An impressive line-up of speakers including gemmologists, jewellers, miners, traders and government officials will address the first ever World Ruby Forum, which is being organised in Thailand on November 4, 2017 in association with the CIBJO Congress. The Forum is a part of a public relations campaign to raise awareness about the gemstone worldwide.

The event, which aims to promote, support, and raise awareness and better understanding of the ruby, is being organised by The Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand (Public Organization) in collaboration with Department of International Trade Promotion, Ministry of Commerce (DITP), the Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences (AIGS) and the Association of Gemology for France (AFG).

Addressing the opening session are three international experts –Duangkamol Jiambutr, Director of The Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand, Henry Ho, Chairman of Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences and Didier Giard, President of French Association of Gemmology.

Two presentations will give an overview on broader themes: while CIBJO President Dr Gaetano Cavalieri will cover A Framework on CSR in the coloured gemstone industry, writer and expert on ruby and sapphire Richard W. Hughes will talk about ‘Seeing Red: A Passionate Guide to Ruby'.

A discussion on Mine to Market will feature Sean Gilbertson, CEO, Gemfields Plc., and Nay Win Tun, Chairman of Ruby Dragon Group of Companies; marketing issues will be discussed by ICA stalwarts Santpal Sinchawla, Andrew Cody and Paolo Valentini, and design and branding will be the focus of talks by Alessio Boschi and Suriyon Sriorathaikul from the jewellery industry, respectively.

An analysis of new ruby deposits across Greenland to Mozambique, Malawi, Madagascar and Tanzania will be presented by Vincent Pardieu, while Cedric Simonet will speak about ruby deposits in Africa.

The final session on the laboratory perspective is being convened by Pornsawat Watanakul, while panellists will include Boontawee Sriprasert of Thailand, Dr. Lu Taijin of China, Hpone Phyo Kan Nyunt and Dr. Hanco Zwaan from Europe.

The Forum is hosting a special Gala Dinner to conclude the event.