The world’s top governing bodies has disclosed the global method of colored gemstone treatment disclosure. The International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA), the World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO) and the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) have agreed the global system of coding at the last month meeting in Tucson, Arizona, USA.

AGTA and ICA have used two different disclosure codes and the resolution in Tucson gives the industry its first worldwide set of guidelines. All three institutions have decided to implement the AGTA’s disclosure codes for colored gemstones.

The AGTA code states that “It is practical and appropriate to disclose the gemstone treatment rather than keeping silent when there is a possibility of treating the gemstone”. Also, it offers specific advice to retailers that “When disclosing to retail consumers, all required disclosure should be made in plain language. The codes or abbreviations are not enough”.

Any traditional process rather than cutting and polishing used to improve the (color, clarity, phenomena) appearance, durability or availability of a gemstone. The colored gemstone treatment code will not be listed in CIBJO gemstone blue book.

For more information Visit AGTA website – http://www.agta.org/gemstones/agta-gim/index.html

Alrosa, the world’s largest Russian diamond mining company has signed a contract with the three Indian manufacturers in New Delhi. The president Mr. Andreyev Fyodor has signed the contract on behalf of Alrosa. The deal is to supply $490 million rough diamonds to India in the next three years. Alrosa, the Russian diamond mining company has signed its contract with Diamond India Ltd (DIL), Ratilal Becharlal & Sons (Jasanj Group) and Rosy Blue.

It is expected that this long term contract would help Alrosa to boost its sales to India as much as $1 billion or a third of the company planned output. In 2009, Alrosa sold more than $500 million of diamonds to India and in 2008 around $250 million. This year, the company plans to sell $3.2 billion worth of diamonds.

As per the terms of Mr. Praveen Shankar Pandya, chairman, DIL who signed the contract on behalf of DIL, says for a long being the diamond industry is trying to take direct supplies from Alrosa and DIL is working continuously from the last three years to achieve this. DIL is working closely with Alrosa to enchant the value addition of diamonds. DIL is formed by 60 diamond exporters and distribute its purchase among 60 committed members on regular basis and among other Indian manufacturers based on requirements.
The other two Ratilal Becharlal & Sons and Rosy Blue (India) Pvt Ltd are one among the 79 companies that are sight holders for the Diamond Trading Co. (DTC) 2008 – 2011 contract period.

Mr. Vladimir Putin, the Russian prime minister is on visit to India and Alrosa team is the part of delegation.

The American Gem Trade Association, the World Jewelry Confederation and the International Colored Stone Association have signed an agreement on global method of colored gemstone treatment disclosure within the trade.

Both AGTA and ICA have used codes to disclose treatments for decades, but the system of codes were not matching. At the prompting of ICA vice president Charles Abouchar, the team composed of representatives from AGTA, CIBJO and ICA were formed and met in Tucson this month. The aim of the committee is to reach the consensus on a global system of coding. At the meeting, it was decided that the three associates will implement the use of AGTA’s disclosure codes for colored gemstones, pending the approval of their respective boards. The codes approval at CIBJO congress in Munich completes the process.

The agreement regarding the joint modification coding system was reached at the meeting involving representatives of CIBJO, ICA and AGTA held in Tucson, Arizona, USA, on 3rd February 2010. The codes will be listed in CIBJO Gemstone Blue Book for each stone.

The Gemological Institute of America show service laboratory offers diamond and colored stone services in Hong Kong International Jewellery Show taking place in March 5th. The event continues from March 5th till 9th.

At booth 3KB 10, 11, the colored stone services will be offered. For identification and country of origin, gemstones including jadeite can be dropped by attendees. Ruby, sapphire, emerald and tourmaline services may redeem a GIA GemPass or purchase of GIA GemPassbook offers most affordable access to colored stone services.

Diamond services will be offered at GIA laboratory service center Hong Kong.

GIA diamond grading reports and GIA diamond dossiers is offered for D to Z diamonds 1.50 carats and larger. Also laser inscription services will be accompanied with the services. Daily reports will be issued and appointments are not necessary. The GIA service center is located at the Room 1203, 12/F Aon china building, 29 queen’s road central, china, Hong Kong.

The American Gem Society (AGS) announced Monday that AGS Conclave 2010 is offering seven hours of practical GIA lab classes. Three lectures are designed to provide practical tools revolutionizing the business and also to enrich gemological and business skills of the AGS membership.

The three classes focus on different treatment processes used in gemology. Andrew Lucas, C.G. and GIA’s Course Development’s Product Manager of Gemology will teach all the classes. Registration is limited and previous gemological experience is required.

John Koivula, C.G, chief gemologist at GIA will teach about the certified gemologist’s clinic. Registration is required, as class strength is limited.

Robert Weldon, manger, photography & visual communications at GIA will give two lectures to help AGS members to sell more jewelry.

The session takes place in Boston, the birthplace of American round brilliant. Al Gilbertson, C.G and a valued member of GIA’s research department tells the unique story of how diamonds evolved into modern round brilliant. The meeting gives context to the world’s most popular diamond cut allowing participants to add some history and romance to their sales presentation.

The American Gem Society Conclave will be held at April 21-24 in Boston Westin Copley place.