Instappraise has announced three recipients of its 2026 scholarships, developed in partnership with the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA) to support education and professional development in jewellery appraisal.

This year’s winners are Kirstin Viland, GIA GG, Joanna Kovacs, GIA GG, and Shari Lukacs, GIA GG, each selected for a scholarship supporting a different stage of professional advancement.

Viland received the scholarship for non-NAJA members entering or pursuing formal training in jewellery appraisal. “I am honoured 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 jewellery,” said Viland. “I look forward to building a foundation with NAJA based on gemmological knowledge and appraisal standards.”

Kovacs, recognized among current NAJA members beginning the NAJA Appraisal Studies Course, said, “I am very honoured and humbled to receive such a prestigious award from NAJA and Instappraise. This award allows me to continue upgrading my credentials and knowledge as a GIA graduate gemmologist.”

Lukacs received the scholarship for NAJA Certified Members working toward the Certified Master Appraiser designation. “Thank you NAJA and Instappraise for this wonderful opportunity and challenge,” said Lukacs. “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.”

Each scholarship includes access to NAJA coursework, 2026-2027 membership dues, and a one-year Instappraise software subscription. “The Instappraise Scholarships are designed to remove barriers to professional development and help appraisers strengthen the quality, consistency, and credibility of their work,” says Raphael Boivin, founder of Instappraise.