World of Gems Conference II --
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.
