PresentationsExotic Common OpalsWe will be discussing a wide range of materials classified as Opals that do not show any spectral color flashes, or display play-of-color, and are usually referred to as “Common Opals” in contrast to their “Precious” cousins. What these Opals have is a striking body color- blue, pink, yellow, green, or stark white, and may show bands, stripes or scenic patterns. Many of them come from exotic or remote locales, and most are natural, not treated in any way. Their appealing beauty should take them out of the “common” class and place them straight into the “exotic, stunning, rare and unusual” stratosphere. They are used for unusual cabochons, carvings and beads, with prices ranging from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars, and when set into jewelry they are alluring and fascinating. Materials that fall under the category of ‘Exotic Common Opals’ include Blue and Pink Opal from Peru and Arizona, Ice-cream Opal from Spencer, Idaho, Morado Opal from Mexico, Bertrandite (or Tiffany Stone) from Utah, Candy-stripe and Utah Lace Opal from Utah, dendritic white Opal, yellow Opal from Idaho, and various green Opals from Serbia, Tanzania, Argentina, Indonesia, and green cat’s eye Opal from Brazil. Helen hopes to provide enough evidence to back up the case that these Opals should be referred to as Exotic Common Opals, and offer guidance to evaluating the quality and value of these pieces. She will have many of these Opals for hands-on assessment.

New Generation of Natural Looking CVD-grown Diamonds - How to separate them from Natural Diamonds in few steps! (Lecture and Workshop!)There has been an increasing number of synthetic diamonds in the jewelry market over the past decade, and especially those grown by CVD method. We are reporting on distribution of “naturally looking” CVD-grown treated pink and as-grown blue (Si doped) type IIa diamonds by Orion (PDC) company in Hong Kong and brown and colorless CVD-grown diamonds by Scio Diamonds, USA. They could be separated form similar looking natural pink, blue, brown and cololress diamonds by use of combination of standard instruments (portable polarioscope, UV lamp) and advanced spectrometers (UV-VIS, FTIR and PL at low temperatures). Come to this lecture and workshop and learn how to screen for CVD-grown colored and colorless diamonds using UV lamp and portable polarisocope mounted on microscope! You need to know also your limitations using standard instruments and when type II diamond in question should be sent to gem laboratory for advanced testing with VIS-NIR, Infrared and Photoluminescence spectrometers.

Ivory and the Loss of Individual Rights of OwnershipWhat all the fuss is about with saving the elephants? Understanding the various terms and timeframes of international agreements to help curb the annihilation of these great creatures. The loss of value when a product can no longer be imported, sold, exported, auctioned or moved. What is an appraiser to do? What are insurance companies going to do?

Gems of the People - Collectible BeadsIn Part II of her continuing series on Estate Exotics, Sindi will focus on beads. Why beads? Beads have accompanied humans since we lived in caves. They are considered to be the first form of jewelry and archaeological indicators of when we became “modern man”. So significant are beads, that most cultures throughout history have used and continue to use beads to convey meaning and value, making them valuable heirloom items and highly collectible. Historic trade and travelers have brought treasures from near and far, which eventually cross our desks. Factors which help us to identify, categorize and determine value for collectible beads will be discussed. Helpful resources will be shared. Join Sindi for a fun and fascinating look into the world of collectible beads. The presentation should help us better recognize these small, but far from insignificant treasures and become aware of their high value.

SundayCatching Light on Edges / A Look at Historical and Contemporary Intaglios Scratched Surfaces and Light On the EdgeThis presentation will begin with a look at some highlights from intaglio gem carving history. Nancy will then describe her own work with glass engraving and intaglio gem work. We will look at the engraved surface to discover clues left by the tools marks and discover the techniques used. After a short break there will be a demonstration using a rotary drill and diamond point. Using some very basic equipment you will be able to try some engraving techniques on your own 3” tile of glass.

Designer Jewelry Drives the MarketWho are the old guard? Who has staying power? Who is of the moment? Where to spot the designers? Where do artist jewelers fit in?

So You thought You Knew About diamonds - A Universal JourneyTake a guided universal tour of diamonds with NAJA’s own Indiana Jones, Michael Hutton - and yes, he really is from Indiana! Learn through the mind’s eye of a former USAF Metrologist, advanced electronics mechanic and a Johannesburg rained diamond cutter, the many esoteric and related topics about diamonds NOT taught by GIA. Arm chair travel through the jungle and diamond fields of Indonesia, the Big Hole at Kimberly and Table Mountain in Capetown (but not limited to!); also dealing in rough and gold in South Africa.

Monday

Tax DeductibleTreasury Regulation 1.162-5 permits an income tax deduction for educational expenses to improve or maintain professional skills (registration fees, travel and a portion of meals and lodging are included).

Special Event at TucsonBook Signings during coffee and lunch breaks as well as at the NAJA Exhibit Booth, G11, in the Tucson Convention Center.

On-Site Registration HoursParticipants may pick up their conference notebook and name tag in the Greenlee Room, which also serves as NAJA’s Exhibit Room starting Saturday, January 31st, noon to 5 PM. Sunday, February 1st, registration continues in the Greenlee Room, 7:00 to 8:00 AM. The NAJA Exhibit Room will also be opened during extended breaks & lunches and after the last session until 6:30 PM.

Hotel ReservationsThe American Gem Trade Association has invited NAJA conferees to secure their own room reservations through AGTA’s website. You need to make your reservations NOW! You can always cancel two weeks before arrival you’re your plans change. Many of us have been on the receiving end of not getting rooms - living indoors is a good thing during GemFair week. A complete listing of the AGTA Preferred Hotels may also be found by logging onto www.agta.org/tradeshows.

What to Bring & What to WearComfortable western casualLoupe, pen light & tweezers Your 2015 NAJA membership card for registration at local shows (i.e., AGTA)

Special Workshop & Lab - Mysteries of the RainbowTwo Hour Workshops - 10 to noon, 2 - 4 PM - Class size limited to 20 attendees each. $45Colin H. Winter, FGA, DGA, Hilary Winter, BA, FGA, DGA

Principles of the spectroscope and an introduction to spectroscopic techniques. You will learn: 1. how to get the best results from your spectroscope 2. interpreting gemstone spectra 3. distinguishing between conflicting spectraAfter a brief PowerPoint lecture, there will be entirely hands on demonstrations. Some lights and plenty of test stones provided. Bring your own spectroscope, pen light and any stones that have stymied you. There will be OPL instruments for purchase at the NAJA member discount rate.

Certification ExamSaturday morning, January 31, 2015 is your first opportunity in 2015 to sit for your certification exam. You need to make reservations for this exam.

Color Vision TestPlease be aware that it is now required for members to take the color vision test at least once in the last five years, here is your opportunity to make sure your color acuity is what it should be for a gemologist/appraiser. The Farnsworth-Munsell & Isihara color vision testing will be available only on Sunday, February 1st. Fourteen (14) half hour appointments will be given on a first-come-first-serve basis.

The Annual Members’ BanquetJoin in the celebration of NAJA’s 43rd Winter Education Conference! Guadalajara Restaurant will host the Members’ Banquet with authentic Mexican cuisine (and other goodies for the non-carnivores!). Cash bar, as always, is available. The event is included in your conference fee.

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Registration Fees Before 1/15 After 1/15 Member $395 $445

NonMember $600 $650

NewMembers&Conferencefees $590 $640fornon-members(asavingsofthe$25processingfee)

Mysteries of the Rainbow Spectrascope Workshop NAJA Members ONLY! $45

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CertificationTesting $50January31st,Saturdaymorningonly

ColorVisionTest $45February1st,Sundayonly

BanquetforGuest $55February2nd,Mondaynight

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Call 718-896-1536,NAJAofficeFax Faxthisformto718-997-9057withyourpaymentinformationEmail naja.appraisers@netzero.netMail: Mailtheattachedformwithyourpaymentto: TheNationalAssociationofJewelryAppraisers P.O.Box18,RegoParkNY11374-0018Online: Click here to pay via PayPal (office@najaappraisers.com)

Cancellation Policy: Your registration fee will be refunded 100% if your written or faxed cancellation is received by January 15, 2015. Cancellations after January 15, 2015 there will be charged a service fee of $125.

Your registration fee includes presentations for all two days, conference handouts, lunches, morning & afternoon coffee breaks with healthy snacks, and the February 2, Monday evening Members’ Banquet.

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