes this achievement particularly lovely to celebrate.

Delegates at our recent JVA Annual Conference heard his research first-hand. His presentation received numerous excellent reviews, reflecting how valuable and thought-provoking it was for those attending.

Knowing the dedication behind this work makes the news all the more special. Huge congratulations, Gareth, from your JVA community! We look forward to seeing your findings published and following you into the next chapter.

But first, enjoy a very well-earned academic break! Please join us in congratulating him. 👏

14/10/2026

💎 JVA CONFERENCE 2026 — WORKSHOP SPOTLIGHT 04 💎

Kitty Kimber FGA | GF Williams Ltd
Valuing Coloured Gemstones

One of the most important aspects of being a jewellery valuer is understanding the nuances of coloured gemstones. Recognising how cut, clarity and colour saturation affect value takes knowledge, experience and a trained eye. Keeping that knowledge current is essential to making well-supported valuation decisions.

Kitty Kimber led a fabulous workshop exploring these factors and what valuers should look out for. Working through sets of gemstones, delegates assessed their cut, clarity and colour saturation, then arranged them in order of price per carat. Comparing and discussing the results provided a valuable opportunity to challenge assumptions and learn from each other.

Melanie Chater FGA DGA FJVA shared this review:

‘I recently attended the coloured gemstone workshop hosted by Kitty Kimber from GF Williams & Co, at the JVA 2026 Loughborough Conference.

The class was very hands-on and consisted of the participants viewing sets of coloured gemstones, which we then had to price. I liked the fact that one of the gemstones was priced, this would give us a benchmark when we are pricing the others. Kitty had a magnificent selection of gemstones, everything we are likely to come across on a day-to-day basis, and a few special pieces. The results were given towards the end of the workshop, with some surprises.

This was an extremely useful, educational and fun workshop, suitable for any gem lover and with any level of experience.

I cannot recommend Kitty highly enough. Her passion and deep knowledge of gemstones shone through during the entire workshop, and she went above and beyond to help everyone when required. I thoroughly enjoyed the workshop and left feeling both inspired and informed.’

Thank you, Kitty Kimber , for your generosity, expertise and enthusiasm, to G.F.Williams & Co for the wonderful gems we had to study, and to Melanie for sharing her experience. A wonderful example of the value of hands-on learning at the JVA Conference.

07/10/2026

💍 JVA Conference - Workshop Spotlight • 03 💍

Drew Llewellyn, of Antique Jeweller, took us on a journey through time in his workshop exploring mourning rings through history, with a fabulous opportunity to examine pieces closely and discuss their meaning, styles and importance.

Alongside the hands-on learning, Drew shared guidance on researching the people commemorated by these rings, helping to understand the stories behind the jewellery.

Thank you, Drew, for your generosity in sharing your expertise and collection. We are delighted to share this review from Anita Beardwood:

“One of the highlights this past September at the JVA was Drew Llewelyn’s workshop, Mourning Rings: Their Meanings & Styles. Drew is not only incredibly knowledgeable, but wonderfully generous in how he shares his expertise. He brought a stellar selection of 32 mourning rings and encouraged us to examine them closely. He explained the nuances between scroll, urn and bezel, and swivel rings, including the historical periods of each style.

What I truly appreciated most was his guidance on researching the individuals commemorated on these rings. Finding the person transforms the ring from an object into a narrative and by adding the provenance you can add value.
He shared links for research and his handout was excellent — clear, detailed, with photos and absolutely something I’ll keep in my reference binder.

Drew's workshop was one of my favourites, without question.”

— Anita Beardwood

30/09/2026

🦪 JVA Conference 2026 - Workshop Spotlight 02 🦪

Sarah Senzer GIA GG, FGA once again delivered two exceptionally popular workshops at this year's JVA Annual Conference, with both sessions fully booked and waiting lists of delegates hoping that a space might become available. It is hardly surprising when you consider the expertise on hand—and the sheer number and variety of pearls Sarah brings for delegates to study!

Sarah took her delegates on a fascinating journey to discover why certain pearl colours can appear in unexpected pearl types and which additional characteristics should be examined before reaching an identification.

During this highly practical, hands-on workshop, Sarah explored the causes of pearl colour and the influence of mollusc species, environment, nacre structure and treatments.

Using an extensive range of samples for comparative examination, delegates learnt to look beyond colour alone and consider important identifying features such as lustre, size, shape and surface characteristics. They also explored typical and atypical colours within the principal pearl varieties, how to distinguish natural from treated colour, and how to develop a systematic approach to challenging identification cases.

Julian Cousins FGA DGA FJVA shared his thoughts on the session:

'Sarah's pearl workshop was an important consolidation of existing knowledge and new insight. I was particularly keen to learn practical, in-the-field techniques for distinguishing South Sea cultured pearls from nucleated freshwater cultured pearls of a similar appearance—and Sarah didn't disappoint. With her extensive knowledge and impressive range of comparative samples, I was confidently put on the right track.'

A superb workshop filled with practical learning, expert guidance and wonderful pearls to examine. Thank you, Sarah, for sharing your exceptional knowledge with our delegates. ✨

Photo credit: Shirley Mitchell FGA DGA Ltd. - Independent Jewellery Valuation Service, Independent Gemological Laboratory Athens, Sophia von Porat Akerlund, Sonia Butler
Review: Julian Cousins

28/09/2026

✨ We have been overwhelmed by the fabulous feedback received from our sponsors, delegates, exhibitors and speakers following this year’s JVA Annual Conference! ✨

Here are just a few of the wonderful comments people have shared with us, and we look forward to sharing more in due course.

Thank you so much to everyone who took the time to provide such thoughtful feedback. We are thrilled that you gained so much from the Conference and have been able to put your new knowledge and practical learning into practice within your daily work.

A heartfelt thank you to all our wonderful sponsors ... we really could not have done it without you.

Our sincere thanks also go to our exceptional speakers and workshop leaders, who brought their expertise to the Conference and so generously gave their time to share their knowledge with our delegates. As you can see from the fabulous feedback we have received, our delegates greatly valued and appreciated everything you contributed.

Thank you for helping to make the JVA Annual Conference such a special celebration of education, professional development, collaboration and friendship.

We have listened carefully to your comments and suggestions and are already looking forward to creating an even bigger and better event next year ... if that is even possible! 💎📚🔬

25/09/2026

💎 JVA Conference 2026 — Workshop Spotlight 01 💎

Charlotte Rose BSc (Hons), the first female President of the London Diamond Bourse, not only delivered an outstanding main presentation—The Diamond Market: What Every Valuer Needs to Know—but also led a first-class, hands-on workshop on Assessing and Valuing Diamonds.

Focusing on the complexities of valuing larger diamonds of three carats and above, Charlotte demonstrated how desirability and market demand can significantly influence value. She explored how even a single grading variation—including inclusion placement, differences in proportion, internal graining and the nuances contained within diamond reports—can materially affect the value of a larger stone.

Once the technical criteria have been accurately assessed, valuers must also consider wider market factors, including current trading conditions, price guides, auction results and the opinions of specialist large-stone dealers before reaching a final conclusion.

Our delegates had the invaluable opportunity to examine substantial diamond-set pieces and determine their UK New Replacement Values, putting expert valuation principles directly into practice.

An exceptionally insightful, engaging and expertly delivered workshop. Thank you, Charlotte, for sharing your outstanding knowledge and experience—and thank you to Seth Solomons as well, for his invaluable experience throughout the session. 💎

Thank you to Lesley Skinner of for the super review 🙏

Photo credits: Derek Dunlop Photography , Charlotte Webster, Kay Oakes

21/09/2026

💎 An Important Update on Synthetic Diamond Terminology 💎

Following the presentation at the JVA Annual Conference, the Jewellery Valuers Association has updated its policy on the terminology used to describe synthetic diamonds in all JVA valuations.

CIBJO has determined that 'synthetic' should be the sole descriptor within its Blue Books for a manufactured product with essentially the same chemical composition, physical properties and structure as its naturally occurring counterpart.

Although CIBJO acknowledges that the term 'laboratory-grown diamond' is a consumer marketing term, it considers 'synthetic' to provide the clearest and most scientifically accurate description.

The London Diamond Bourse has also adopted 'synthetic diamond' as its preferred terminology, supporting greater clarity and consistency across the UK jewellery and diamond trade.

Importantly, synthetic does not mean imitation or simulant. A synthetic diamond has essentially the same chemical composition, physical properties and crystal structure as a natural diamond, but has been manufactured in factories rather than formed naturally. A diamond simulant, such as cubic zirconia, is a different material altogether that imitates the appearance of diamond.

With immediate effect, JVA Registered Valuers® will use 'synthetic diamond' as the primary description on all JVA valuations.

Where 'laboratory-grown' appears in information supplied by a manufacturer or within a report, it may be recorded as supporting information, but it will not replace the valuer’s primary description of the material as a synthetic diamond.

This brings JVA valuation practice into line with the direction being taken internationally by CIBJO and within the UK diamond trade, supporting terminology that is clear, accurate, consistent and professionally defensible.

Swipe through the images to learn more. ➡️

17/09/2026

🏆 Congratulations to Sonia Butler FGA DGA MJVA — JVA Registered Valuer © of the Year 2026! 🏆

We were delighted to present this very special award to Sonia during the Awards and Charity Gala Evening on Saturday 12th September.

The category was exceptionally strong, with Sonia nominated alongside six other excellent and thoroughly deserving valuers. We are incredibly proud of our members and delighted to see so many outstanding professionals recognised for their integrity, dedication and contribution to the valuation community.

The JVA Registered Valuer © of the Year Award, sponsored by the late Steve Carson FJVA

The JVA Registered Valuer © of the Year is awarded to a valuer who has excelled in upholding the JVA’s professional valuation standards and continuously demonstrates exceptional levels of integrity. The award recognises the valuer’s commitment and dedication to supporting and developing the JVA, its members and professional valuers.

Please join us in offering our warmest congratulations to Sonia on this thoroughly deserved achievement! 👏✨

14/09/2026

💎 The JVA Annual Conference Through Rui’s Eyes 💎

We’re delighted that renowned gemmologist and educator Rui Galopim de Carvalho has reviewed the JVA Annual Conference 2026 in his latest article.

Rui shares his reflections on a fabulous weekend of education, expertise and friendship—a wonderful celebration of our profession and the JVA community.

Thank you, Rui, for joining us and for capturing the spirit of this year’s conference so beautifully!

JVA Annual Conference 2026. Photo courtesy of JVA. The Jewellery Valuers Association (JVA) very popular Annual Conference was held at Holywell Park in Loughborough, England, bringing together jewel…

10/09/2026

One of the highlights of the JVA Annual Conference is always our Charity Dinner & Awards Evening — a wonderful opportunity to come together, celebrate our profession and recognise the achievements of our members.

During the evening, we’ll announce the JVA Registered Valuer of the Year and hold our much-loved charity raffle in aid of The Silversmiths & Jewellers Charity.

We have some truly fabulous prizes this year, and we are enormously grateful to all the businesses, organisations and individuals who have so generously supported us with donations. Your kindness helps us support a very worthy charity while making the evening extra special for everyone attending.

A huge THANK YOU to all our wonderful prize donors — we can’t wait to showcase your generous contributions on the night!

Not long to go until JVA Annual Conference 2026! ✨💎



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