Instappraise Announces 2026 NAJA Scholarship Winners Supporting the Next Generation of Jewelry Appraisers

Instappraise today announced the winners of the 2026 Instappraise Scholarships, an educational initiative created in partnership with the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA) to expand access to advanced training, professional credentials, and modern appraisal technology for jewelry appraisal professionals.

The 2026 scholarship program supports candidates at multiple stages of professional development: non-NAJA members seeking formal appraisal training, current NAJA members beginning the NAJA Appraisal Studies Course, and NAJA Certified Members pursuing the Certified Master Appraiser designation. Scholarship recipients receive access to NAJA Appraisal Studies Course, 2026-2027 membership dues, and a one-year Instappraise software subscription, helping them build the skills and tools needed to prepare clear, compliant, and professional appraisal reports.

2026 Instappraise-NAJA Scholarship Winners

Kirstin Viland, GIA GG — recipient of the Instappraise Scholarship #1 for non-NAJA members entering or formally training within the jewelry appraisal profession.

“I am honored to receive this scholarship as it allows me to continue to build on my education by expanding my knowledge of properly and professionally appraising gems and jewelry. I look forward to building a foundation with NAJA based on gemological knowledge and appraisal standards. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and look forward to making the most of it.”

Joanna Kovacs, GIA GG — recipient of the Instappraise Scholarship #2 for current NAJA members beginning the NAJA Appraisal Studies Course.

“I am very honored and humbled to receive such a prestigious award from NAJA & Instappraise. This award allows me to continue upgrading my credentials and knowledge as a GIA graduate gemologist.”

Shari Lukacs, GIA GG — recipient of the Instappraise Scholarship #3 for NAJA Certified Members advancing toward the Certified Master Appraiser designation.

“Thank you NAJA and Instappraise for this wonderful opportunity and challenge. Achieving the next level of my education will show dedication to a career that I enjoy. It will also give me a professional edge and knowledge to better serve my client.”

“The Instappraise Scholarships are designed to remove barriers to professional development and help appraisers strengthen the quality, consistency and credibility of their work,” said Raphael Boivin, Founder of Instappraise. “We are proud to recognize this year’s recipients and support their continued growth in a field where education, ethics and technology are increasingly important.”

Through the program, recipients will complete designated NAJA coursework within the required scholarship timelines while using Instappraise’s appraisal software platform to create professional appraisal reports. The scholarships reflect Instappraise and NAJA’s shared commitment to raising professional standards across the jewelry appraisal community.

“NAJA is pleased to continue working with Instappraise to support serious students and practicing professionals who want to advance their expertise,” said Gail Brett Levine, GIA GG, Executive Director at NAJA. “This scholarship program helps members pursue meaningful credentials while contributing to stronger appraisal practice throughout the industry.”