ICA Newsletter | June 2021 |
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The ICA Newsletter is a monthly publication chock full of gemstone news, including reports from the country Ambassadors, industry news, the latest from auctions and laboratories worldwide, events and exhibitions in the trade and celebrities donning the best gem-set jewelry creations. |
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Alexandrite, Pearl, & Moonstone
Birthstones for June
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ICA Ambassador to Canada Martine Lavoie |
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Dear ICA members,
Greetings from Montreal, Canada.
Here in Montreal and it applies to the whole country, summer has arrived and for us Canadians it means a lot.
Little by little we are getting back some of our freedoms.
Each province manages the pandemic issues, the end of the lockdown, distribution of vaccines, because all provinces were touched differently. Canadians are very receptive to being vaccinated. I think we will get 80% of the adult population vaccinated by September. This is giving us hope for the close future and helps mental health. It will also reflect on the economy for sure.
Business has been good since last may 2020. I would say this applies to every jeweller all across the country. We are ourselves in contact with hundreds of them coast to coast and everyone is doing well and even quite happy, with the exception of the ones located in malls - which is very sad.
The trend is definitely strong with sapphires (all colors, including Montana’s) and emeralds. Tourmalines and aquamarines are also popular. So, I would say it is a very traditional gemstones market.
It’s more difficult to sell fine gems such as spessartine garnet, chrysoberyl, Malaya garnet, etc.
As for the future, we might change some habits. Traveling might be less often than before – sales trips and trade shows. This pandemic showed us new ways to work and we might keep some of these habits. We realized that we can work with a little less travelling.
It’s still important for us to attend at least one trade show (Tucson) to be up to date with market pricing, gems availability, education, network, and so on. ICA Congresses are also attractive in many ways.
Lots of people have shifted with transactional websites. But it’s for the same numbers of existing customers worldwide, so it will also take a long time before getting good results. We personally think it’s one more tool to reach customers and make some sales, but not the main tool.
We see a lot of people doing “live video” on Instagram or Facebook. I’m not sure about the positive results. I don’t see many attendees but it gives them content to post after. There is so much time you can spend on social media, video, learning, and then managing your business.
I think people are doing it because you have to, but many people are a little disappointed with all the Internet. It’s a love and hate relationship!
So, we still have to be creative in any possible ways, work hard and give 100% excellent service and things should be ok!
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ICA Ambassador to Thailand Kennedy Ho |
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Dear ICA members,
Greetings from Bangkok, Thailand.
Thailand was doing so well until the beginning of December 2020.There were only approximately 3,000 confirmed cases and less than 100 deaths. The last five months has seen Covid-19 cases in Thailand skyrocket with 154,307 cases till today, 31 May 2021.
In the whole of Thailand, Bangkok has been the worst hit. Schools, gyms, and public parks are all closed. Restaurants can still open but only for take away food.
Gem business is, of course, still slow as the foreigners are still not allowed to travel to Thailand.
On the supply side, the gem market in Chanthaburi has been closed since 7 May 2021 after more than a hundred gemstone traders in Chanthaburi tested positive for Covid-19. There are also no stones coming out of Burma. The main reason for the mine closure is the tense political situation in Burma.
Vaccine jabs have started but terribly slow. So far, there are only Sinovac and AstraZeneca available. Less than 5% of the population have been vaccinated.
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ICA’s InColor Magazine has new Editor-in-Chief |
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Helen Molesworth to head up ICA’s flagship publication, InColor Magazine
New York, June, 2021 — The International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) announces the hiring of a new Editor-in-Chief, Helen Molesworth, for its flagship publication, InColor Magazine.
After months of deliberation, interviews, and with a unanimous decision by the selection committee, ICA’s InColor Magazine has a new Editor in Chief, gemologist, jewelry historian, and journalist Helen Molesworth.
Molesworth is no stranger to the gem & jewelry industry, as former Managing Director of the Gübelin Academy where she built the business from start-up, creating all textbooks and educational material for the Academy, as Jewelry Specialist, producing jewelry catalogues and business-getting for Christie’s and Sotheby’s auction houses in both London and Geneva, as Professeur d’Histoire du Bijoux, in Genève, and with a strong gemology background, an FGA with distinction. Molesworth also recently took on a position at Gembridge, an online trading platform for colored gemstones, as Head of Business Development.
"InColor has been a vitally important part of ICA’s communication since 2004,” states Clement Sabbagh, ICA president. “We are confident that Helen Molesworth as our new Editor in Chief will greatly contribute and enhance our flagship publication. Furthermore, it brings us much joy to have InColor under Helen's leadership, and hope that this appointment will encourage and support all women who wish to participate in our initiatives, discussions and projects for our Industry.”
“I’m delighted to be joining the ICA as Editor-in-Chief of InColor,” notes Molesworth. “It’s a wonderful magazine which has long set a high standard for quality content in the presentation, education and promotion of colored gemstones. I look forward to bringing both my specialist knowledge and business experience to the magazine, and, even more so, to working with many industry friends and colleagues to continue its success and drive it further forward, as a publication which supports the ICA, its wider mission and the colored gemstone industry as a whole.”
“InColor magazine has long been the leader in original content focused on the Colored Gemstone Industry, and one of ICA’s most prized assets and member benefits,” reports Gary Roskin, CEO for the ICA. “We are all very excited about the direction of the magazine and are 100% confident that Ms. Molesworth can take InColor to new heights.”
For more information and images, please contact:
Cecilia Echeverri
Communications & Marketing Manager
31 West 47h Street, Suite 1103
New York, NY 10036
Phone: +1 (212) 620-0900
The International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA), a non-profit organization, is the only worldwide body specifically created to benefit the global colored gemstone industry. ICA was founded in 1984 and is now comprised of nearly 700 gem industry leaders from mine to market, including miners, gem cutters, suppliers, retailers, trade associations, gemological laboratories, academia, museums, and more, from 47 countries who are devoted to advancing and promoting the knowledge and appreciation of colored gemstones.
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ICA Directors Share Expertise on Guild Webinar |
The 2021 Global Forum, hosted by Guild Gem Laboratories/Guild Institute of Gemology, China, with Andrew Lucas and Ruby Liu of Guild as moderators, presented several ICA guests speakers providing updates on current market conditions.
Guests included:
ICA Thailand Director, Phuket Khunaprapakorn, Gemburi Co Ltd
ICA Ambassador from Sri Lanka, Armil Sammoon, Sapphire Cutters Ltd
ICA member Sanjay Kothari, GKG
ICA member Sean Gilbertson, Gemfields
ICA President Clement Sabbagh, Ben Sabbagh Bros
ICA member Menahem Sevdermish, Gem e Wizard
ICA Director Kobi Sevdermish, Advanced Quality ACC Ltd
ICA member Guillermo Galvis, ACODES (Assoc. of Colombian Emerald Exporters)
Opening discussions focused on the scale and growth of the Chinese gemstone market, how the pandemic has affected the supply chain, and the new jewelry bonded service and trading platform – SJIS (Shenzhen Jewelry Industry Service Company) with the Shenzhen government
Sammoon presented sapphire production figures, not only in Sri Lanka but in Madagascar and other African sources coming into Sri Lanka, as well as Sri Lanka and China internet trading.
Khunaprapakorn reported the most recent March-April/online Gemfields ruby auction. He also provided figures for current supply levels, and sources of ruby being cut in Bangkok (Burma 20%, 15-20% from other countries, and Mozambique 60%. (Of that 60%, 70% is from Gemfields, with the remining 30% from ASM), both rough and cut. Currently, there doesn't seem to be enough rough to keep everyone busy.
Kothari gave an overview of current diamond production in India, as GKG can truly report on mine to market, being active in all aspects from mining, cutting, design, manufacturing and retail. Kothari spoke of the amount of rough flowing into India as “normal,” with a little up and down from quarter to quarter, being affected in some way by Covid. Overall, manufacturing diamonds has been fine, with factory levels at 90% for larger goods, and 75% for smaller goods. As for colored gemstones, there is still strong demand in the US and SE Asia. The current India market has been challenging. To describe the global market, you can say that there is less color rough, and demand is still strong. Without traveling, alternate digital capabilities through Zoom and Teams, helps the coordination with customers. There is definitely a shift in the balance, as the US and China are very strong with digitization - consumers online.
Gilbertson gave a thorough update on production from both the Zambian emerald mines to the Mozambique ruby mines, and how the auctions have been performing.
Galvis and Edwin Molina spoke with regards to current production of emerald from Colombia and Brazil. Countries currently active in imports have strong developed channels to the US and Europe, and Asia, with approx. 60% of production going to China.
Sabbagh spoke on the normal production levels of several Brazilian mines, including the Belmont emerald mine, the Cruziero tourmaline mine, as well as MTB’s paraíba mine. On the global stage, Brands are looking for sources that are ethical and sustainable. Internet sales have played a larger role in making direct sales.
Over the past year, we have seen extremely difficult times in all supply chains, especially for medium and small enterprises. We have all relied on traveling to the source, buying rough to bring back home to process. All of this was gone with restrictions of travel. It varies from country to country, but overall, Covid has really affected the supply chain. With restrictions on global travel, merchants could not reach the artisanal mining communities (ASM) so the miners couldn’t sell. The miners had to move on to other activities in order to survive. It will take a little time, once everything opens up again, for production and access to be back to normal.
With the availability of vaccines world-wide, we should see in the third quarter of this year a return to the “new normal.”
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Design School Symposium II
Sabbagh and Gallopim: Challenges of Sustainability
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The Design School, through its Center for Studies in Gemstone and Jewelry Design/CEDGEM, and the Postgraduate Program in Design/PPGD-UEMG, hosted the II International Symposium on Jewelry and Design, June 8th – 10th , 2021.
The general objective of the event was to disseminate research related to Jewelry and Jewelry Design, in its social, historical, cultural, economic and environmental dimensions; in technologies, new materials and goldsmithing processes.
The Symposium brought together researchers, professionals, students and others interested in the subject to promote the dissemination, exchange of knowledge and debate on the issues that involve the production of this important national product, as well as to stimulate scientific research in the area.
CONFERENCES
Opening Lecture: Prof. Gonçalo Vasconcelos e Sousa - Catholic University of Porto, Portugal.
Lecture: Prof. Susie Ganch and Prof. Kathleen Kennedy - Virginia Commonwealth University, USA.
Closing Lecture: Manoel Bernardes - Jeweler and Honorary Consul of France.
ROUND TABLES
Design in the jewelry industry: an international perspective from Brazil to the World
Kelly Amorim / Carla Amorim, Brazil
Mariana Magtaz / Peru
Vanessa Drummond / Mexico
ACADEMIC MEDIATOR: Prof. Adriano Mol - CEDGEM / ED / UEMG.
The gem sector and the challenges of Sustainability
Clement Sabbagh / International Colored Stone Association-ICA
Jessica Hudson / The Nomad Jeweler, USA
Rui Galopim / Portugal Gems and CIBJO
ACADEMIC MEDIATOR: Prof. Adriano Mol –CEDGEM / ED / UEMG
Maker jewelry: new paths and meanings for a millennial craft
Cristina Filipe / PIN, Portugal
Elisabeth Franco / OCCO Group
Profa. Mônica Moura / UNESP
ACADEMIC MEDIATOR: Profa. Thatiane Duque CEDGEM / ED / UEMG
Jewelry storytelling throughout History
Hugo Miguel Crespo / Researcher at the History Center of the University of Lisbon
Prof. Luiz Ozanam / UEMG
Regina Machado / Consultant
ACADEMIC MEDIATOR: Prof. Professor Gonçalo Vasconcelos e Sousa / UCP, Portugal
Advances in jewelry technology
Profa. Bernadete Teixeira / CEDGEM / ED / UEMG
Prof. Claudio Magalhães / PUC-RJ
Prof. Filipe Samuel / University of Minho, Portugal
ACADEMIC MEDIATOR: Prof. Adriano Mol –CEDGEM / ED / UEMG
Jewelry as a product of a Territory
Profa. Lia Paletta / UFJF
Profa. Raquel Noronha / UFMA
Profa. Rosângela Gouvêa / UEPA
ACADEMIC MEDIATOR: Profa. Raquel Canaan / PPGD / ED / UEMG
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Ambassadors Meet to Discuss ICA Activities |
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ICA Ambassadors from around the globe gathered on Zoom to discuss current happenings at ICA as well as to schedule future discussions as to how their role can help ICA and its membership stay in touch.
With us on the call were:
Maxim Van Oppens, Ambassador to Belgium, Claudia Hamann, Ambassador to Germany,
Idolfo Romero, Ambassador to Colombia,
Yen Le, Ambassador to Vietnam,
Pascale Savigny, Ambassador to France,
Mehul Durlabhji Ambassador to India
and André Silva, Ambassador to Brazil.
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Molesworth Meets with Befindan Media
InColor Magazine Expected to be back by Fall!
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Helen Molesworth, new Editor-in-Chief for InColor Magazine, along with Clement Sabbagh, ICA president, Damien Cody, Ioannis Alexandris, and Gary Roskin, ICA CEO, met with Coleby Nicholson and Angela Han from Befindan Media, publishing firm in Australia, to discuss the Fall issue of InColor. Chan will be overseeing layout and design, marketing and advertising, while Molesworth will be overseeing all editorial content.
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UPDATED Trade Shows
Scheduled, Rescheduled, & Cancelled
Vicenzaoro January Show
- rescheduled for Mar 12-16, 2021 - CANCELLED
Tucson Gem & Mineral Show TGMS
- scheduled for Feb 9-12, 2021 - CANCELLED
Tucson GJX & AGTA Shows
- scheduled for Feb 2-7, 2021 - CANCELLED
Naples Art, Antique & Jewelry Show
- scheduled for Feb 19-23, 2021 - CANCELLED
Inhorgenta Munich Show - February/April
- rescheduled for Apr 14-19 2021 - CANCELLED
HKTDC HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL JEWELLERY SHOW (IJS) & INTERNATIONAL DIAMOND, GEM & PEARL SHOW (DGPS) -March
- both at HKCEC - rescheduled for July 25-29, 2021
Informa Markets Jewellery & Gem ASIA HK (HKCEC)
- Physical Event on schedule for June 24-27, 2021
- Virtual Event on schedule for June 10 – July 2, 2021
JCK LAS VEGAS 2021 - June
- rescheduled for August 26-30, 2021
VICENZAORO
- on schedule for September 10-14, 2021
HardRock Summit SPARKLE & JOY DENVER 2021
- on schedule for September 18-21, 2021
Informa Markets Jewellery & Gem WORLD HK (HKCEC)
- Physical Event on schedule for September 19 - 23, 2021
- Virtual Event on schedule for September 3 – 30, 2021
Informa Markets Jewellery & Gem WORLD Hong Kong (JGW) (AWE)
- rescheduled for November 9-13, 2021
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World's Third Largest Unearthed in Botswana |
Bloomberg (The India Express)
Debswana Diamond Co., a unit of De Beers Plc, unearthed a 1,098 carat stone in Botswana on June 1, the largest since the company began operations five decades ago.
Preliminary analysis suggests the stone is the world’s third-largest gem-quality diamond ever after the Cullinan Diamond that was discovered in South Africa in 1905 and the Lesedi la Rona that was found in Botswana in 2015, according to Debswana acting Managing Director Lynette Armstrong.
Valuation by the Diamond Trading Co. Botswana is due in a few weeks and at this point, Debswana can’t say whether the rock will be sold by De Beers or through the Okavango Diamond Co., a state-owned trader that also holds the right to buy Debswana stones, Armstrong said.
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Red End: Argyle Unveils Its Final Pink Tender |
Rio Tinto has lifted the curtains on its final Argyle Pink Diamond Tender, which features a characteristically showstopping collection of pink, red, and blue diamonds from the now-shuttered Australian mine.
This 38th, and last, tender will comprise 70 diamonds weighing 81.63 cts. The year’s biggest “hero” stone is the 3.47 ct. Argyle Eclipse, which is the largest fancy intense pink diamond ever offered at an Argyle Tender.
Other hero gems include the Argyle Stella, a 1.79 ct. square radiant-shaped fancy vivid purplish pink diamond; the Argyle Lumiere, a 2.03 ct. square radiant-shaped fancy deep pink diamond; the Argyle Solaris, a 2.05 ct. radiant-shaped fancy intense pink diamond; and the Argyle Bohème, a 1.01 ct. radiant-shaped fancy red diamond. ...
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A Sparkling Showcase is being Unearthed - AMNH |
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DesignBoom.com
One of the most beloved spaces in New York City’s museums returns to public view with the opening of the completely redesigned and reinstalled Allison and Roberto Mignone halls of gems and minerals at the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH).
The 11,000-square-foot spaces present a sparkling showcase for the museum’s world-renowned collection, and an engaging guide to scientific knowledge. The halls’ exhibits boast a gallery of dazzling gems, including the legendary 563-carat Star of India sapphire, fascinating new specimens, such as a pair of towering, sparkling amethyst geodes that are among the world’s largest on display, interactive displays illustrating the science of mineralogy, and a temporary exhibition space, which opens with beautiful creatures — an unprecedented display of exquisite historic and contemporary jewelry inspired by animals.
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Vintage Jewelry For Today’s Woman |
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From the optimistic 1950s of cocktail parties and the suburban life, following World War II to the newfound freedom of women liberation movement in the 1960s-70s – the mid to later 20th century is witnessing a revival among vintage jewelry fans as well as new enthusiasts who have has found that many of these designs are both collectible and wearable.
Within the category of vintage, we are seeing two trends emerge—one that speaks to dressing up again after working at home in sweats for over a year, but with a daring and unprecedented mix of materials that were popular during the 1950s and early 60s....
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Tanzania: Govt Hints On Special Taxes for Small Scale Miners |
The [Tanzanian] government on Thursday proposed to introduce special modalities of taxing individuals engaging in small mining operations, whose annual turnover does not exceed 100m/- per year.
This entails introducing a special income tax at a rate of 3 per cent of the sale value of the minerals, according to Finance and Planning Minister Mwigulu Nchemba.
The government also pushed for the establishment time of payment of income tax for individuals engaged in small scale mining operations to be the time, when selling minerals as opposed to the current regular installment arrangement, which require them to pay tax regardless of the cash flows.
"Such a move will create an obligation for individual employers engaged in small scale mining operations to withhold tax at the time of selling minerals and payment of royalty as established by the Mining Commission," stated Dr Nchemba while presenting the 2021-2022 national budget in Dodoma, yesterday.
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GJEPC Announces Dubai International Jewellery Fair |
Arabella Roden | Jeweller
The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), which organises the India International Jewellery Show (IIJS) Premiere and Signature, has announced a new trade fair to be held in Dubai from 14–16 August 2021.
The International Gem & Jewellery Show (IGJS) Dubai is backed by India’s Department of Commerce and the Indian Embassy in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and will target buyers from the Middle East, China, Russia, the US, UK, Europe, Africa, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
According to the GJEPC, the Middle East accounts for approximately 40 per cent of gem and jewellery exports from India.
Colin Shah, chairman GJEPC, said, “To cater to the pent-up demand and a call from exhibitors and buyers for a physical show as the pandemic recedes, GJEPC is organising the first ever IGJS in Dubai.”
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Petra Selling “Exceptional” 39-Carat Blue Diamond |
Cecilia Jamasmie | Mining.com
South Africa’s Petra Diamonds (LON:PDL) has put a 39.34 carat Type IIb gem recovered at its iconic Cullinan mine in April up for sale, with viewings beginning June 15.
The company said the diamond of “exceptional quality” in terms of both its colour and clarity, will be showcased in Antwerp, Dubai, Hong Kong and New York.
Petra, which anticipates that the diamond will be sold via a special tender, said that biddings via its online platform will close on July 12.
While it didn’t set a price range for the stone, the miner said high-quality blue diamonds like the one for sale usually fetch the highest values.
Petra’s Blue Moon of Josephine diamond, cut from a 29 carat rough blue diamond, sold for ...
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Transformed Minerals into Jewels - Paris Exhibition |
Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle | Forbes
Picture unimaginable treasures like the restored Tourmaline Tree by Jean Vendome that’s at once jewelry, design and sculpture, the 1942 Bird of Paradise clip in yellow gold, platinum, rubies, sapphires and diamonds, or the collaret in platinum set with 673 round and baguette-cut diamonds ordered by Queen Nazli of Egypt in 1939 for her daughter’s wedding to the future Shah of Iran, which has never been seen before in France.
These finished pieces rub shoulders with the two largest sapphires ever found in Europe, Occitane de Sabine native gold and amethysts, turquoises and pearls from the French Crown Jewels. They each come with their own story to tell, from how they were designed and made to the wrists and necks they went on to adorn.
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Dawood Announces More Products Finalized for GI: Geographical Indication |
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Daily Times (PK)
Earlier on June 01, stressing on branding, Abdul Razak Dawood said, “In order to further enhance our exports, we have to pay attention to our own brand development.
Our local brands still need to do a lot for recognition in the international market hence more effort is required from our exporters.”
He said that although potential is there, yet there is need to focus more on the branding side in order to get the desired results and make a place in the competitive market.
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Member Resources & Initiatives |
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It is intended that members who undertake this accreditation process will understand more fully their duty of care within the gem and jewelry supply chain. It is designed to be a practical self-audit and a voluntary pledge on responsible sourcing. |
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We want to make a difference by providing assistance to artisanal mining and cutting communities, which will focus on the key areas of concern: safety, human rights, fair work, inclusiveness, environmental impact, resource sustainability and community amenity. |
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Images of colored gems from around the globe, plus all aspects of the colored gem industry including mining, cutting, manufacture, gemmological research, education, marketing, design and retailing. |
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In the hopes to be of service to members, the ICA has put together this small compendium of resources related to COVID-19 and its challenges and opportunities. |
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Thai Jewellery Enters the Indian Market Again |
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Aishwarya Ingle | Inventiva
Due to the Coronavirus pandemic and lockdowns, most jobs have shifted to become work from home. Work from home requires your upper body which is visible to the camera to be very professional.
A person has to sit wearing formals for the upper part of the body while his legs unwind in the essence of comfortable pyjamas.
Many Zoom call fails on YouTube have proven that people only wear formals for the upper body.
Work from home has changed the jewellery preferences of people. Women want their jewellery donned on the upper part of the body so that it is visible to other people.
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Most Expensive Jewellery Sold in Hong Kong 2020 |
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Wilson Lau | SCMP
While auction houses boosted their online sale platforms with much enhanced digital infrastructure and an increased variety of items on offer, competitive bidding for highly coveted items continued to generate excitement at live auctions and record prices were realised as a result.
The absolute top lots sold at live jewellery auctions held in Hong Kong, ranging from premium-quality natural fancy coloured diamonds to jadeite designs, also reflect the diversity of tastes and preferences among the international clientele in the market.
The highest-priced item at a Hong Kong live auction in 2020 was a ring with a 12.11-carat fancy intense blue internally flawless diamond, flanked by white diamonds.
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Le Vian Donates 21st Century’s First Gem Discovery to American Museum of Natural History
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Press Release | InStore
Le Vian’s donation comprises two beautiful rough gemstone specimens, two polished specimens and two red carpet-worthy.
Le Vian Couture pieces – the Kameha ring and the Kailani necklace, both handcrafted in 18 karat Strawberry Gold.
Aquaprase was discovered in 2013 by veteran gem explorer and Le Vian friend Yianni Melas in only one location in Africa while studying a previously undiscovered deposit of blue-green chalcedony. Recognizing something special and different about the stone, Melas submitted samples to several gem labs: his discovery was a never-before-seen type of chalcedony, with a unique combination of green and blue hues reminiscent of waves crashing on a beach.
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Saudi Arabia Sees Surge in Gemstone Licenses |
Arab News
Saudi Arabia has seen a surge in licenses for precious metal and gemstones this year, according to a report by the Al-Eqtisadiah newspaper, citing figures from the Ministry of Commerce.
The ministry has issued 220 licenses in the sectors so far in 2021, the report said. That compares to 270 issued throughout the whole of last year.
The trading or manufacturing of precious metals or gemstones without a license can lead to imprisonment of up to six months and a fine of up to SR90,000 ($24,000).
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June Birthstones:
Alexandrite, Moonstone, and Pearl
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Moonstones from Sri Lanka, the classical country of origin of the moonstone, shimmer in pale blue on an almost transparent background. Specimens from India feature a nebulous interplay of light and shadow on a background of beige-brown, green, orange or brown.
These discreet colours, in connection with the fine shimmer, make the moonstone an ideal gemstone for jewellery with a sensual, feminine aura. This gemstone was very popular once before, about a hundred years ago at the time of Art Nouveau.
It adorns a noticeably large number of the jewellery creations of the French master goldsmith René Lalique and his contemporaries, mainly to be found in museums and collections today.
This gemstone is surrounded by a good deal of mystique and magic. In many cultures, for example in India, it is regarded as a holy, magical gemstone. In India, moonstones are also regarded as 'dream stones' which bring the wearer beautiful visions at night. In Arabic countries, women often wear moonstones sewn out of sight into their garments, for in their cultures the moonstone is a symbol of fertility.
The moonstone symbolizes our being in its entirety. With its soft shimmer, it strengthens our emotional and subconscious aspects. The associations connected with that make it a "lovers' stone", evoking tender feelings and safeguarding the true joys of love. It is also said that wearing a moonstone strengthens our intuition and our capacity to understand.
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June 2021
Greetings from the ICA,
With the rollout of vaccines globally, we are beginning to see some Covid restrictions finally relaxing. This is the start of a positive direction, but we are still very concerned about India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Brazil, so we strongly urge all of our members to be extremely careful and overly cautious when meeting clients, especially when traveling.
InColor Magazine
We are very happy to welcome Helen Molesworth to the ICA team as our new Editor in Chief for InColor Magazine!
In-Person Trade Shows:
We are still chasing in-person Trade Shows. We are fairly certain that the March HK show, now late July show, will be a local show, as the mandatory quarantine has not yet been lifted for international travelers. The June JCK Las Vegas show, now late August, has great potential, as we see some incoming travel restrictions being lifted for certain countries. It will be a hot show – literally, as temperatures in Las Vegas in late August reach on average 95º to 110º F (39º C). Check with Maggie if you are interested in exhibiting.
The Denver HotRocks show did not receive enough interest for us to provide a pavilion, but we do know that some of our members, both here in the US and overseas will be exhibiting. Chances are good that ICA will have a booth to support our members.
September Hong Kong is hard to predict this far in advance. It remains questionable as an international show. Best guess scenario is that the show will be local, as the travel quarantine may still be in effect.
More ICA News
We want to thank our Ambassadors for providing the up to date reports from their countries. This is truly the one place where you can get a global perspective of the colored gemstone trade.
AEM - Do it Today!
Are you having difficulties with logging onto the website and completing the Accredited Ethical Member portal? If so, please do not hesitate to get in contact with the ICA office and we will walk you through the process. If you are an ICA member, you can be an AEM today!
Congress in 2022
We are looking forward to seeing you all at the ICA Congress in Shenzhen China in 2022! Yes, September of 2022!
As always, if we can help with anything from the office, do not hesitate to contact us directly.
On behalf of the President, the Board of Directors, and the ICA office staff (Claudiu, Cecilia, and Maggie),
Best wishes, keep healthy and stay safe,
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Gary Roskin
Chief Executive Officer
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