The event will take place over 12 – 14 October at the new Grand Hyatt in Bogotá, Columbia, and will host delegates from 25 countries to discuss the state of the emerald mining industry and gemmological studies of the gemstone.
Representatives from Afghanistan, Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Pakistan, Russia and Zambia, will be in attendance on behalf of the top eight emerald-producing countries.
Organised by Fedesmeraldas, the Colombian Emerald Federation, the event will host more than 60 guest speakers in seminars to address challenges within the industry. They will cover topics ranging from laboratory testing, consumer education and awareness, corporate social responsibility, traceability, compliance, ethics and sustainability.
Representatives from luxury brands including Van Cleef & Arpels will also be at the event along with associations including the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), Dubai Multi-Commodities Center (DMCC).
Gemological Institute of America’s education manager of field gemology Andrew Lucas said the 2015 event was successful in providing delegates with a wealth of knowledge in the emerald sector.
“There was a strong emphasis on the future and a cooperative effort that would benefit the entire emerald industry. The speakers were from source, manufacturing, and consuming countries, representing all levels of the value chain,” he said.
The world’s major trade associations will also be in attendance, including the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA), World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO), Thai Gem & Jewelry Traders Association (TGJTA), China’s National Gemstone Testing Center (NGTC), Gemstone Association of China (GAC), India’s Gem and Jewellery Export Council (GJEPC), and many more. Leading gemmological laboratories will also be represented.
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