World Ruby Forum 2017: Paving the Way for a Responsible and Vibrant Global Ruby Industry
The inaugural World Ruby Forum 2017, a landmark event for the global gemstone community, convened in Bangkok, Thailand, on November 4th. This pivotal one-day program brought together an esteemed roster of international experts, industry leaders, and government officials to delve into the intricate dimensions of the worldwide ruby pipeline. From mining and sourcing to market trends and ethical considerations, the forum provided invaluable insights into the present state and future trajectory of the “King of Gems.” The event was majestically inaugurated by Mrs. Apiradi Tantraporn, the then Minister of Commerce for the Government of Thailand, underscoring the nation’s profound commitment to the gemstone sector.
A Collaborative Effort: Organizers and Visionaries
Organized as a crucial pre-CIBJO Congress event, the World Ruby Forum 2017 was the culmination of a collaborative effort by several prominent institutions dedicated to the advancement of the gem and jewelry industry. Leading this initiative was the Gem and Jewellery Institute of Thailand (Public Organization), widely recognized as GIT, alongside the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Ministry of Commerce, Government of Thailand. Further bolstering the organizational prowess were the Asian Institute of Gemmological Sciences (AIGS), AFG (potentially referring to the Association Française de Gemmologie or a related entity in the original context), and the Jewellery Trade Centre Bangkok. This powerful consortium highlighted the shared vision for fostering growth, knowledge, and ethical practices within the ruby sector.
Thailand’s Ambition: A Global Gemstone Hub
During her opening address, Mrs. Apiradi Tantraporn articulated Thailand’s ambitious vision and the paramount importance of the gemstone industry to the nation’s economy. She highlighted that this vibrant sector provides livelihoods for an impressive 800,000 workers, emphasizing its significant socio-economic impact. The Minister proclaimed, “The World Ruby Forum 2017 is the first meeting to gather professionals from the world ruby industry. Its key objective is to promote, support, raise awareness and create accurate understanding about the value and beauty of ruby, which is recognized as the king of gems and one of Thailand’s key coloured gemstones, to worldwide audiences.”
This initiative, she explained, aligns perfectly with the Thai government’s strategic policy, which aims to firmly establish ruby as Thailand’s most important exported gem. Furthermore, the government is committed to promoting Thailand as the world’s leading gem and jewellery trading centre by 2021. This bold objective not only underscores the country’s rich heritage in the gemstone trade but also its forward-looking approach to solidifying its position as a global hub for exquisite rubies and other precious stones. The forum served as a vital platform to broadcast this ambition and gather international support for Thailand’s pivotal role.
Championing Integrity and Responsibility in the Supply Chain
A central theme resonating throughout the forum was the indispensable need for ethical practices and unwavering integrity across the global gemstone supply chain. Dr. Gaetano Cavalieri, President of CIBJO (the World Jewellery Confederation), delivered a compelling address that underscored this critical imperative. He passionately spoke of the industry’s moral obligation to actively work for the upliftment of mining communities and to collaborate seamlessly with governments to develop robust systems that ensure supply chain integrity.
Dr. Cavalieri issued a stark warning: “If we do not act to defend the integrity of the chain of supply, and to demonstrate that we are improving the social and economic well-being of all of our stakeholders, and not only our shareholders, then we could find ourselves in a situation that we are pushed to the side-lines.” His message was clear: the future prosperity and legitimacy of the ruby industry hinge on its ability to demonstrate tangible social responsibility. He further called for the establishment of a transparent and equitable framework, one that would be perceived as reasonable and just by external stakeholders. This comprehensive group includes governments, labour unions, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the financial sector, influential community leaders, opinion makers, the mass media, and perhaps most critically, the discerning end-consumers. The forum provided a timely platform to highlight that sustainability and ethics are no longer optional but fundamental to long-term success and consumer trust.
Industry Leaders Share Expertise and Vision
The forum featured a diverse array of prominent speakers, each offering unique perspectives on various facets of the ruby pipeline. Sean Gilbertson, CEO of Gemfields, a leading supplier of responsibly sourced coloured gemstones, shared insights into his company’s extensive work within the gemstone sector. His presentation placed a particular emphasis on ruby mining operations, specifically detailing their significant activities in Mozambique. Gemfields’ approach to transparent and ethical sourcing serves as a model for responsible practices within the industry, highlighting the feasibility and benefits of prioritizing community welfare and environmental stewardship.
Beyond the keynote speakers, the forum benefited from the expertise of several other distinguished professionals. Geologist Cedric Simonet offered an invaluable perspective on the geological origins and characteristics of rubies, enriching the understanding of their formation and discovery. Vincent Pardieu, a well-known coloured gemstone explorer and writer, captivated the audience with his insights into the adventurous world of gem prospecting and the unique challenges of identifying new ruby deposits. Visut Pisutha-Arnond, an Academic Adviser from GIT, contributed his deep academic knowledge, likely focusing on gemmological research, identification, and the scientific aspects of rubies.
Adding a wealth of practical experience, industry veteran Dick Hughes shared his profound understanding of the ruby market, its historical context, and evolving trends, offering attendees a comprehensive overview of the commercial landscape. Finally, Italian jewellery designer Alessio Boschi provided a creative dimension to the discussions, exploring how the unparalleled beauty and allure of rubies inspire contemporary design and innovation in high jewellery. This diverse panel ensured a holistic exploration of the ruby industry, from the earth to the final consumer product.
Key Discussions: Market Dynamics, CSR, and Grading Standards
The World Ruby Forum 2017 culminated in two engaging panel discussions that tackled some of the most pressing issues facing the global ruby trade. The first panel meticulously examined the current “state of the market” for rubies, exploring demand drivers, supply challenges, pricing trends, and emerging opportunities in various regions. Experts discussed the shifting consumer preferences, the impact of e-commerce, and the role of branding in differentiating ruby products in a competitive landscape.
The second panel delved into two interconnected and crucial themes: the escalating need for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the coloured stones trade and the imperative for transparency and consistency in gem grading. Participants extensively discussed why CSR is no longer a luxury but a necessity for the long-term sustainability and credibility of the industry. This encompassed topics such as fair labour practices, environmental protection in mining areas, community development initiatives, and ethical sourcing policies. The debate highlighted that consumers are increasingly demanding to know the provenance and ethical journey of their gemstones.
Crucially, the panel also addressed the problematic issue of discrepancies in gem grading standards across different laboratories and regions. This lack of uniformity can lead to confusion, undermine consumer confidence, and create unfair trade practices. The experts emphasized the urgent need for harmonized international grading standards for rubies, advocating for greater collaboration among gemmological institutes to ensure consistency, accuracy, and ultimately, enhanced trust throughout the supply chain. This push for standardization is vital for fair valuation and transparent transactions, securing the ruby’s esteemed position in the global market.
A Foundation for Future Growth
The World Ruby Forum 2017 successfully laid a robust foundation for future dialogue and action within the global ruby industry. By bringing together diverse stakeholders and fostering open discussion on critical topics such as ethical sourcing, supply chain integrity, market dynamics, and standardized grading, the forum underscored a collective commitment to a more responsible, transparent, and sustainable future for the “King of Gems.” As Thailand continues its journey to become a leading global gem and jewellery hub, events like this are instrumental in shaping the industry’s trajectory and ensuring that the beauty of rubies is celebrated responsibly for generations to come.
Pic Cap: The inauguration of the World Ruby Forum
Pic Courtesy: GIT on Facebook
News Source: gjepc.org