28th IGC - Spain

The 28th International Gemmological Conference was held at Madrid in Spain from 6th October to 12th October, 2001. Dr. Cristina Sapalski, from Spain was the Executive Secretary for the 28th IGC.

It was grand event where delegates from over 24 countries participated. Legendary gemmologists like Prof. Dr. Edward Gubelin, Prof. Sunagawa, Prof. P. Zwaan, Dr. Allan Jobbins, Prof. Dr. Hermann Bank etc. adorned the podium.

Topics included new finds in Madagascar, work on the characteristics of gems from East Africa, a new emerald mine in Brazil, reviews of demantoids and peridots, jadeite jades, Queensland mabe pearls, developments in hardness testing, Vatican museum gems, and emeralds and synthetics from Russia.

Delegates from various corners of the world presented over 44 papers covering various aspects especially that of Diamonds, Rubies, Sapphire, Emeralds, treatments, organics, synthetics and mining and geology.

The Gemmological Institute of India's Delegate, Dr. Jayshree Panjikar, Head of the R & D Department of the Gemmological Institute of India, presented a paper on Epidote from Indian Sub Continent. Dr. Roger Harding from Gem Testing Laboratory of Great Britain spoke about the ethics in gemmology and its practice. Dr. George Bosshart from Gubelin Lab, Switzerland, presented a paper on HPHT treated diamonds.

At the conference it has been decided that the 29th IGC in 2003 will be held in China. Ms. Ou Yang has been elected as the Executive Secretary for the IGC 2003.