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Cyprus Hosts Fifth Mediterranean Gemmological and Jewellery Conference

The 5th Mediterranean Gemmological & Jewellery Conference: Unveiling Future Trends in Limassol, Cyprus

The highly anticipated Fifth Mediterranean Gemmological & Jewellery Conference (MGJC) is set to bring together the brightest minds in the gem and jewellery world. This landmark event will unfold in the picturesque city of Limassol, Cyprus, from May 17 to 19, 2019, promising an unparalleled experience of learning, networking, and insight into the industry’s most pressing topics.

Building on its reputation as a crucial meeting point, the MGJC continues its tradition of excellence under the seasoned leadership of its dedicated organizers. Branko Deljanin of CGL-GRS (Canada) and George Spyromilios of IGL (Greece) once again spearhead this initiative, ensuring a program rich in scientific depth and practical relevance. Their collaborative vision has nurtured the conference’s growth, transforming it into a must-attend annual event for professionals across the globe.

A Legacy of Knowledge and Innovation: The MGJC Journey

Since its inception five years ago, the Mediterranean Gemmological & Jewellery Conference has firmly established itself as a premier platform for fostering dialogue and connection within the multifaceted gem and jewellery sector. From its inaugural event in Greece in 2015, the conference embarked on a journey across Europe, gracing Spain (2016), Italy (2017), and Montenegro (2018) with its presence. Each location has contributed to the conference’s evolving narrative, attracting a diverse audience and enriching its global perspective.

This annual gathering serves as a vital nexus, seamlessly connecting the dynamic gem and jewellery business community with the dedicated scientists, gemologists, appraisers, and mineralogists who tirelessly research the captivating world of gemstones. It’s a unique environment where academic rigor meets commercial acumen, driving innovation and resolving industry challenges.

Addressing Industry Challenges: A Tech-Trade Conference with Solutions

The MGJC has garnered significant acclaim as a forward-thinking tech-trade conference, renowned for its proactive approach to current gem identification issues. It consistently tables and tackles the complex problems encountered by gem and jewellery traders in their daily operations. Far from merely highlighting difficulties, the conference focuses on delivering tangible solutions through a series of engaging workshops. These sessions utilize both standard and advanced, yet still affordable, instruments, empowering participants with practical skills and up-to-date techniques essential for accurate identification and appraisal.

The conference’s broad appeal is evident in its growing international attendance. The 2018 MGJC in Montenegro welcomed participants from an impressive 25 countries, representing a wide spectrum of fields. Attendees hailed from gemstone mining and manufacturing, trading, gemological research, jewelry manufacturing and retail, as well as specialized areas like gem identification, grading, and appraising. This rich diversity fosters an environment ripe for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the forging of valuable professional connections.

The 2019 Program: A Deep Dive into Gemmology and Jewellery

The 5th MGJC in Limassol promises an intensive and comprehensive program designed to equip attendees with the latest insights and practical skills. The three-day event is meticulously structured to cover a wide array of topics, from fundamental workshops to advanced lectures and interactive discussions.

Friday, May 17: Sharpening Intermediate Gemmological Skills

The conference kicks off with a day dedicated to enriching intermediate gem workshops, providing hands-on experience and expert guidance for attendees looking to refine their identification capabilities.

  • Morning Session: Opal Workshop
    This workshop will delve into the mesmerizing world of opals. Participants will explore the unique characteristics of various opal types, learn about their formation, common treatments, and key identification features. Understanding opal’s optical phenomena and market value is crucial, and this session aims to provide clarity on these aspects.
  • Afternoon Session: Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald Workshop
    A cornerstone of colored gemstone identification, this workshop focuses on the “Big Three.” Attendees will gain practical experience in distinguishing natural rubies, sapphires, and emeralds from their synthetic counterparts and treated specimens. The session will cover various origin indicators, treatment detection methods, and the factors influencing their value, arming participants with essential skills for these high-value gems.

Saturday, May 18: Expert Lectures and Dynamic Discussions

The second day is packed with insightful lectures and presentations from leading experts in the gem and jewellery industry. Topics span the spectrum from diamond analysis and synthetic gem challenges to ethical sourcing and innovative cutting techniques.

  • Sergey Sivovolenko or Roman Serov (Octonus, Finland)
    “Diamond Impressions – The Key to Sustainable Competitiveness”
    This presentation will explore how advanced diamond analysis and data-driven insights are critical for maintaining a competitive edge in the evolving diamond market, focusing on technological advancements.
  • John Chapman (Gemetrix, Australia)
    “The Economics of Faceting Diamonds”
    A fascinating look into the financial considerations and technical complexities involved in optimizing diamond cutting for maximum beauty and value, crucial for manufacturers and appraisers.
  • Dr. Michael Schlamadinger (Swarovski, Austria)
    “Man-Made Diamonds Beyond Science”
    This talk will go beyond the technical aspects of lab-grown diamonds, discussing their market impact, consumer perception, and future trajectory within the broader jewellery industry.
  • Garry Holloway (Holloway Diamonds, Australia)
    “Poorly proportioned diamonds cheat buyers”
    An essential discussion on the critical role of diamond proportions in beauty and value, highlighting how suboptimal cuts can mislead consumers and offering guidance on what to look for.
  • Katrien De Corte (HRD, Belgium)
    “Synthetic diamond, dream or nightmare”
    This presentation will delve into the ongoing debate surrounding synthetic diamonds, analyzing their disruptive potential, market integration, and the challenges and opportunities they present to the natural diamond industry.
  • Dr. Stefanos Karampelas, Abeer Al-Alawi (DANAT, Bahrain)
    “Building DANAT robust database: from the mine directly to the lab”
    Insights into the meticulous process of creating a comprehensive gemological database, emphasizing the importance of provenance and accurate data collection from source to laboratory.
  • Edward Boehm (Rare Source Gems, USA)
    “Ethical sourcing of gems and importance of origin – spinel case study”
    A timely and critical discussion on the increasing importance of ethical sourcing in the gemstone trade, illustrated through a detailed case study on spinel and its journey from mine to market.
  • Dr. Stefanos Karampelas, Abeer Al-Alawi (DANAT, Bahrain)
    “Natural Bahraini pearls”
    A captivating exploration of the unique characteristics and historical significance of natural pearls from Bahrain, a region renowned for its pearling heritage.
  • Stefan Miller (DSEF, Germany)
    “Notes from the German Gem Lab DSEF Idar-Oberstein”
    A comprehensive overview of the latest developments, challenges, and research findings from one of Europe’s most respected gemological laboratories.
  • Dr. Clemens Schwarzinger (Clemens Schwarzinger Gemstones, Austria)
    “Gem cutting in the 21st century – weight retention or precision cuts”
    This presentation will compare traditional gem cutting philosophies focused on weight retention with modern approaches prioritizing precision and optical performance, exploring the implications for value and aesthetics.
  • Dr Gamini Zoysa (Ceylon Gemmological Services, Sri Lanka)
    “Value of rubies and sapphires from different localities”
    An insightful analysis into how the geographic origin of rubies and sapphires significantly impacts their perceived rarity, desirability, and market value.

Round Table Discussion: Manufacturing Diamonds and Gems in the 21st Century

A highlight of the Saturday program is an engaging round table discussion, providing an interactive forum for experts and attendees to debate and exchange ideas on a pivotal industry topic.

Moderated by the esteemed John Chapman (Gemetrix, Australia), this session will gather leading figures to discuss “Manufacturing Diamonds and Gems in 21st Century.” Panelists include:

  • Sergey Sivovolenko (Octonus, Finland)
  • Garry Holloway (Holloway Diamonds, Australia)
  • Clemens Schwarzinger (Clemens Schwarzinger Gemstones, Austria)
  • Moshe Lampel (DDS Diamonds, Israel)

This discussion promises to be a vibrant exploration of technological advancements, ethical considerations, market shifts, and innovative manufacturing processes shaping the future of the gem and diamond industry.

Closing Remarks

The formal sessions of Saturday will conclude with insightful closing remarks from the conference leadership: Yianni Melas, MC, GEMEXPLORER (Cyprus), George Spyromilios, Conference Chair, and Branko Deljanin, Conference Co-Chair. They will encapsulate the day’s learnings and set the stage for the final day’s specialized workshop.

Sunday, May 19: Mastering Advanced Diamond Identification

The final day of the conference is dedicated to a highly specialized and essential Advanced Diamond Workshop, designed for professionals seeking to master the complexities of modern diamond identification.

  • Advanced Diamond Workshop:
    “The identification of colorless diamonds – natural, treated and lab-grown”
    This intensive, half-day workshop will be offered in both morning and afternoon sessions to accommodate all participants. In today’s market, distinguishing between natural, treated, and lab-grown colorless diamonds is paramount. This workshop will provide in-depth knowledge and hands-on training using state-of-the-art equipment to accurately identify these categories. Attendees will learn to recognize subtle indicators and advanced testing methods crucial for maintaining consumer trust and industry integrity.

The workshop will be led by a stellar team of renowned instructors, bringing unparalleled expertise to the table:

  • Branko Deljanin (CGL-GRS, Canada)
  • George Spyromilios (IGL, Greece)
  • John Chapman (Gemetrix, Australia)

Their collective knowledge and practical experience will offer participants an invaluable opportunity to enhance their diamond identification skills to the highest professional standards.

Meet Your Conference Emcee

The energy and flow of the 2019 conference will be expertly guided by Yianni Melas, Gemexplorer (Cyprus), who will serve as the charismatic conference emcee. His deep knowledge of the industry and engaging style will ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for all attendees.

Proud Sponsors and Supporters

The success of the 5th Mediterranean Gemmological & Jewellery Conference is made possible through the generous sponsorship and unwavering support of several leading organizations dedicated to advancing gemological science and the jewellery trade. Their commitment underscores the importance of this conference in fostering education and innovation:

  • DANAT lab (Bahrain)
  • Octonus (Finland)
  • HRD Antwerp NV (Belgium)
  • Swarovski (Austria)
  • Gemetrix (Australia)
  • Jewellery Appraisers of the World (UK)
  • Cyprus Gemological Lab (Cyprus)
  • The National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (USA)

Join the Forefront of Gemological Innovation

The 5th Mediterranean Gemmological & Jewellery Conference in Limassol, Cyprus, is more than just an event; it’s a critical gathering for anyone involved in the gem and jewellery industry. It offers a unique opportunity to gain cutting-edge knowledge, learn practical skills from world-class experts, network with peers from around the globe, and stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving market. Don’t miss this chance to be part of an influential dialogue shaping the future of gemmology and jewellery.

News Source: idexonline