Opal and the dinosaur — discover the link
ANDREW CODY, Cody Opals (Australia) pty Ltd, Melbourne, Australia
The origins of opal during the Cretaceous period and the opal story covering natural history, geology and gemmology.  Andrew will be displaying amazing opalized fossils and and gem types.

Red coral: when tradition meets a modern management
GIOIA DE SIMONE, Antonio De Simone, Torre Del Greco, Italy
From the origins of coral in history, and the legendary coral routes, to the characteristics of the different species.  The inclusion of certain species in the Cites agreement, and the recent rejection of the proposal to include all species of coral in Cites. The new commitment to ensuring a sustainable management of the resource.

Historical and gemmological influences on pricing
RICHARD DRUCKER GG, Gemworld International Inc., Glenview, Illinois, USA
Coloured gemstone prices have fluctuated historically due to many factors including sources, changing demand and gem treatments. This historical perspective will look at gem pricing over time, what it has done, and where it is heading, focusing on evolving gem treatments and the huge impact it is having on the gem industry now.

Digital photomicrography: revealing the hidden beauty of inclusions in gemstones
MICHAEL HÜGI MSc FGA, Swiss Gemmological Society, Bern, Switerland
The application of digital photography together with modern microscopic equipment gives rise to new possibilities to overcome the system-bound constraints of conventional photomicrography, e.g. the small range of contrast sensitivity of photographic films and the limited depth of field.

Gem Lab notes
Dr MICHAEL KRZEMNICKI FGA, SSEF Swiss Gemmological institute, Basel, Switzerland
Michael will share with the audience the pleasure he and other gem experts at the SSEF find in their work when their daily routine is often challenged by uncommon synthetic or treated stones, gemstones from new sources, or pearls which might be natural or cultured.

Rubies — untreated and treated: An update of rubies currently in the market
CHRISTOPHER P. SMITH, American Gemological Laboratories (AGL), New York, USA
Rubies continue to be the industry leader of coloured stone sales around the world. As prices for top quality stones continue to reach new heights, new treatments have also made alternate types of rubies an abundant low-cost option for jewellers. What are the different types of ruby treatment that are currently available in the trade and how does one distinguish these from the un-treated gems? Treatments range from simple methods to the applications of multiple steps and requiring advanced apparatus. Nomenclature for proper disclosure at the point of sale will also be discussed.

VENUE

  

HILTON LONDON KENSINGTON

179-199 Holland Park Avenue, London W11 4UL
Tel:  +44 (0)20 7603 3355  Fax:  +44 (0)20 7602 9397

Accommodation at the Hilton London Kensington

Saturday 6 November

10:00 for 1700
An update on the heat treatment of ruby and sapphire.  A one-day seminar with TED THEMELIS
Divided into eight sessions, this seminar will not only cover diffusion and heat treatment, but will also discuss pricing structures for the treated stones. There will be the chance to examine samples of each treatment, so be sure to bring along a torch and your 10x lens. Click here for further information on this important seminar.
Price: £125.00. £98.50 for Gem-A Members and Students   

19:00 for 19:30
Informal dinner 
Enjoy an informal meal at a Singapore Chinese restaurant, which is a short walk from the Hilton London Kensington where the conference is to be held the following day. 
£32.00 to include wine and soft drinks

Monday 8 November

10:15–16:30
From Medieval to Modernism: A thousand-year tour of international jewellery design
A one-day Gem-A seminar with JOHN BENJAMIN at Goldsmiths’ Hall in the City of London.
This intensive four-part seminar offers a unique opportunity to study the evolution of international jewellery design from Medieval times to the end of the twentieth century. We are extremely fortunate that John has offered to give his presentation free of charge, to ensure that the attendance fee may be kept to a level affordable to anyone in the trade. Click here for further information on this unique seminar.
Tickets: £15.00 to include morning and afternoon tea and coffee.  

18:30–21:00
Graduation Ceremony and Presentation of Awards 
The graduation ceremony will be held at the prestigious Goldsmiths’ Hall in the City of London, where graduates will be presented with diplomas and prizes gained in the 2010 Gem-A examinations. The ceremony will be followed by a reception.
Tickets: £14.00

Tuesday 9 November

10:00–12:30
Photomicrography
A half-day workshop with MICHAEL HÜGI
The principles of photomicrography and the subsequent digital processing (HDRI and focal depth enhancement) will be demonstrated. 
To be held at the Gem-A headquarters in Greville Street.
Tickets:  £30.00

16:00–18:00
Private Viewing of the Crown Jewels: Guided tour by DAVID THOMAS MVO 
David Thomas, Crown Jeweller from 1991 to July 2007, will be providing a unique opportunity to view the Crown Jewels in the Jewel House at the Tower of London.
Tickets: £40.00
Please note that as numbers are strictly limited for this popular event, priority will be given to conference attendees.

18:45–20:00
Gem Discovery Club 
The Gem Discovery Club is a weekly practical gemmology evening for Gem-A members. Once a month, club members have the opportunity to examine items from the collections of gem and mineral specialists. Details of the November specialist evening will be published on our website by early September. 

Tickets: £5.00. (No additional fee is charged for current Gem Discovery Club members, but those wishing to attend should notify Gem-A in advance.)