NAJ Member and Student Discounts Available for Gem-A Conference, Returning to London in November

23 Jun 2026

The Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A) has announced the first speakers participating in its upcoming Gem-A Conference 2026, as well as further details of its hands-on workshops and esteemed sponsors who are helping to bring the anticipated event to life.

Scheduled for the weekend of November 7-8 at The Leonardo Royal Hotel London St Paul’s in Central London, the Gem-A Conference will welcome 10 internationally respected guest speakers to share their gemmological expertise on a diverse range of topics. Highlights include sessions dedicated to mineral traceability and origin determination, the history of diamond research, and investigations into Type IIa diamonds, with more speakers and topics to be announced over the coming months.

Confirmed experts for 2026 and the titles of their talks are outlined below:

Dr Raquel Alonso-Perez, Curator, Mineralogical & Geological Museum, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

Cutting-Edge Traceability Research on Emeralds and Gold

Stefanos Karampelas, Professor, School of Geology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), Greece

Studying Gems from Museum Collections: Insights from Recent Scientific Research and Advances in Geographic Origin Determination

Michael Mintrone, Head of Diamond Department, Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF), Basel, Switzerland

Recent And Ongoing Investigations of Type IIa Diamonds From the Letšeng Mine

Elizabeth West FGA DGA EG, Senior Technical Educator, De Beers Group, London, UK

Diamond Minds: Who Shaped Our Understanding of Diamond?

The annual Gem-A Conference is a highly regarded professional development opportunity for gemmology professionals, jewellers, retailers, auctioneers, valuers, and research scientists, including Gem-A Members, non-members and students. Visiting speakers share insights into the latest advancements, trends and research in gemmology, while scheduled networking opportunities give national and international guests time to connect and engage with sponsors.

Its broader schedule of events includes a series of practical, hands-on workshops organised at Gem-A London on Monday, November 9, culminating in the Gem-A Graduation Ceremony and Presentation of Awards on the same evening.

Gem-A Chief Executive Officer, Cath Hill, comments,

"The Gem-A Conference is an unmissable occasion for gemmologists, both Gem-A Members and non-members, who are seeking continuing professional development and enrichment. The Gem-A Conference is milestone moment in our calendar year, and I hope our Members, as well as the wider Gem-A community, appreciate this chance to learn, network, and discover something new. After all, gemmology is an ever-evolving and continually updating field that keeps us all on our collective toes!”

Gem-A Honorary President, Richard B. Drucker FGA GIA GG, who will serve as Master of Ceremonies at the event, says,

“As in previous years, we have chosen to invite a carefully curated mix of speakers to the Gem-A Conference to give our attendees the most diverse learning opportunities possible. Aside from the speakers already announced, we are preparing to name more internationally renowned experts who will bring their knowledge and experience to London in November. I hope to see as many of you there as possible.”

Following the weekend talks, the Gem-A Conference 2026 will conclude with its traditional day of hands-on small group workshops at Gem-A London on Monday, November 9. Highlights of this year’s schedule include a focus on coloured gemstone grading, a practical pearl stringing masterclass, insights into diamond manufacturing with the London Diamond Bourse, and a focus on identifying gemstone treatments. The complete schedule will be unveiled later this year, and sessions are expected to sell-out quickly due to popular demand.

The Gem-A Conference is brought to life with the support of esteemed sponsors who contribute towards its prime position in the annual gemmological calendar. Highlights this year include Silver Sponsors Marcus McCallum, the Canadian Gemmological Association and Charles Bexfield; Bronze Sponsors Ward Gemstones, the London Diamond Bourse, Gemmology Rocks, Gemworld International, and the Accredited Gemologists Association (AGA), and Conference Supporter the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ). Further corporate sponsors are expected to be announced in due course.

Cath Hill adds,

“It is thanks to the invaluable support of our speakers and sponsors that we can host such an important event and give back to the gemmology community at an unprecedented scale. I look forward to welcoming them all to London in November for what looks set to be an inspiring three days.”

NAJ Member and Student Discounts

An ‘Early Bird’ rate for the Gem-A Conference is now in effect. NAJ members can enjoy the same rate as Gem-A Members. Include 'NAJ' when asked for your membership number to get 16% off the standard ticket price.

Book Early Bird Tickets

Students of the NAJ, Gem-A, Birmingham City University’s School of Jewellery, and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) can also access discounted tickets below.

Book Student Tickets

Further information about the Gem-A Conference 2026, including more details about the venue, accommodation and corporate sponsorship opportunities can be found at the link below.

View Gem-A Conference 2026

Source: Gem-A