The Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A) is preparing to welcome gemmology professionals, jewellers, retailers, and scientists to London on Sunday, November 6, 2022, for its annual Gem-A Conference.
This year’s one-day event, which closes for new registrations on Friday, October 28, will take place at etc.venues County Hall in London, which benefits from views over the River Thames and the Houses of Parliament.
The day will consist of eight speakers who will deliver talks based on their respective fields of expertise, including tourmaline, peridot, natural diamonds and jade. Other talks will focus on professional skills associated with gemmology, such as pricing, historical analysis, photojournalism, and scientific detection. This year’s speakers and the titles of their talks are outlined below (alphabetical order by surname):
- Richard Drucker, Gemworld International: Market Update from the GemGuide
- David Fisher, De Beers Group Research Centre: Current Challenges for Gemmologists in Identifying Treated and Laboratory-Grown Diamonds
- Dr H. Albert Gilg, Technical University of Munich: Analysis of Gemstones in Late Medieval Crowns in Europe
- Joanna Hardy, Fine Jewellery Specialist: Peridot – Past, Present & Future Sponsored by Fuli Gemstones (Platinum Sponsor of the Gem-A Conference)
- Richard Hughes, Lotus Gemmology: Jade – China’s Gift to the World
- Lisa Levinson, Natural Diamond Council: Consumer Attitudes to Natural Diamonds
- Federico Pezzotta, Natural History Museum of Milan: Paraiba and Other Gem-Tourmaline Varieties from Mavuco, Mozambique
- Robert Weldon, Richard T. Liddicoat Library (GIA): The Travels and Travails of a Gemmological Photojournalist
The Gem-A Conference 2022 is supported by Platinum Sponsor Fuli Gemstones, Silver Sponsors American Gemological Laboratories (AGL) and Marcus McCallum, and Bronze Sponsors the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ), Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF), the Canadian Gemmological Association (CGA) and Gemworld International.
The Gem-A Conference will conclude with the Gala Dinner, which also takes place at etc.venues County Hall. Guests will be seated for a three-course meal on the evening of November 6, alongside members of the Gem-A team and representatives from Gem-A Conference sponsors. This occasion provides more opportunities for networking in an informal setting alongside evening entertainment, which will be a surprise for attendees on the night.
Gem-A CEO Alan Hart says: “This year’s Gem-A Conference looks set to be a fantastic day of learning and networking for all our attendees. We are thrilled to welcome such a strong and experienced cohort of speakers who will provide our guests with information and insights from a breadth of gemmological perspectives. Every year, the Gem-A Conference seeks to inspire professional gemmologists and students who are starting their journeys. I would encourage anyone wanting to attend to secure their tickets quickly to avoid disappointment.”
Historically, the Gem-A Conference 2022 has been accompanied by a full day of workshops and tours, incorporating some of London’s heritage sites of gemmological significance. This year’s selection includes a private tour of the Natural History Museum, a private viewing of the Gems and Jewellery Gallery at the Victoria & Albert Museum, and a behind-the-scenes tour of the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London. All the workshops and tours on offer sold out in record time from the moment they were announced to Gem-A Members in early October 2022.
Alan Hart adds: “Gem-A Conference workshops and tours are always popular with attendees, especially our overseas guests. From the moment we announced this year’s offering, the available spaces quickly sold out. It’s heartening to see the demand for gemmological learning and the participation of our members, especially after such a long time away from in-person events due to the pandemic. Overall, this year’s Conference is shaping up to be one of our best.”
Elsewhere, the Association is preparing for its annual general meeting (AGM) at its London headquarters on Wednesday, October 26. Members have now been invited to cast their votes on key resolutions via Civica Election Services (CES) and peruse the Association’s audited accounts. This will allow them to have a say in the Association’s upcoming activities.
Tickets for the Gem-A Conference 2022 cost £135 for Gem-A Members and £150 for non-members. Gem-A and GIA students can secure tickets for a discounted price of £50. Tickets for the Gem-A Conference Gala Dinner cost £95. New attendees can register here: brightelm.eventsair.com/gem-a-conference-2022/reg/Site/Register
Further information about the Gem-A Conference 2022 can be found here: gem-a.com/event/conference-2022
