ICA�s second World Colored Gemstone Report

The International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) has released the 2006 World Colored Gemstone Mining Report, a special edition of its publication, InColor. The rganization noted that the rapid and significant developments in geo-politics as well as in communications technologies have brought important changes to international business, and also to the colored gemstone industry and trade and thus this special
report is a much-needed tool.

A decade has past since ICA published its first Mining Report. According to Jean Claude Michelou, ICA vice president and co-executive editor of the report, "In the past gemstone mining was limited to just a few countries and locations, however, exploration and mining is becoming more widespread, with many new mining localities establishing themselves, some even becoming dominant and leading sources within a short stretch of time. Never before has such a variety of gemstones from different sources been available in the trade."

At the same time, as the public interest for gemstones is growing in most countries, many new gemstones are finding their place in the jewelry retail and consumer market. Members of the industry find that each visit to a trade show is impressive due to the amazing array of gems on display. Even for an experienced gemologist or gem dealer it is a challenge to cover such diversity and it is difficult to keep up to date. "This special report of InColor aims to help our members, the industry at large and readers to get a better understanding of the worlds gemstone sources," Michelou continued.

The ICAs worldwide membership network provided the best and most up-to-date information available for this report, including the many ICA Ambassadors, miners and members active in the gem producing areas in all parts of the world as well as government mining authorities. ICA president, Joseph Menzie, commented that, "ICA is in an excellent position to produce such an impressive and current report due to the international scope of our membership. Were sure it will be an invaluable reference guide for years to come." Barbara Lipatapanlop, ICA executive director and co-executive editor of the report said, "Our aim is to update this information on a regular basis, as we anticipate that it will be well received in the trade." She also noted that the publication will be officially launched at the upcoming JCK Show.