ICA Newsletter | December 2020 |
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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 jewelry creations. |
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ICA President Letter to the Members |
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ICA President Clement Sabbagh |
Dear ICA friends,
It wasn’t that long ago, just last March, that I was writing to you, hoping to find everyone in good health and safe at home. Little did we know then that we would still be saying this at the end of the year.
Although we are still facing this moment with no in-person trade shows in sight and with limited access to suppliers and clients, we urge all of our members to remain attentive and compliant to your local guidelines, and to act responsibly in your businesses, towards your family, your staff, and your customers.
However, hope is nearby. With a global vaccination protocol in sight, we finally see a light at the end of this dark tunnel in order to be able to resume our business operations.
It has been a tough year for all of us. And through it all, ICA has been working very hard for you and our natural colored gemstone industry. Even with the closure of borders, the cancellations of international flights, and the closures and postponements of the major international trade fairs, ICA has maintained full service and support for members throughout this crisis.
ICA has been active online with our newsletters, supporting education, and at third-party seminars, all aimed at maintaining a steady presence, keeping the interest in colored gemstones and gemstone set jewellery alive and well.
ICA has stepped up communication to all of our members, and the wider gem and jewellery community, not only through our newsletter as mentioned above, but also through personal emails, our website, social media, and press releases. ICA is providing helpful information to businesses to endure the challenges we are all facing. We also see a rising number of small gemstone businesses reinventing, exploring, and increasing their digital presence as means to secure and maintain relationships with clients. We believe this trend will continue long past the pandemic and ...
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ICA Ambassador to Germany |
Claudia Hamann
ICA Ambassador to Germany
Dear ICA members,
Since late February, long distance flights have been almost impossible. But in August, an almost normal daily business began once again, although in a smaller amount.
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ICA Ambassador
to Canada
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Martine Lavoie
ICA Ambassador to Canada
Dear ICA members,
Unfortunately, it is very hard for us to travel right now, especially for short trips. In Canada, we need to quarantine for 2 weeks upon return. Because we are a small family company, it means ...
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ICA Ambassador to Belgium |
Maxim Van Oppens
ICA Ambassador to Belgium
Dear ICA members,
After a summer with open borders and fewer restrictions on trade, with the approaching cold winds of winter, came a spike in case numbers in Belgium.
The government has decided on a second lockdown starting from Monday, November 2nd till Sunday, December 13th.
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Pascale Savigny
ICA Ambassador to France
Dear ICA members,
Since end of October, France has imposed the second lockdown of 2020 for one month, after the number of Covid-19 patients soared and hospitals continued to report increasing ...
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Antony Zagoritis
ICA Ambassador to Kenya
Dear ICA members,
Kenya currently has no travel restrictions or quarantine requirements on entry or exit. The only requirement is that a Covid-19 test is taken no more than 96 hours prior to travel, and a Covid Negative Certificate is presented on exit and entry. The country takes a fairly accommodating approach and it ...
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ICA Ambassador to Thailand |
Kennedy Ho
ICA Ambassador to Thailand
Dear ICA members,
There are very few foreign tourists visiting Thailand at the moment as Thailand's travel restrictions are still in effect (14 days quarantine). Foreigners with work permits are now allowed back...
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7 ICA Directors Also Talk Business & Travel |
Many of our ICA members are looking for advice when it comes to travel, and travel restrictions. This update comes to you from seven ICA Board members, and features a global map with the most up to date travel restrictions for most major countries.
ICA Director from Canada
ICA Vice President
Dear Gentlemen & Ladies,
Up until now, the Canadian border had been closed up until November 21st to non-resident & non-Canadian citizens travelling from the USA. Any Canadian citizens returning/arriving in Canada had been required to quarantine for 14 days, which is an honor system. Some violations are being issued according to the news. For instance, as a Canadian citizen, ...
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Top 100 Women in Mining - ICA's Miriam Wairimu Kamau |
Company: Mimo Gem Traders
Title: Founder and Director
Country: Kenya
Gemologist Miriam Wairimu Kamau describes her own ascent out of poverty and into mining, eventually starting her own company, as “a wonder”. It’s hard to disagree. Born into an economically disadvantaged background in rural Kenya, Miriam’s dreams of higher education were dashed when her father died just after she completed high school. To support her family, Miriam took up work as a housemaid. Opportunity knocked when an American gem dealer hired Miriam as a tea maker and receptionist. Fascinated by gemstones and the gem trade, Miriam learned all she could and saved her salary to pay for training on gemstones...
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UPDATED Trade Shows
New, Scheduled, Completed, & Cancelled
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BASELWORLD - rescheduled for Jan. 28 - Feb. 2, 2021 - CANCELLED
Possible future Virtual and Live April show combination - HOURUNIVERSE
JCK 2020 Las Vegas - Virtual Show - Aug. 11 - 14, 2020 - COMPLETED
Jewellery Industry Virtual Fair - NEW! Virtual Show Oct. 20 - 21, 2020 - COMPLETED
AJS Atlanta Jewelry Show - scheduled for Oct. 24 - 25, 2020 - COMPLETED
Informa Jewellery & Gem Digital World - NEW! Virtual Show Oct. 27-29, 2020 - COMPLETED
International Jewellery Fair Tokyo Autumn - scheduled for Oct. 28 - 30, 2020 - COMPLETED
GEMWORLD Munich - scheduled for Oct. 30 - Nov. 01, 2020 - CANCELLED
GemGenève - was Nov. 1 - 4, 2020 - CANCELLED
Informa September HK Show - rescheduled for Nov. 9 - 13, 2020 - CANCELLED
IJV International Jewelry + Watch Fair Vietnam - scheduled for Nov. 19 - 23, 2020 - POSTPONED
Informa June HK Show - rescheduled for Nov. 26 - 29, 2020 - CANCELLED
JMA HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL JEWELLERY SHOW – Nov. 26 – 29 – COMPLETED
Jubinale CHRISTMAS - scheduled for Nov. 27 -28, 2020 - CANCELLED
Jaipur Jewellery Show (JJS) - on schedule for Dec. 19 - 22, 2020 - CANCELLED
Vicenzaoro January Show - rescheduled for Mar. 12 - 16, 2021
Tucson Gem & Mineral Show TGMS - scheduled for Feb 9-12, 2021 - CANCELLED
Tucson GJX & AGTA Shows - scheduled for February 2 - 7, 2021 - CANCELLED
Palm Beach Fine Craft Show - on schedule for February 12 - 14, 2021
Naples Art, Antique & Jewelry Show - on schedule for Feb. 19 - 23, 2021
HKTDC HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL JEWELLERY SHOW (IJS) & INTERNATIONAL DIAMOND, GEM & PEARL SHOW (DGPS) – both at AWE - rescheduled for July. 2 - 6, 2021
JCK LAS VEGAS 2021 – on schedule for June 4 - 7, 2020
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InColor Magazine - All about JADE |
The Fall/Winter issue of InColor Magazine, Jade, will be Jean Claude Michelou's last as Editor-in-Chief. "..., after 16 years of growing and shaping the magazine,” says JC in his final editorial, “It has been a fantastic journey and experience, performed with passion, objectivity and honesty at all times.”
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More Interviews with ICA President Clement Sabbagh |
Our president, Clement Sabbagh, has been promoting ICA and the Colored Gemstone Industry via Zoom and trade publication interviews. His latest webinar, with Jewelry News Asia, “JNA Trade Talk: Pulse of the Industry - Coloured Gemstones” aired in October, and highlighted the challenges in the colored gemstone sector amid the global pandemic. JNA’s webinar also looked into the rise in popularity of coloured gemstones amongst today's more sophisticated buyers.
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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 timely and effective assistance 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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6 of the most iconic pieces of jewellery ever |
Jewellery is so much more than just ornamentation. Bracelets, rings, necklaces all carry with them a unique history, and have the ability to tell incredible stories.
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December 2020: What's New In Jewellery |
Dark and dramatic, a mix of smoky quartz, amethyst and diamonds dominates the fine jewellery pieces produced by Vara of London. Launched by Mayuri Vara, who splits her time between London and Hong Kong.
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16 Stunning Pieces of Jewelry Are Heading to Auction to Help Beirut Rebuild |
Following the tragic blast that devastated Beirut on Aug. 4, members of the Lebanese diaspora pooled their talents to create two non-profit organizations, Creatives for Lebanon and Art for Beirut.
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Gemstones a hidden treasure of Pakistan, requires govt patronage to take exports to new heights |
Known as land of three mighty mountains ranges of Hindukash, Himalaya and Karakoram, Pakistan is blessed with varieties of precious gemstones deposits.
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GIT to host the “International Chanthaburi Gems and Jewelry Festival 2020” |
The Gems and Jewelry Institute of Thailand (Public Organization) or GIT together with the province of Chanthaburi will organise the “International Chanthaburi Gems and Jewelry Festival 2020” under the theme “Go Together: Chanthaburi City of Gems”.
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This 1940s Diamond-and-Ruby Necklace Could Fetch up to $750,000 at Auction |
At its Magnificent Jewels sale in New York on Dec. 9, Sotheby’s will offer a smattering of important fancy colored diamonds and signed pieces from the usual suspects: Cartier, Bulgari and Van Cleef & Arpels.
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Harry Winston Wins Top Item At Christie’s NY |
Christie’s sold a Kashmir sapphire and diamond bracelet to Harry Winston for $6 million on Tuesday, kicking off the December New York Magnificent Jewels season.
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This Emerald and Diamond Necklace Just Fetched $7M at Auction |
Of the total $51.5 million the sale garnered, $7 million went to a spectacular emerald and diamond double riviere necklace created by Edmond Chin for Boghossian.
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Hermitage opens exhibit dedicated to Carl Faberge |
An exhibition to honor the legendary jeweller Carl Faberge has been put together by the State Hermitage, with the assistance from Russian and German museums, has opened in the Armorial Hall of the Winter Palace on Tuesday.
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Seeing Green: Muzo Launches New Emerald Jewelry Collaboration With 10 Designers |
For its fourth designer collaboration, Muzo collaborated with an incredible group of women, who each designed unique pieces featuring responsibly mined emeralds.
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Happy Holidays everyone!
Some of you may have noticed by now the facelift of our website, Gemstone.org. We are very happy to announce that with the latest upgrade, you should feel the faster speed, note the daily update of our social media sites, and most importantly, every member now has access to their own personal data, contact others, renew their membership fees, & renew their AEM, all through the ICA website.
For a quick tour of the site, click onto the ICA Member Compass button, located in the large rutilated quartz image on the home page. There you will get tips on how to create your own account.
While you are on the site, please do not forget to go to our Covid-19 page. There is so much there to help your business navigate the global pandemic. Business may not go back to “normal” in 2021. We see that hybrid businesses will better serve their clients, as most of us have gotten used to being online 24/7. There are tips for that on the Covid-19 page.
Traveling to mines or trade shows will soon be possible, but check the IATA travel regulations site before you go. That too is on the Covid-19 page.
We have all gotten great information from our ICA Ambassadors. If you need more, do not hesitate to use the membership directory and reach out! ICA is about networking with fellow members to help pivot in the new direction.
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,
Gary Roskin
Chief Executive Officer
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