Hong Kong, Jan 10, 2013 –The Gemstone Industry & Laboratory Conference (GILC) has announced speakers for the 2013 meeting in Tucson.

GILC is organized by ICA (International Colored Gemstone Association). This year, GILC Tucson is sponsored by AGTA and Clarity Enhancement Laboratory.

Each topic on the following agenda will be briefly presented by industry experts and then open for discussion. Speakers and their topics include:

• Bear Williams, GILC Vice-Chairman: Update on GILC Ethiopian Opal Committee Nomenclature Recommendations

• Ron Ringsrud, Ron Ringsrud Co., CEO: The Evolution of the Degree of Emerald Enhancement Determinations in Laboratory Certificates

In 1998 the laboratories, rather than simply declaring “evidence of clarity enhancement” began to state the degreeof enhancement: none, minor, moderate or significant. Inaccuracies were numerous in the early days of such certificates, as well as much overemphasis on residue in fissure openings. As the years went by and industry feedback created more of a sense of proportion regarding enhancement details, the certificates became more accurate. Further improvements are discussed.

• Rodrigo Giraldo, Colombian CDTEC Gem Lab, Director: Emerald Clarity Enhancement Applications in Colombia

There are numerous clarity enhancement methods being applied at the source in Colombia. As director of Colombia Gem Lab in Bogota, Colombia, Mr. Giraldo is uniquely positioned to expound on the challenges encountered examining emeralds subjected to various oils, resins, and polymers.

• Shane McClure, GIA-Gem Trade Lab, Director of Gem Identification: Emerald Clarity Enhancement Quantification at GIA

As director of Gem Identification at GIA, McClure has helped to define the parameters used to determine the degree of emerald clarity enhancement in the lab. He will explain these parameters and how they might apply to enhancements being applied to other gem materials.

• Arthur Groom, Clarity Enhancement Laboratory: Clarity Enhancement Procedures, Problems, & Benefits

Co-developer of the ExCel Clarity Enhancement process, the world's first colorless and stable clarity enhancement guaranteed for the lifetime of the stone. Groom has a strong background in emerald clarity enhancement applications. He will expand on the procedures applied to emeralds and the benefits and potential problems often encountered with oils, resins, and polymers.

• Louis Lo, GILC Vice-Chairman, on behalf of Hong Kong Council for Testing and Certification (HKCTC): Update on Fei Cui "Jade" Nomenclature

• Bear Williams, Stone Group Labs, GILC Vice-Chairman: Update on Cobalt Blue Lead Glass Filling in Corundum

The Gemstone Industry & Laboratory Conference will be held at the Tucson Convention Center on February 4, 2013. It is an invitation-only event.

A report of the discussion and outcomes of GILC Tucson will be shared with the industry in the next issue of InColor.

GILC Organizing Committee:

Sushil Goyal

Chairman – GILC

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Edward Boehm

Vice-Chairman – GILC

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Bear Williams

Vice-Chairman – GILC

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Louis Lo

Vice-Chairman – GILC

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Seavy Chen

ICA Communication Executive

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Hong Kong, September 10, 2012 – The Gemstone Industry & Laboratory Conference (GILC) has announced speakers for the 2012 meeting in Hong Kong.

For almost two decades, International Colored Gemstone Association has organized GILC in various parts of the world, bringing top industry leaders together to present research findings and discuss gemological, certification and laboratory issues relevant to the trade and the consumers.

Each topic on the following agenda will be briefly presented by industry experts and then open for discussion. Speakers and their topics include:

• The Gemmological Association of Hong Kong

Progress report of the Fei Cui testing standard of Hong Kong on omphacite and khorsmochor

• Chi Huynh, inventor of the Galatea pearls & owner of Galatea USA., along with Chenne Philippe, pearl expert and Frogier Teraiareva, marine biologist

Galatea pearl: pearl without boundaries production experience

• Mr. John Hung(TBC), chief secretary of Certification & Testing Council of Hong Kong

The role of certification and testing council of Hong Kong government to the industry

• GILC Opal Committee

Summarization of Ethiopian opal research

The Gemstone Industry & Laboratory Conference will be held on September 18, 2012. It is an invitation-only event.

A report of the discussion and outcomes of Hong Kong GILC will be shared with the industry on the next issue of InColor.

For further information contact:

Sushil Goyal, GILC Chairman
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Edward Boehm, GILC Vice Chairman and Official Moderator
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Louis Lo, GILC Vice Chairman
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Bear Williams, GILC Vice Chairman
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Seavy Chen, Communication Executive
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