The Canadian Gemmological Association (CGA) announced today that speakers from Van Cleef & Arpels and De Beers will headline the upcoming conference on October 19-21, 2018 in Vancouver.

“We are very excited that these two internationally renowned jewellery and gemmology powerhouses will be coming to speak in Vancouver,” said Donna Hawrelko, President of the CGA. “We look forward to hearing their insights on industry innovations and trends.”

The CGA conference is the largest gem and jewellery event in Canada and is expected to be sold out. Speakers from all over the world will be descending on the city to provide the 200 conference attendees with the latest developments in the business.

In addition to the conference speakers, there will also be breakout sessions for a more intimate understanding of jade and opal.

“We look forward to hearing more about the mysteries of jade and opal and the cutting edge developments in lab-grown diamonds. Our speakers are the best in their fields and our attendees should be prepared to be dazzled,” said Hawrelko.

Conference Registration can be found on the CGA website www.canadiangemmological.com

Complete speaker biographies can also be found on the CGA website.

Confirmed conference speakers include:

Mike Botha, internationally acclaimed master diamond cutter

Andrew Cody, Director of Cody Opal Australia and Joint Founder and Director of The National Opal Collection (NOC) in Australia

Joseph Du Mouchelle, co-Founder and President of Joseph DuMouchelle International Estate Buyers, Auctioneers and Appraisers

Alex Gizenko, Founder and CEO of Lucent Diamonds, Inc.

Dr. Lee A. Groat, Principal of Kingston Geosciences Ltd. and UBC Professor of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences

Alan Hodgkinson, President of the Scottish Gemmological Association and Originator of the synthetic emerald filter

Dr. Cigdem Lule, mineralogist and owner of Kybele LLC consulting firm

Dr.Dominic Mok, Founder and Principal of Asian Gemmological Institute & Laboratory Limited (AGIL)

Simon O’Brien, Diamond Integrity Manager at De Beers

Duncan Parker, Vice President of Dupuis Fine Jewellery Auctioneers

Jon Phillips, Divisional Manager for Canadian Diamonds at Corona Jewellery Company Ltd.

Art Samuels, Partner of Vivid Diamonds & Jewelry and EstateBuyers.com

Stuart Robertson, Vice President and Research Director of Gemworld International, Inc.

Gary A. Roskin, Executive Director for the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA)

Kelly Ross, Assistant Director, Fraud and Special Investigations at Canadian Western Bank

Sarah Steele, jet gemstone expert

Lily Vongwattanakit, Assistant Vice President of Gem Purchasing and Special Orders at Van Cleef & Arpels


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About the CGA
Founded in 1958, The Canadian Gemmological Association is a professional organization that has set the standard for excellence in the science and study of gemmology in Canada. CGA courses provide training for gem and jewellery industry professionals and enthusiasts alike. The professional diploma (FCGmA) program is recognized worldwide. The CGA represents its members in liaison with government in developing guidelines for the sale and marketing of diamonds, coloured gemstones and pearls, and in the establishment of guidelines for gem and jewellery appraising in Canada.

To contact The Canadian Gemmological Association for further information: Canadian Gemmological Association Tel: 1.647•466•2436 E-mail: info@canadiangemmological.com Website: www.canadiangemmological.com