The May 19-22 ICA Congress highlighted initiatives towards greater sustainability in Brazilian and African gemstone mining, and gave guidance to the global gemstone trade on how to face up to the challenge of tariffs.
The Congress of the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) in Brasilia heard calls from speakers to develop responsible sourcing of coloured gemstones in Brazil by improving permissions for small-scale artisanal miners, who extract most of the South American country’s vast array of coloured gemstones.
Geologist Brian Cook, owner at Nature’s Geometry, appealed at the ICA Congress for more support for Brazilian artisanal mining communities in order to strengthen the industry. Cook urged more state-backed initiatives as well as investments to support responsible sourcing and permissions in artisanal mining areas, while ensuring health and safety.
Regenerative agriculture, new income resources and entrepreneurial opportunities can be introduced to move towards greater sustainability in artisanal mining, he added. While urging Brazilian authorities to focus more attention on Brazilian artisanal mining communities, Cook said: “The government can help unlock the incredible resources that this (artisanal community) is to the Brazilian jewellery industry.”
The “Gems Keep Giving” initiative presented information about a life-changing project in Kenya and a new project that has started in Brazil to combat silicosis, which is a form of occupational lung disease caused by inhalation of crystalline silica dust.
A video presentation about a “Gems Keep Giving” water purification project in Kamtonga, Kenya, supporting the small-scale artisanal mining community there, received a standing ovation from the audience.
The ICA’s leadership advised their members around the world, faced with the challenge of tariffs, to contact their local government representatives to press for preferential trade deals, and to seek out contacts with US trade representatives.
ICA and the US Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC) are planning webinars in the coming months to inform members about tariffs and how to facilitate trade and shipping in coloured gemstones.
A possible rise in US tariffs after expiration of the present 90-day pause, could trigger investment in cutting and polishing in gemstone origin countries, Sara Yood, President, CEO and General Counsel at the JVC, told the ICA Congress.
If tariffs, presently held at 10 percent, revert to higher rates in key gemstone manufacturing countries such as India and Thailand, more investments in crafting operations in gemstone origin countries may follow, Yood said during a question-and-answer session. “Businesses may look to keep more cutting in mining countries, especially if those mining countries have a preferential tariff rate,” she said.
The ICA leadership summed up the impact of the Congress, underlining the strength of engagement by attendees at the event.
“The Congress was a tremendous success in every respect,” said ICA President Damien Cody. “It informed, inspired, intrigued, amazed, and entertained us. We had valuable opportunities to exchange ideas and shape strategies that will benefit our industry both now and into the future. The theme, ‘Gems for Generations,’ resonated throughout the entire event.
“Our Brazilian hosts welcomed us with exceptional warmth and generosity, creating an atmosphere we will long remember. We leave with a deep sense of appreciation and many fond memories.”
ICA CEO Doug Hucker said, “ICA Congress is always a venue for the colour industry to address new opportunities and current issues. “At this Congress in Brazil, our superb contingent of presenters provided attendees with the most up-to-date information and actionable strategies to improve their businesses, and wrapped it all in legendary Brazilian hospitality.”
Industry leaders, Dr Gaetano Cavalieri, President of CIBJO, World Jewellery Confederation, and Susan Jacques, GIA President and CEO, received ICA Lifetime Achievement Awards.
Other highlights of the Congress, which gathered around 200 members of the global coloured gemstone industry, included presentations about the impact of irradiation of sapphires, and about market trends in coloured gemstones.
Rubellite is making a comeback in China, while lagoon colour tourmaline has seen increases in demand and price, Andrew Lucas, Senior Vice President of Guild Gem Laboratories, told the ICA Congress. He also said in a presentation that violet sapphire had seen explosive growth in China recently. Supplies of Burmese rubies to the Chinese market were picking up, he added.
”There is an increase of Burmese rubies coming through the lab,” Lucas said, noting a pickup in purchases by Chinese dealers in Japan.