Insights from the 2018 GIA International Gemological Symposium

The excitement and discoveries from GIA’s (Gemological Institute of America) sixth International Gemological Symposium can be experienced in the Fall issue of Gems & Gemology (G&G), GIA’s quarterly professional journal. Nearly 800 attendees from 36 countries gathered in Carlsbad, California, from Oct. 7 to 9 to learn about leading-edge gemological and mineralogical research and to advance their understanding of global business. The research and business tracks ran simultaneously, offering guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in either area.

The latest edition of G&G focuses on abstracts from the research track, including 37 speaker presentations and 68 poster sessions covering seven research themes: coloured stones and pearls, diamond geology, diamond identification, gem characterization, gem localities and formation, general gemology and jewelry, and new technologies and techniques. In a parallel program, the business track offered classes taught by three Harvard Business School professors that explored real-life case studies on Authentic Leadership, Customer Centricity and Disruptive Innovation.

The G&G issue closes with a recap of Futurescape Forum, a remarkable event that offered unique insights into the trajectory of the gem and jewellery industry. The panel featured Bruce Cleaver, CEO of the De Beers Group; Gina Drosos, CEO of Signet Jewelers; Jason Goldberger, CEO of Blue Nile; Andy Johnson, CEO of Diamond Cellar Holdings; Rahul Kadakia, international head of jewelry at Christie’s; and Kent Wong, managing director of Chow Tai Fook. These industry leaders discussed technological breakthroughs, changing consumer tastes and sustainability concerns.

This issue also includes a montage of photos from all three days of the event. Each Symposium guest will receive a complimentary print copy of the Fall 2018 G&G.

This and every issue of G&G since 1934, including full articles, lab notes, photo galleries and exclusive video footage, are available at no cost on GIA’s website at https://www.gia.edu/gems-gemology.