The results of the 3rd International Gem and Jewelry Conference (GIT 2012), the only international technical conference in the eastern half of the world, held December 12-16, 2012, were even greater than expected.
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- Some of the speakers at GIT 2012, with GIT Director, Mrs. Wilawan Atichat, at the center in a light yellow jacket.
The number of registered participants soared to 460, with a record high representation of 28 countries. In addition to the six keynote speakers who opened various sessions relating to gems and jewelry, there were 48 papers given orally by world-renowned experts, and 47 presented as posters. “These figures are truly incredible, thanks to the endless effort put in over a long preparation period by our staff, and of course, contributions from all the presenters. Without them, it would not have been possible,” Wilawan Atichat, GIT director, said with a big smile.
GIT 2012 was opened by Chief Adviser to the Deputy Minister of Commerce, Dr. Rewat Wisutwet, and followed by a thought-provoking keynote presentation from Dr. Gaetano Cavalieri, President of the World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO), on “Responsible Business Practices in the 21st Century: A Comprehensive Approach for the Global Jewellery Industry.” The second keynote speaker, Mr. Wilson K.W. Yuen, President of the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA), highlighted “Gem and Jewelry Market Trends Towards AEC 2015.” No less informative was the presentation by Mr. Pornsit Sriorathaikul, Chairman of Beauty Gems Group, who discussed “the Challenging New Markets in Gem and Jewelry.” An update on High Carat Gold with High Strength was given by Mr. Christopher W. Corti, from England, who revealed new techniques in successfully casting the metal. Mr. Pedro de Aranda, a world-renowned designer, captured the audience with a compelling presentation filled with beautiful designs and synchronized music. Last but not least, Mrs. Cynthia Unninayar, Editor-in-Chief of CIJ Trends & Colours, launched the “Top Ten Trends and Colors in Jewelry For 2013.”
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- The post-GIT 2012 excursion visited a number of mines including this artisanal pit sapphire mining operation near Chanthaburi, Thailand.
The following technical topics were split into two concurrent sessions due to the large number of contributors. Gem characterizations, treatments, origin/source, analytical techniques, and synthetic gem sessions continued in the main room, while the nomenclature, policy, diamond, metallurgy, precious metal, and design sessions were held in the 200-seat breakout room. All sessions were well received and stimulated fruitful discussions among the attendees afterwards.
Another section of the convention hall was used for the poster presentations, which exhibited topics relevant to gem and jewelry. They were contributed by academic institutions, government organizations, and leading instrument companies.
All was not work, however, for the attendees. On December 12, the GIT hosted a delightful evening reception cruise on the Chao Praya River. The charms of Thai traditional dancers and contemporary performers created an amiable and cozy atmosphere, where attendees enjoyed breathtaking views of Bangkok by night.
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- A river-bed miner looks for sapphires and other gems near Pailin, Cambodia.
The post-conference excursion on December 14-16 was attended by some 90 participants, mostly from overseas and including some spouses. The three-day trip traveled to Chanthaburi in Thailand and Pailin in Cambodia. The highlights were visits to the Khao Phloi Waen gem mines in Thailand and river-bed and pit mining areas in Pailin, which have been operated for three decades. Participants had ample opportunity to learn about the origin and processes, namely gem-bearing basalt, stream gravel beds in mine pits and paydirts, separation plants, and sapphire recovery.
