National Association of Jewelry Appraisers

About this Association

National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA) founded in 1981 on the premise that the specialized field of gem and jewelry appraising was an area that was long overdue for representation on a professional basis. There was a need for an appraisal organization focused solely on gems and jewelry, which would not be subject to the confusion of diverse appraisal disciplines such as real estate, machinery & equipment, art, household contents, etc. The NAJA was formed as a response to this need and has been privately owned since 1981. The leadership starts at the top with the Executive Director followed by Associate Directors. They pride themselves in being highly responsive and nimble to the needs of their membership and to the jewelry industry.

The Association’s primary purpose is to recognize, and make available, the services of highly qualified, informed, experienced, and professional gemologist appraisers of gems and jewelry to the public requiring such expertise. In addition, NAJA seeks to promote the trademark and professional designations earned by NAJA members and to make available continuing educational materials in order to ensure that they are among the best informed appraisers in the gem and jewelry industry.

Their goal is to promote professionalism among their members as well as the industry as a whole. NAJA provides reasonable assurance to the public of the professional skill, integrity, and responsibility of their members.

The National Association of Jewelry Appraisers is the only appraisal association in the United States that devotes itself solely to the appraisal of gems and jewelry. All of their energies focus on these subjects, which are updated with new information as it becomes available.

Objectives

The NAJA conducts various programs designed to serve the interests of both its members and the public at large in matters relating to appraisal theory and valuation science. Major elements of this program include:

• A referral program designed to make the services of professional gemologist/appraisers available to consumers and other professionals.
• A comprehensive online Appraisal Studies Course encompassing appraisal theory and methodology, USPAP, jewelry history, and up-to-date industry-related topics (see link at top of page).
• Education of the public in matters relating to the profession of gem and jewelry appraising.
• Promulgation of a Code of Ethics and a Client’s Bill of Rights, which are to be adhered to by all members of the association.
• Multiple membership levels, including a program for the advancement of members and the awarding of appropriate designations to those members meeting the association’s various membership level requirements.
• The establishment of appraisal standards for gem and jewelry appraising.
• Bi-annual conferences providing educational seminars and meetings on topics related to gem and jewelry appraising, available to members and non-members.
• Miscellaneous activities to make the public more aware of the professional standards to be used in gem and jewelry appraisals and to gain recognition for members in this association.
• NAJA Accredited Gem Lab program available to all Certified Members and mandatory for Certified Master Appraiser members.

The NAJA can be contacted using the email and phone links at the top of this page. There is further information on the NAJA website that can be accessed using the link at the top.