Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A) hosted their centenary conference - 2008 European Gemmological Symposium, between 25th—26th October, 2008, presenting a gamut of theories and practices in gemmology, from history of gemmology to modern practical gemmology. The two day event extended its enthusiasm to the following two days, with workshops, visits to museums and the Gem-A Graduation and Awards ceremony. The event was attended by an international gathering of gemmologists, laboratories and gem associations jewellery trade, at the Hilton London Kensington.

Subjects of the presentations were given themes, as ‘Foundations of Gemmology’ narrated tracing of gemmology in ancient literature to modern practices, development of inclusion studies and the use of historic gems in jewellery. The speakers for this presentation were: Sandra Brauns, Rui Galopim de Carvalho, Al Gilbertson, John Koivula, Yvonne Markowitz and Dr Jack Ogden.

Another presentation on the second day was themed as Practical Gemmology in the Modern World, which spoke of the use of portable gemmological tools, speculation of future tools, coloured gemstone discoveries in Canada and new identifications of colour-enhanced quartzes. The speakers included: Dr Emmanuel Fritsch, Professor Henry Hänni, Dr Ulrich Henn, Alan Hodgkinson, Dr Michael Krzemnicki, Duncan Parker and Bradley Wilson.

Also, Al Gilberston, author of American Cut—The First 100 Years, and John Koivula, author of Photoatlas of Inclusions of Gemstones Volume 3 signed their books.

The sense of the event carried further for two days, with attendees registering for a private view of the William and Judith Bollinger Jewellery Gallery at the Victoria and Albert Museum, opened in May 2008. Also, Darko B Sturman, Curator Emeritus of the Royal Ontario Museum, and Duncan Parker, President of the Canadian Gemmological Association, hosted a refractometer practical workshop on an analysis of seven calculated patterns of movement and rotation of a gemstone on the refractometer. The annual Gem-A Graduation and Awards ceremony was held at Goldsmiths' Hall in the City of London, where graduates received their diplomas at the hands of Gem-A's President, Professor Andrew Rankin.

A precious metal clay workshop was conducted by Helen O'Neill from the PMC Studio, a private tour of the Crown Jewels led by David Thomas, MVO, Crown Jeweller from 1991-July 2007 was also arranged. Gem-A hosted a Gem Discovery Club Specialist evening with Antoinette Matlins entitled Simple Tools That Work in a High Tech World.