World of Gems Conference II

October 9-10, 2010, Rosemont (Chicago), Illinois

This important conference is hosted by AGA member Richard Drucker, Gemworld International. The first international conference was in 2008, and drew attendees from six countries. Several world-renown speakers including Dr. John Emmett, Dr. James Shigley, and Shane McClure are among the fourteen confirmed speakers at this two-day conference. Leading researchers will present the latest in gemological information among the many topics offered.

All AGA members are encouraged to attend. For current conference details and registration, please go to www.worldofgemsconference.com.

Program Information, Speakers and Topics

In these gemological challenging times, all industry participants must continue to expand their knowledge and stay abreast of the latest in gem treatments. The consequences of not knowing are too great to leave to chance. It is no longer business as usual in the gem industry. Nomenclature is changing; disclosure is changing; liability is changing. Increasing your knowledge base will lead to increased profitability.

In recent years, conflicting information regarding diffusion has appeared in publications and online. We have even seen a major lawsuit over disclosure of diffusion treatment. Recently, new claims of different gems being treated by element diffusion methods have surfaced. Understanding diffusion treatment is essential and the World of Gems Conference II will feature one of the world’s authorities on this subject, John Emmett, PhD. He has not only studied the topic, but also performed the treatments first-hand while doing his research.

Gem treatment disclosure is more challenging today because of the difficulty in identifying all the treatments being done, the difficulty in quantifying the levels of treatment, and the ongoing changes in acceptable nomenclature. Labs have standard procedures and protocols that they follow. The major gem trade labs all participate in international organizations and meetings. Applying a scientific process to the reports is critical in gaining consistency. Standard procedures must be followed in choosing the proper nomenclature, which leads to proper disclosure. Shane McClure of the GIA West Coast Laboratory guides us through this process as we learn how to properly grade gem treatments.

The varieties of pearls in the marketplace can be overwhelming to identify. Nucleation techniques offer more variety than ever. Since nearly all pearls are treated in some way, it is a safe assumption to disclose as such. However, what treatments can be identified and how they should be disclosed are key areas of concern to all jewelers and appraisers. Author Elisabeth Strack takes us on the pearl journey of identification and treatments in this rapidly changing field.

Gemworld International is the industry leader for gem pricing and market information. In 2008, we hosted the first ever World of Gems Conference. Attendees from six countries came to learn and network with industry peers. The World of Gems Conference II is slated for October 9-10, 2010 with another impressive lineup of world renown speakers.

Confirmed speakers and topics include:

Dr. James Shigley, Distinguished Research Fellow, GIA: Lab Grown Diamonds and Treated Diamonds
Shane F. McClure, Director of West Coast Identification Services, GIA: Applying Scientific Processes to Lab Reports and Significant New Lab Notes
Christopher P. Smith, President, American Gemological Laboratories: Current Corundum Sources and their Treatments and If Inclusions Could Talk
Dr. John L. Emmett, President, Crystal Chemistry: Of Beryllium and Beefsteak: Understanding Diffusion in Gemstones
Elisabeth Strack, Gemmologisches Institut, Hamburg, Germany: Pearl Varieties and Pearl Treatments
Jon Phillips, Vice President, CIBJO Diamond Commission, Committee Member Responsible Jewelry Council: Diamond Issues—An International Perspective
Mike Evers, Esq., President, Gem Aficionado: Warranties and Lab Reports
Diane Flora, Education Director, American Gem Society: Comparing Cut Grading Systems the AGS and GIA Way
Cidgem Lule, PhD, History of Gem Treatments and Nomenclature
Richard Drucker, President, Publisher, GemGuide, Gemworld International, Inc.: Lab Reports are Opinions, Commerce is Fact
Stuart Robertson, Research Director, GemGuide, Gemworld International, Inc.: History of Gem Treatments and Nomenclature and Selling the Legal Way

Industry Panel on Diamond Fluorescence:

Antoinette Matlins, Author & Consultant
Joseph DuMouchelle, President, Joseph DuMouchelle Jewellery Buyers & Auctioneers
Tom Tashey, President, PGS Laboratory
Richard Drucker
Jon Phillips
Diane Flora

Note: all speakers and topics are subject to change. The website will continue to post the most current information. The conference will be at the Intercontinental O’Hare Hotel, Rosemont, Illinois.