Key takeaways
• The Gem-A Conference 2026 will be held from November 7-8 at The Leonardo Royal Hotel London St Paul’s, featuring 10 internationally respected gemological experts.
• Key presentation topics include mineral traceability, the history of diamond research, and investigations into Type IIa diamonds from the Letšeng Mine.
• The event includes practical hands-on workshops on November 9, covering gemstone grading and identifying treatments, followed by a graduation ceremony.
(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 gemological experts to share their 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.
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 Diamonds?
The annual Gem-A Conference is a highly regarded professional development opportunity for gemology professionals, jewelers, 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 gemology. At the same time, scheduled networking opportunities give national and international guests time to connect with sponsors and engage with them.
Its broader schedule of events includes a series of practical, hands-on workshops held at Gem-A London on Monday, November 9, culminating in the Gem-A Graduation Ceremony and Presentation of Awards that same evening.
CATH HILL
Gem-A Chief Executive Officer, Cath Hill, comments:
The Gem-A Conference is an unmissable occasion for gemologists, both Gem-A Members and non-members, who are seeking continuing professional development and enrichment. The Gem-A Conference is a 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, gemology is an ever-evolving and continually updating field that keeps us all on our collective toes!
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 invited a carefully curated mix of speakers to the Gem-A Conference to provide our attendees with the most diverse learning opportunities possible. In addition to the speakers already announced, we are preparing to announce 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.
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 colored 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.
The Gem-A Conference is made possible by esteemed sponsors who contribute to its prominent position in the annual gemological 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 gemology 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.”
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 details on the venue, accommodation, and corporate sponsorship opportunities, is available at gem-a.com/conference-2026.
To secure press accreditation to attend the Gem-A Conference, please contact vicki@gem-a.com.
About Gem-A
The Gemmological Association of Great Britain, or Gem-A, is the world’s longest-established provider of gem and jewelry education. Our Gemmology Diploma evolved from the first gem course proposed for the UK jewelry trade in 1908, and our prestigious Gemmology and Diamond Diplomas—taught in five languages and 19 countries worldwide—are recognized globally.
Gem-A forms an international community of gem professionals and enthusiasts. We serve the interests of the gem and jewelry industries through high educational standards in our courses and our support for global gemological research. We also provide various membership opportunities, offer high-quality gemological instruments, and host several educational events throughout the year, as well as publishing two internationally distributed publications, The Journal of Gemmology and Gems&Jewellery.
