The International Colored Gemstone Association announced the lineup of
speakers for the ICA Congress in Rio de Janeiro April 30–May 4.
 
The agenda kicks off with a day-long focus on Brazil and its role in the industry,
with the second day focusing on fair trade and ethical mining.

Presentations by industry leaders include Dr. Gaetano Cavalieri, president of
CIBJO; Michael Rae, CEO of the Responsible Jewellery Council; and Eli Izhakoff,
World Diamond Council chairman and CEO.
 
Other noted speakers include Philippe Scordia of Dior Joaillerie; Robert
Weldon, Andrew Lucas, and Vincent Pardieu from the Gemological Institute of
America; ICA vice president and World Bank consultant Jean Claude Michelou;
Douglas Hucker, CEO of the American Gem Trade Association; Gavin Pearce from
TanzaniteOne; Ian Harebottle of Gemfields; and Steve Bennett, CEO of Colored
Rocks Limited.
 
Some 40 of Brazil’s most significant producers and exporters of colored
gemstones will also exhibit their products at a special gem fair during the conference.
 
ICA will also launch the first ICA Colored Gemstone Jewelry Design Award
Contest, in cooperation with IBGM. Designers from around the world are invited
to submit entries. The 10 finalists, selected by a committee of experts in
gems and jewelry, will be asked to produce their finished jewelry, which will
be displayed during the Congress with the winner announced at the closing gala dinner.
 
Immediately following the Congress, ICA has organized a tour to several
noted mining areas in Brazil, including Belmont and Capoeirana for emeralds,
Capão for Imperial topaz, and Cruzeiro and Pederneira for tourmaline.
 
During the gem shows in Tucson, Ariz., ICA, in conjunction with IBGM, will
host a Brazilian celebration at the Marriott University Park Hotel, Feb. 2 at
6:30 p.m. Registered and paid Congress attendees will be entered into a raffle
that night for two round-trip airline tickets to the Congress.
 
For more information, click here.

JCK