Gem-A Conference 2026 Announces International Line-Up and Expanded Programme of Workshops

The Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A) has confirmed the speaker line-up and expanded programme for its 2026 Conference, which will bring an international community of gemmologists, researchers and jewellery professionals together in London this November.

Taking place on November 7–8 at The Leonardo Royal Hotel London St Paul’s, the conference will feature 11 internationally respected speakers exploring subjects including mineral traceability, geographic origin determination, diamond research, museum collections and developments in coloured gemstones.

This year's programme also introduces an expanded schedule of workshops and practical sessions taking place at Gem-A London on Friday, November 6 and Monday, November 9, which are open to both Gem-A Members and non-members, regardless of whether they attend the main conference.

More than 80 delegates have already booked to attend, with numbers expected to increase as the event approaches.

Gem-A CEO Cath Hill says the organisation has deliberately expanded the event for 2026:

“The Gem-A Conference continues to grow scale and opportunities, which is why we are being more ambitious with our schedule of events in 2026. This year, we are thrilled to be hosting two-days of exemplary speaking sessions, in addition to ticketed events at Gem-A London that wraparound the weekend. Thanks to the support of our community and a growing list of sponsors and supporters, we are making this special weekend in November a not-to-be-missed occasion for all.”

Gem-A CEO Cath Hill

Cath Hill, CEO of Gem-A, speaking at the Gem-A Conference 2025

An international programme of gemmological research

The confirmed speakers represent institutions and organisations from across the UK, Europe and the United States, with sessions spanning both cutting-edge scientific research and the historical development of gemmology.

Raquel Alonso-Perez, Curator at the Mineralogical & Geological Museum at Harvard University, will present Cutting-Edge Traceability Research on Emeralds and Gold.

Dr Emmanuel Fritsch, Emeritus Professor of Physics at the University of Nantes, and Marie-Laure Cassius-Duranton, Senior Exhibition Content Project Manager at L’ÉCOLE School of Jewelry Arts, will explore The Pink Diamond: New Discoveries on a Historic Treasure (Musée Condé, Chantilly, France), with the support of Van Cleef & Arpels.

Stefanos Karampelas, Professor at the School of Geology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, will examine the scientific insights that can be gained from studying gems held in museum collections, including advances in geographic origin determination.

At the Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF), Michael Mintrone, Head of the Diamond Department, will present Recent And Ongoing Investigations of Type IIa Diamonds From the Letšeng Mine.

British jewellery history will feature through Craig O’Donnell FGA, Head Valuer at Birmingham Assay Office and Chairman of the Gem-A Midlands Branch, who will discuss Arts and Crafts Jewellery: Important Makers and Gem Materials in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

Elsewhere, Dr Aaron Palke, Senior Manager of Coloured Stone Research at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), will explore New Frontiers in Geographic Origin Determination.

Dr Klaus Schollenbruch, Senior Gemmologist at the Gübelin Gem Lab, will present research into New Copper-Bearing Tourmaline from Ethiopia, while Elizabeth West FGA DGA EG, Senior Technical Educator at De Beers Group, will examine Diamond Minds: Who Shaped Our Understanding of Diamond?

The programme also includes Dr Hanco Zwaan FGA, Head and Researcher at the Netherlands Gem Laboratory, with his subject still to be confirmed. One additional speaker is expected to be announced in due course.

Gem-A Honorary President Richard B. Drucker FGA GIA GG, who will serve as Master of Ceremonies, says the selection has been designed to provide delegates with a broad perspective on contemporary gemmology:

“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. This year’s speakers are a hugely distinguished group who will no doubt inspire with their cutting-edge research and academic findings, as well as their passion for gemmology.”

Gem-A Honorary President Richard B. Drucker

Richard B. Drucker FGA GIA GG, Honorary President of Gem-A and Master of Ceremonies for the Gem-A Conference 2026.

From lectures to hands-on learning

The conference itself is only part of the 2026 programme.

Gem-A is expanding its schedule of practical learning opportunities with a series of independently ticketed workshops taking place before and after the main conference. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Among the highlights is ‘Test the Rainbow’, a one-day course hosted by Kerry Gregory FGA of Gemmology Rocks, limited to 20 participants.

Author and lapidarist Justin K. Prim FGA will lead a session on the Science of Gem Cutting, with availability restricted to 16 participants.

On Monday, November 9, Craig Sievewright of the London Diamond Bourse will host a one-day workshop exploring diamond manufacturing, following the process from rough material to polished gemstone. Participants will also have the opportunity to assess a selection of rough and polished samples, with the workshop limited to 20 people.

Delegates will additionally have access to a selection of two-hour practical workshops covering subjects including coloured gemstone grading and pricing, rare and unusual stones, pearl stringing, gemstone treatments and the identification of synthetics.

Delegates attend a presentation at the Gem-A Conference 2025, with a session exploring feldspar composition

Exploring London's gemmological heritage

The 2026 programme also offers delegates the opportunity to explore some of London's rich gemmological history.

As in previous years, attendees will have access to a special behind-the-scenes tour of the Mineral Gallery at the Natural History Museum.

New for 2026 is a walking tour of London's historic lapidaries and other sites connected to the capital's gem and jewellery heritage.

For Cath Hill, the variety of the programme is central to its appeal:

“This year’s schedule is hugely exciting and incredibly varied. We have strived to create a roster of events, speakers and hands-on sessions that provide something for everyone, whether you’re a student or a seasoned professional gemmologist.”

Cath Hill, CEO

The conference is intended to serve a broad professional audience, including gemmologists, jewellers, retailers, auctioneers, valuers and research scientists. Gem-A Members, non-members and students are all able to attend, while networking opportunities will give UK and international delegates the chance to connect with fellow professionals and conference sponsors.

The programme will culminate in the Gem-A Graduation Ceremony and Presentation of Awards on the evening of Monday, November 9.

Supporting the gemmological community

The conference is supported by a range of organisations from across the jewellery and gemmological industries.

Silver Sponsors for 2026 are Marcus McCallum, the Canadian Gemmological Association and Charles Bexfield.

Bronze Sponsors include Ward Gemstones, the London Diamond Bourse, Gemmology Rocks, Gemworld International, the Accredited Gemologists Association (AGA), ShangrilaGems, Ino Creative and Harmony Gems.

The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) and The Jewellery Valuers Association (JVA) are supporting the conference.

With its combination of international research, practical education, professional development and networking, Gem-A Conference 2026 promises a particularly comprehensive programme for anyone working with gemstones and jewellery.

Delegates gather for a presentation at the Gem-A Conference 2025 in London

Discover more

Tickets are available now, with spaces offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Gem-A Conference 2026 takes place on November 7–8 at The Leonardo Royal Hotel London St Paul’s, with additional workshops and events taking place on November 6 and 9.

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.

NAJ and JVA members and students of Gem-A, Birmingham City University’s School of Jewellery, and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) can access discounted tickets here.