PRESS RELEASE: Gem-A Reflects on Successful 2025 Gemmology Conference that Sparked Insightful AI Debate

The weekend welcomed 10 expert speakers to state-of-the-art conference facilities in Central London, providing more than 200 attendees with access to unbeatable learning opportunities, professional networking, and a series of bookable hands-on workshops.

Across the weekend, speaker sessions sparked important conversations around trending topics in the sector, such as the rise of AI technology to assess, grade and determine the origin of gem materials. Gübelin Gem Lab Managing Director, Daniel Nyfeler PhD, fielded questions following his talk on deep-learning software on day two of the Conference, leading to plenty of debate on potential job losses, new opportunities, and technology scepticism among the assembled gemmology professionals.

Further highlights of the weekend included deep-dives into Oregon sunstone, Mogok sapphires, the Winston Red diamond, and demantoid garnet, among other notable talks, especially those led by Sarah Caldwell Steele FGA DGA, Curator of Jet at the Whitby Museum, and by Helen Molesworth FGA FSA, Senior Curator of Jewellery at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Alongside its speaker sessions, Gem-A once again hosted a series of practical, hands-on workshops at its headquarters in Hatton Garden on Monday, November 3. These highly sought-after sessions are offered on a first-come, first-served basis to Conference attendees, allowing them to access more professional development sessions while visiting the capital. Highlights included a focus on black gem materials with Conference speaker Sarah Caldwell Steele FGA DGA, visual optics and artificial materials workshops hosted by Pat Daly FGA DGA and Charles Bexfield FGA DGA EG, and a closer look at screening diamonds and gemstones using SYNTHdetect, led by Ffion James.

International attendee David Nassi FGA, President of New York-based company 100% Natural Ltd., says: “The Gem-A Conference is a great opportunity to learn about new academic research in gemmology and listen to some of the foremost leaders in the field. The information shared at the conference is invaluable which makes it really important to attend for a gemmologist like me. Plus, reconnecting with old friends and talking with other gemmologists makes the journey from the States worthwhile.”

Elsewhere, on the evening of Monday, November 3, Gem-A returned to The Leonardo Royal Hotel London St Paul’s for its annual Graduation Ceremony and Presentation of Awards. Successful students and invited guests were welcomed by Gem-A CEO Cath Hill, Gem-A Honorary President, Richard B. Drucker FGA GIA GG, and keynote speaker, Joanna Hardy FGA, who shared insights into her illustrious career as an independent fine jewellery specialist, diamond grader, auctioneer, and published author.

Gem-A Chief Executive Officer, Cath Hill, says: “This year’s Gem-A Conference, incorporating our on-site workshops, London-based tours, and Graduation Ceremony, were a huge success, resulting in positive feedback that we will now channel into next year’s event. It was heartening to see so many enthusiastic gemmologists in one place, including jewellers, valuers, scientists, retailer, auctioneers, and current students. Gem-A Members are an ever-evolving group of skilled, knowledgeable and generous individuals, and I look forward to nurturing them and the wider Gem-A community in the coming months.”

Gem-A Honorary President, Richard B. Drucker FGA GIA GG, who served as Master of Ceremonies at the event, adds: “Thanks to an impressive line-up of speakers, the 2025 Gem-A Conference flowed smoothly from one interesting topic to the next, always encouraging insightful conversations and discussions from the assembled guests. The event was certainly bolstered by an impressive new venue, which offered just the right atmosphere for an occasion built on the principles of learning, networking, and continuing professional development.”

The 2025 Gem-A Conference would not have been possible without a generous group of sponsors, including Silver Sponsor, Marcus McCallum; Bronze Sponsors Gemworld International, Inc., Charles Bexfield, the Canadian Gemmological Association, Heritage Auctions UK, Euro Findings, the London Diamond Bourse and the AGA - Accredited Gemologists Association (AGA). Additionally, the Conference was supported in an official capacity by The Jewellery Valuers Association (JVA), The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) and the Asian Gemmological Institute and Laboratory Ltd.

The Gem-A Conference will return to The Leonardo Royal Hotel London St Paul’s on the weekend of November 7-8, 2026. Gem-A Members, non-members, students and potential sponsors are encouraged to stay abreast of the latest Conference news here: gem-a.com/conference

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 Diamonds 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 two internationally distributed publications, The Journal of Gemmology and Gems&Jewellery.

www.gem-a.com