This presentation explores Baltic amber treatments modern methods, their goals, and features. A new classification showcases the natural diversity of Baltic amber species alongside numerous enhanced types. Designed to improve understanding of amber modifications, it also organizes essential knowledge for gemmologists, correcting past mis-definitions. This pioneering classification follows global standards (e.g., CIBJO, LMHC) and draws on extensive identification experience. It details each treatment type, highlighting their impact on colour and stone durability.

In recent years Australian Gems have become more sort after in the world market. Trends of colour in the market “teal” – fits perfectly with Australian Sapphires this has meant price increases.

Australian coloured diamonds, how has the closure of the Argyle mine affected pricing.

COVID what it did to the pearling industry in Australia.

Australia is a major producer of opals with 3 distinct regions producing very different opal types, how these are identified and how they should be described.

This talk will cover what a jewellery valuer needs to consider when appraising gems and how what happens in the world has affected pricing of Australian gems.

No longer is Australia a large island in the middle of nowhere.

COMING SOON

Thanks to a very wide bandgap of 5.5 eV and hence optical transparency from 225 to 25’000 nm, a large range of optically active defects and an often complex growth history, diamond is the material with the most variable and interesting luminescence reaction when excited by energetic sources such as UV light. Fluorescence has proven to be to most efficient and elegant method to distinguish natural and synthetic diamond and diamond imitations, and to identify type II HPHT treated diamond. The most important methods involving fluorescence include photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy and fluorescence imaging using excitations from the deep UV (<230 nm) to 400 nm.

Fluorescence imaging of diamond can produce amazing and colorful images that give an immediate indication of what dominant defects may be present and what type of growth the diamond may have experienced. The observed fluorescence color, intensity, distribution and lifetime are used to identify whether a diamond is of natural origin or not. Verifying the spectrum of such an emission is used to analytically confirm a suspected defect that may help in the diamond’s identification. The identification of the lowest concentrations of defects by this method is used to distinguish naturally colorless or colored type II diamonds from their HPHT treated counterparts.

In certain diamond cuts, Head and Body obscuration enhances Brilliance, while in others it leads to negative optical effects such as Bow Tie and Nail Head, collectively referred to as the Dead Zones. This study examines the factors that determine whether the observer’s profile creates a visually positive effect (high dynamical contrast) or a negative one (Dead Zone).

It explores the criteria for distinguishing these effects and the practical methods for their identification. The results provide valuable insights for both assessing the influence of Dead Zones on Brilliance in finished diamonds and optimizing cut design to enhance overall visual performance.

How competition in diamond cutting can help both the natural and LGD industries develop the market collaboratively instead of engaging in destructive rivalry
Olga Okhrimenko, Octonus (Finland)

The appeal of diamonds has been fading for decades for several reasons. With the rise of CVDs, the 3–5 carat segment has hit a critical wall: consumers can’t tell natural and lab-grown stones apart in everyday life, making it hard to justify spending three hard-earned paychecks on something that feels indistinguishable.

In the presentation, you discover new eye-catching high-performing cut designs. When applied exclusively to a specific market segment—natural or lab-grown—they eliminate consumer frustration and make self-expression through a chosen cut both bold and effortless.

This approach redirects the energy from toxic rhetoric between segments into craftsmanship, transforming mutual destruction into a creative force. It fuels renewed consumer desire through spectacular competition and lasting performance excellence—much like the dynamic, captivating rivalries in vibrant major events such as FIFA matches, horse racing, and Eurovision, to name a few.

The Enchanting and Changing World of Diamond, is 2-part documentary series that will show the extraordinary human fascination with diamonds by exploring the industry across all continents, revealing the mineral’s diversity and how it touches people’s lives in so many ways. The subject spans the pipeline from exploration through to mining, sorting, polishing, setting in jewellery and finally sparkling on a consumer.

Why does this hardest of substances attract such interest and dedication from those who work with it and such fascination from consumers who buy it? We will explore how the influences of technology, social media, politics and consumer expectations are remolding the industry that has been rocked by the advent of synthetic diamonds and falling prices. The younger generation with engagement on their mind will likely be particularly interested as they consider a key choice of natural or synthetic for an engagement ring.

His presentation will include all subjects about turquoise including how to appraise, grade and give current values to turquoise and its many imitations. Storytelling is one of Joe Dan’s favorite education tools to be inclusive and honorable to all cultures and industry peoples, including the artists, scientists, collectors, and appraisers.

1. Turquoise is the most colorful gemstone in the history of the world.
2. Turquoise is rarer than diamonds when contemplating the difference between rarity verses commerce
3. Understanding that the study of turquoise is greater than science.
4. The published theories of fingerprinting turquoise sources continue to harm archeologists and scientist’s reputations.
5. The true art of imitating turquoise.
6. The Turquoise Grading System article published in the New York Times promises to quantify turquoise grading for the first time in history.

Amber is the name given to fossil resins found worldwide, with Baltic amber being the most common type on the market and having the longest history of human use. During this workshop, we will explore the properties of Baltic amber compared to other resins, their similarities and differences, as well as various methods of modification and pressing. We will also cover both basic and advanced identification techniques. The workshop features carefully selected market samples, specially prepared sets showcasing different amber modifications, and fascinating examples of imitations. Join us to deepen your understanding of amber through practical and insightful discussions.

This workshop is designed for jewelers and appraisers. You will learn about diamond types and how to identify HPHT-grown diamonds with portable instruments. You will also learn how to spot “pattern” in CVD-grown diamonds using cross-polarised filters & UV lamp and identify stone or sometimes send it to an advanced lab for further testing. Treated HPHT-grown and colorless CVD could be screened using PL/Jewelry inspectors and DOVE, Deep UV light LGD detector.

PRACTICAL LAB SESSION

• 50 samples of type Ia, IIa, IIb, Ib diamonds (natural and laboratory-grown, loose and mounted, colourless and coloured) to use with loupe, portable polarioscopes mounted on microscopes and PL/Jewellery inspectors, DOVE, Deep UV light LGD detector and EXA PL spectrometer.

The Rough Diamond Program trains participants to evaluate and sort rough diamonds by applying internationally recognized grading systems. It covers crystal shapes, sorting by size and quality, and identifying factors affecting value, including color, clarity, and morphology. The program teaches how to recognize industrial versus gem-quality material and how to separate makeable from non-makeable stones.

Students learn to use industry tools, sorting pads, and light boxes with portable polarioscopes for accurate assessment. Practical exercises involve handling actual rough parcels to build confidence in classification and valuation. The course also addresses ethical sourcing, market practices, and the flow of rough diamonds from mine to market.

We invite companies to display and sell their products—including natural gems, diamonds, books, instruments, and related services—at our special exhibition. A limited number of booths will be available, located adjacent to the main conference floor.

The exhibition will officially open on March 25, 2026, with participation from key members of the Dubai trade, followed by lectures and workshops presentations throughout the day.

As an added benefit, all exhibitors will receive complimentary access to the full conference program on March 27, 2026.

Booth 1: one table (2m) and 2 chairs – $1,500

Booth 2: two tables (1.5m each) and 4 chairs  – $1,900

Booth 3: three tables, sofa, and chairs (custom-made) – $2,500