The 67th annual conference will include a mix of practical and theoretical seminars led by top industry professionals, and will provide networking opportunities for attendees. A gala dinner is planned for Saturday evening 25 May.
Recently appointed CEO of Gemmological Association of Great Britain, James Riley, will discuss the developments in gemmology in the past 100 years and how education has – or hasn’t – changed during this time. In addition, the session, titled “100 Not Out”, will review an examination paper from 1913.
The conference marks the first time Riley has met with the GAA in Australia. While the association often invites international experts to present at conferences, GAA federal publicity and marketing officer Kathryn Wyatt said, “it’s always a coup to secure an international speaker”. Previous GAA conferences have had guest speakers from Britain, France, US, Japan, Singapore and Thailand.
Furthermore, popular Victorian-based lecturer Grant Hamid will provide gemmologists with a “hands on” lecture and practical demonstration on how to accurately identify some of the latest gemstone treatments. The session “New Stones, Traditional Techniques” will also investigate new gemstones that have entered the market.
Other guest speakers include: Rio Tinto chief geologist, technical support and technology development, Paul Agnew; Dr Elizabeth Smith and Jenni Brammall from the Australian Opal Centre; and diamond cut expert Garry Holloway.
The gala dinner on Saturday night will celebrate the achievements of the GAA 2012 graduates. In keeping with tradition, the event will be fancy dress – this year’s theme is “sports”.
The conference will be held at the GAA House in Melbourne and officially runs from Saturday 25 May to Sunday 26 May. Additional federal meetings have been organised for delegates on Monday 27 May and Tuesday 28 May.
For more information, visit the GAA
website.
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