2026 AGA Virtual Conference – Colors of the Diamond Market

Brecken Branstrator is the editor-in-chief of Gemworld International’s GemGuide publication, the industry leader for gemstone pricing and market information and trends. She has written about gems and jewelry for more than a decade and has dedicated herself to covering the colored gemstone sector in depth, from topics like supply and pricing to responsible sourcing developments and other issues of interest. She has traveled extensively across the United States and internationally to attend trade shows and conferences or visit brands and source markets firsthand.

Nilesh R. Sheth is President of Heirloom Collection, Inc., doing business as Nice Diamonds. He earned a B.S. in Computer Science from California State University in 1986 and, in May 1987, opened the New York City branch of his family’s business, Nice Diamonds.

With nearly 40 years in the jewelry industry, Nilesh has built his business on honesty, integrity, and a deep appreciation for exceptional diamonds.
His interest in antique stones, distinctive cuts, and rare colors led him to study the origins and grading of fancy color diamonds under Stephen Hofer, color diamond expert and author.

Nilesh has also held leadership positions in several trade organizations, helping members strengthen their businesses through educational and marketing initiatives. He served on the Executive Board of IDCA (Indian Diamond & Colored Stone Association) for more than seven years and was President of the association in 2018–2019. He also served as a director on the board of JBT (Jewelers Board of Trade) and on the education
committee of NCDIA (Natural Color Diamond Association).

He has helped organize seminars in collaboration with GIA, JVC, and JBT to address governance, industry standards, disclosure, compliance, and credit-related issues. He also works closely with GIA’s research department to support the development of processes for identifying treatments and contributes to industry education on new treatments and synthetics. In addition, he regularly shares expert insights on market shifts and supply trends with trade publications.

In addition to his work with IDCA and JBT, Nilesh is a proud member of DDC (Diamond Dealers Club) and a certified member of RJC (Responsible Jewellery Council).

Since opening in 1998, Symmetry has become one of Australia’s leading independent jewellery valuers.
Principal Kym Hughes is highly respected in the valuation industry, with extensive experience and knowledge of the manufacturing techniques of modern and antique jewellery from around the world. With over 30 years of
experience in the industry, Kym has also completed both national and international qualifications in gemmology and valuation. She currently lectures both within Australia and internationally on a range of subjects. As immediate past president of the National Council of Jewellers for 23 years, and current council member current president of the Queensland Division of National Council of Jewellery Valuers, Kym is uniquely positioned as one of the world’s leading valuation experts.

Her rigorous appraisal process is supported by sophisticated analytical equipment which can accurately test the origin, type, and treatment of gemstones. The testing is performed by Symmetry’s sister company Spectra
Laboratory, one of the best equipped gemstone analytical laboratories in Australia.

Kym Hughes has more than 30 years’ experience in the industry and regularly undertakes professional
development to keep up to date with current best practice. Her training and qualifications include:

• Diploma in Gemmology, FGA (UK)
• Diploma in Gemmology, FGAA (Australia)
• Diploma in diamond technology
• Certified diamond grader HRD (Antwerp)
• Certificate in diamond grading (Australia)
• Workshop in synthetic, imitations, treated and fancy colour diamonds HRD (Antwerp)
• Diploma of Applied Gemmology (diploma) DipVal
• Workshop in jade (Singapore Polytechnic and Far East Gem Institute)
• Workshop in FTIR and UV-VIS Spectroscopy (Switzerland)

Her commitment to the education and training of valuers is represented by being a co – author of the course
offered 10784NAT Diploma of Applied Gemmology (valuation). Sharing her knowledge to up and coming valuers
is something that she loves to do as she is a firm believer in paying it forward, without those who taught her she would not have the business success she has today.