[Caitlin]

Here is one way to get to Tucson for the gem show!

Congratulations Blaire!

December 9, 2007 Contact: Gail Brett Levine, GG
For Immediate Release P. O. Box 18, Rego Park, NY 11374
718.896.1536 f. 718.997.9057
naja.appraisers@netzero.net
www.NAJAappraisers.com

NAJA ANNOUNCES 2007 SCHOLARSHIP WINNER!

The National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA) announces the winner of the 2007 ACE© It Conference Scholarship to attend the 29th Annual ACE© It Winter Educational Conference scheduled on February 4-5, 2008 in TucsonAZ.
Ms. Blaire Beavers, San Diego, CA, is the 2007 winner of the annual scholarship. Ms. Beavers is a current home study student at the Gemological Institute of America. Her jewelry journey started with her father showing her geological formations in the deserts of southern California. While working at another job, she pursued her gemological education and attending as many gemological events as possible. Ms. Beavers observed “being a good appraiser would appear to be a race without a finish line.”
The NAJA Scholarship gives a gemology student a first hand experience of networking with appraisal professionals by attending the highly regarded NAJA educational experience during a time when Tucson devotes itself to gems, jewelry, and minerals. NAJA believes that appraising is a viable career option for students of gemology.
The National Association of Jewelry Appraisers is the largest membership association specializing exclusively in gem and jewelry appraising and related appraisal issues. It offers education and networking opportunities with knowledgeable appraisal professionals. For further information on becoming a member of NAJA, attending NAJA’s Tucson education conference or the 2008 Conference Scholarship please contact Gail Brett Levine, GG, Executive Director, The National Association of Jewelry Appraisers, P. O. Box 18, Rego Park, NY11374, 718.896.1536 fax 718.997.9057, naja.appraisers@netzero.net, www.NAJAappraisers.com.
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[pattye]

That's Just Awesome, Blaire!

Pattye
so many pearls, so little time

[Slraep]

Congratulations Blaire! Your dad must be so proud!

Slraep

[GemGeek]

Thanks Caitlin, Pattye and Slraep. I can hardly believe I had the winning essay. I didn't sleep a wink the night they called me and told me I'd won!

I'm hoping to buy a copy of Elisabeth Strack's book and have her sign it, since I know I'll meet her in person now. Thanks for all your support. Being a part of Pearl-Guide.com has made me feel like I have an extended family around the globe.

[jerin]

Congratulations from Sweden too, Blaire!

[Satine De La Courcel]

Congratulations Blaire!!! Hoobah!!!! Yeah.. Whoot whoot...

Cheers
Ash

[Sueki]

Many congrats, Blaire.
If the essay was only half as good as your photo diaries on here, I'm not at all surprised you won.

[GemGeek]

Thanks for the enthusiastic Whoots! And I'm happy to know I'm not overdoing it with the photo stories. You know how much I love photos!

[Valeria101]

Way to go, Blaire Literally!

Looking forward to those photo-laden stories you do so well

[DFrey]

Congrats Blaire, being at the Tuscon show would be excitement enough but there on a scholarship-- floatin on air.
Keep the photos essays coming, I love them.

Dfrey

[pernula]

Congratulations Blaire! You sure have a talent to write! BTW, there are some very interesting geological formations in Arizona too, if you have time to explore.

Pernula

[GemGeek]

Thanks everyone!

Winning, in itself, has been pretty good, even if that was all I received. They told me that I will wear a special badge and everyone is encouraged to meet me and talk to me about being an appraiser.

Last year I was very shy about asking questions, but someone told me I had to talk to Nancy Stacy, who is a phenomenal appraiser. She answered the big questions, which were:

1. Could I learn enough to become a good appraiser?
2. Which educational programs would help me the most?
3. Which ones were a waste of my time?
4. How could I get experience with antique jewelry?
5. What appraisal organizations should I focus on?

I'm starting the last course in getting my Graduate Gemologist diploma - Gem Identification. I will, apparently, be a student for the rest of my life. One thing is for sure - there will be no shortage of new pearl information - thanks to you!

Cheers,
Blaire