The Gem-A Conference will welcome renowned speakers, illustrious sponsors, and internationally revered gemmologists to The Leonardo Royal Hotel London St Paul’s for a weekend of insightful talks, continuing professional development and networking.
Gem-A, London, United Kingdom
The Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A) has announced the first speakers participating in its upcoming Gem-A Conference 2026, as well as further details of its hands-on workshops and esteemed sponsors who are helping to bring the anticipated event to life.
Scheduled for the weekend of November 7-8 at The Leonardo Royal Hotel London St Paul’s in Central London, the Gem-A Conference will welcome 10 internationally respected guest speakers to share their gemmological expertise on a diverse range of topics. Highlights include sessions dedicated to mineral traceability and origin determination, the history of diamond research, and investigations into Type IIa diamonds, with more speakers and topics to be announced over the coming months.
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Confirmed experts for 2026 and the titles of their talks are outlined below:
◈ Dr Raquel Alonso-Perez, Curator, Mineralogical & Geological Museum, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
Cutting-Edge Traceability Research on Emeralds and Gold
◈ Stefanos Karampelas, Professor, School of Geology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), Greece
Studying Gems from Museum Collections: Insights from Recent Scientific Research and Advances in Geographic Origin Determination
◈ Michael Mintrone, Head of Diamond Department, Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF), Basel, Switzerland
Recent And Ongoing Investigations of Type IIa Diamonds From the Letšeng Mine
◈ Elizabeth West FGA DGA EG, Senior Technical Educator, De Beers Group, London, UK
Diamond Minds: Who Shaped Our Understanding of Diamond?
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The annual Gem-A Conference is a highly regarded professional development opportunity for gemmology professionals, jewellers, retailers, auctioneers, valuers, and research scientists, including Gem-A Members, non-members and students. Visiting speakers share insights into the latest advancements, trends and research in gemmology, while scheduled networking opportunities give national and international guests time to connect and engage with sponsors.
Its broader schedule of events includes a series of practical, hands-on workshops organised at Gem-A London on Monday, November 9, culminating in the Gem-A Graduation Ceremony and Presentation of Awards on the same evening.
Gem-A Chief Executive Officer, Cath Hill, comments: “The Gem-A Conference is an unmissable occasion for gemmologists, both Gem-A Members and non-members, who are seeking continuing professional development and enrichment. The Gem-A Conference is milestone moment in our calendar year, and I hope our Members, as well as the wider Gem-A community, appreciate this chance to learn, network, and discover something new. After all, gemmology is an ever-evolving and continually updating field that keeps us all on our collective toes!”
Richard Drucker as MC
Gem-A Honorary President, Richard B. Drucker FGA GIA GG, who will serve as Master of Ceremonies at the event, says: “As in previous years, we have chosen to invite a carefully curated mix of speakers to the Gem-A Conference to give our attendees the most diverse learning opportunities possible. Aside from the speakers already announced, we are preparing to name more internationally renowned experts who will bring their knowledge and experience to London in November. I hope to see as many of you there as possible.”
Post-Conference
Following the weekend talks, the Gem-A Conference 2026 will conclude with its traditional day of hands-on small group workshops at Gem-A London on Monday, November 9. Highlights of this year’s schedule include a focus on coloured gemstone grading, a practical pearl stringing masterclass, insights into diamond manufacturing with the London Diamond Bourse, and a focus on identifying gemstone treatments. The complete schedule will be unveiled later this year, and sessions are expected to sell-out quickly due to popular demand.
A Tip of the Hat to Sponsors
The Gem-A Conference is brought to life with the support of esteemed sponsors who contribute towards its prime position in the annual gemmological calendar. Highlights this year include Silver Sponsors Marcus McCallum, the Canadian Gemmological Association and Charles Bexfield; Bronze Sponsors Ward Gemstones, the London Diamond Bourse, Gemmology Rocks, Gemworld International, and the Accredited Gemologists Association (AGA), and Conference Supporter the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ). Further corporate sponsors are expected to be announced in due course.
Cath Hill adds: “It is thanks to the invaluable support of our speakers and sponsors that we can host such an important event and give back to the gemmology community at an unprecedented scale. I look forward to welcoming them all to London in November for what looks set to be an inspiring three days.”
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Early Bird Tickets
An ‘Early Bird’ rate for the Gem-A Conference is now in effect. Gem-A Members and non-members can purchase tickets at the most cost-effective rates via here.
Students of Gem-A, Birmingham City University’s School of Jewellery, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the Jewellery Valuers’ Association (JVA) can also access discounted tickets here.
Further information about the Gem-A Conference 2026, including more details about the venue, accommodation and corporate sponsorship opportunities can be found here: gem-a.com/conference-2026
About Gem-A
The Gemmological Association of Great Britain, or Gem-A, is the world’s longest established provider of gem and jewellery education. Our Gemmology Diploma evolved from the first gem course proposed for the UK jewellery trade in 1908, and our prestigious Gemmology and Diamond Diplomas—taught in five different languages and 19 countries around the world—are recognised globally.
Gem-A forms an international community of gem professionals and enthusiasts. We serve the interests of the gem and jewellery industries through high standards of education in our courses and our support for global gemmological research. We also provide various membership opportunities, offer high-quality gemmological instruments, and host a number of educational events throughout the year, as well as publishing two internationally distributed publications, The Journal of Gemmology and Gems&Jewellery. www.gem-a.com
