Hosted International Gem and Jewelry Conference: GIT 2016

On Monday November 14^th 2016, at The Zign Hotel in Pattaya, The Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand (Public Organization) or GIT hosted the 5^th International Gem and Jewelry Conference or GIT 2016 under the theme “The Fullmoon of GEMUnity”.

Mr.Siripol Yodmuangcharoen Chairman of GIT Executive Board Committee, presided over the opening ceremony and stated that “the gem and jewelry industry is one of the industries that is very significant for Thailand’s economic growth. In 2016, gem and jewelry products were ranked in the 3^rd of the country’s most important export products with 410,716.35 million Baht export value. The industry’s strengths are mainly labor skills and quality of products. As such, the values of Thailand’s gem and jewelry products have been continuously increased. The GIT 2016 is an excellent opportunity for creating relationship at international level, exchanging of knowledge, and bringing opportunity to initiate any cooperation that may emerge within this conference.”

Dr. Pornsawat Wathanakul, Director of The Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand, has stated toward the GIT 2016 that “Our main purposes are to improve regional and international understanding and cooperation among scientists and major stakeholders as well as to explore new methods for better future in the areas of gemological fields.The objective of this event is to serve as the venue for meetings, distributions, exchanges, and transfers of gem and jewelry information from experts, researchers, designers, marketing personnel, investors, and administrators of academic organizations, research institutions, as well as gem and jewelry entrepreneurs from all over the world. And this year, the 5^th International Gem and Jewelry Conference (GIT 2016) is the special occupation under the theme of “The Fullmoon of GEMUnity”, the harmonization of The Unity of International Gem Community embed on the full moon of the 12^th lunar month, Happy Loy Kratong.

The conference is presented via more than 30 topics lectures, by renowned experts and world-class gemologists as well as exhibitions of more than 50 technical posters of relevant works during November 14^th -15^th, 2016. There were more than 300 participants from 22 countries. Besides, there were field visits to the sources of color stones and gem and jewelry markets in Myanmar and Chanthaburi - Trat..

The institute has received supports from domestic and international experts as key note speakers which include;

1. Dr.Pornsawat Watakul GIT Director The Ruby and Sapphire Color Master

2. Cynthia Unninayar Professional Gem and Jewelry Trend Editor “The Dozen Dominant Design Directions of Fine Jewelry in 2017”

3. Victor Tuzlukov Faceting Championship of Australia 2010 / CEO Russian Faceters Guild / Gems Cutting Specialist “The Fource “C” Today and Tomorrow”

4. Gaston Giuliani Directuer de Recherche, IRD “Gem Corundum Deposits with Regards to their Geological Origin”

5. Rupak Sen Sale & Marketing Director of Asia & Middle East at Gemfields PLC. Colourd Gemstones – A journey through past, present and future

In the conference, GIT has also organized charity activity via auction of 5 Kratong (lotus-shaped vessel made of banana leaves) in order to allow participants to be a part of such charity activity, without deduction of any expenses, was given to the Utokapat Foundation under Royal Patronage of H.M. the King to develop and restore Thailand’s water resources.

Pre-excursion on November 9^th- 13^th, 2016 to gem deposits and gem and jewelry market (Jade, Ruby and Sapphire) in Myanmar. Myanmar is one of the most important countries for gem resources. In this trip, the participants had opportunities to closely explore the gem mining in Myanmar.

Post excursion on November 16^th-18^th, 2016 to gem deposit and market in Chanthaburi – Trat province. This trip allowed participants to closely explore the world - renowned source of “Siamese Ruby”.