Gemfields Hosts Introductory Course in Emeralds, Rubies & Sapphires

And it did just that on 6 October, hosting a one-day introductory coloured gemstone seminar in London with an impressive line- up of industry experts at the stylish Ham Yard Hotel in Soho. A panel of speakers – including specialists in sustainability, jewellery and gemmology– addressed sales and retail staff from key jewellery brands, lifting the lid on the charm, attraction and complexities of rubies, emeralds and sapphires, the three most coveted coloured gemstones. It was the first of its kind, offered as a free introductory course and aimed at giving those on the front line of the jewellery business – salespeople – the most up-to-date understanding of the ‘big three’ rare coloured gemstones. Topics covered included: history; treatments and traceability; supply chain stages and integrity; the challenges of mining; pricing and investment performance; sustainability and responsible sourcing; and gemstone and jewellery trends. Each of the speakers is an expert in their given field and their passion was clearly enjoyed by the audience as they took turns leading focused talks on different aspects of the world of coloured gemstones, hosted by Rachel Riley. Among those speaking were Joanna Hardy, an author and independent jewellery and gemmology specialist with over 30 years’ experience in the industry; Rachel Garrahan, the jewellery and watch director of British Vogue; Sean Gilbertson, CEO of Gemfields; Daniel Nyfeler, managing director of Gübelin Gem Lab; Jack Cunningham, sustainability, policy and risk director of Gemfields; and Vincent Pardieu, a writer, documentary filmmaker and field gemmologist who has made 149 expeditions to coloured gemstone mining areas around the world. This Masterclass took place at an ideal time, when interest and appreciation of exquisite rubies, emeralds and sapphires is on the rise, and consumers are increasingly interested in the story behind each gemstone and concerned about sustainability. Consumers are eager to seek out gemstones that have been mined with integrity, and in a way that impacts positively on the communities and people involved. These concerns are perfectly in sync with Gemfields’ own values, and hosting a Masterclass is an ideal way to put this message out to the wider industry.