The Gemstone Industry & Laboratory Conference (GILC), held at the Tucson Convention Center, received a participation number more than double the expectations. It housed representatives from laboratories across the world, members of the LMHC and CIBJO, including Roland Naftule - vice president of CIBJO and president of Sector 3, and members of the trade from wholesale and retail sectors. The event was organised by International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) and the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA).

One of the most important discussions to surface amongst others at the conference was on nomenclature for glass-filled rubies. A committee was formed to follow-up discussion, devise an acceptable commercial name and disclosure for this product, and report to GILC members on the progress.

The subject of treatments applied to emeralds was also discussed with suggestions that separate codes for oil and resin be developed. A newly formed GILC Committee is set to address this issue and others related to emerald.

The presentation by ICA vice president Jean Claude Michelou on fair trade and ethical mining applied to coloured gemstones revealed a concrete proposal for simplified concept of certification of gemstone producing countries based on poverty reduction, capacity building and value addition to the artisanal miners supply chain to the market.

Shane McClure presented findings at the Gemological Institute of America on ‘Radioactive Uranium Mineral as Inclusions in Turquoise’. A committee was formed to look in to this further and give recommendations to regulate the import of this product in accordance with NRC.

Dr Ahmadjan Abduriyuim from the Gemmological Association of All Japan delivered a thorough presentation on andesine, with in depth research he undertook in differentiating andesine of Mongolian origin vs. Tibetan origin. The presentation clarified the distinction between treated and natural material can be made and proper disclosure codes are in order.

Dr. Pornsawat Whatanakul, academic advisor for the Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand, presented a method of colour grading of corundum based on pre-established master sets. The proposal revived the discussion regarding the colour gemstone trade’s reluctance to adopt any colour grading codes.