The event included panel discussions and presentations on responsible sourcing as well as the challenges faced by artisanal miners, who supply an estimated 80 per cent of the coloured gemstones on the market.
Emerging technologies such as blockchain, consumer trends, and marketing for retailers were also addressed.
Notably, a new member status, ‘Accredited Ethical Member’, was launched at the Congress.
Santpal Sinchawla, ICA secretary and chairman of the steering committee for the Congress, said, “The 19th ICA Congress attracted leading speakers in the coloured gemstone industry from around the world, including Sean Gilbertson, CEO of Gemfields – our anchor sponsor – and top executives from retailers Chow Tai Fook and Amazon, among many others.”
Prida Tiasuwan, chairman of the Congress, added, “We are delighted to have seen the biggest ever participation by industry experts from around the world at this year’s Congress in Bangkok. The increasing diversity of the organisation is reflected in the largest ever presence of female delegates and speakers at this year’s event.”
The ICA was founded in 1984 and currently has more than 700 members representing the jewellery supply chain from mine to market, as well as academia, museums and gemmological laboratories.
Its purpose is to develop consistent business standards and improve the communication and trade of coloured gemstones worldwide.
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