Conclave 2026

This GIA session will be repeated.

Geographic origin and traceability are at the front of everyone's mind in the gem and jewelry industry. Everyone would love to know where all of their gemstones were sourced and by whom. Unfortunately, it takes a huge amount of research to develop new origin services, and so most gem labs limit origin determination to a small number of important stones. Over the last 10 years, GIA has been scientifically investigating several new materials, and over the last year, has launched 4 new origin services for jade, opal, demantoid, and peridot. This lecture will lay out the scientific basis for geographic origin determination and discuss the research that goes into developing a new origin service.

This GIA session will be repeated.

Untreated vs treated gemstones have very different market values, which require the disclosure of treatments to be crucial. From initial discovery to showcasing the treatment's overall effect, this presentation will explore some of the most significant treatments introduced into the market in the 21st century. Gemstone treatments are not going away, which means educating oneself on them is an important tool for anyone in the trade.

This GIA session will be repeated.

Generative AI is moving quickly from a novelty tool for inspiration toward a practical part of the jewelry design workflow. This session explores how today’s AI platforms are being used to create more realistic jewelry concepts, test material and proportion accuracy, and support the development of 3D design assets. We will look at where these tools are already helping retailers communicate ideas more effectively with clients, as well as where they still fall short of true manufacturing readiness. Attendees will leave with a clearer sense of what AI can do today, what is still hype, and how to evaluate these tools without compromising the craftsmanship, trust, and artistry at the heart of fine jewelry.

Geographic origin and traceability are at the front of everyone's mind in the gem and jewelry industry. Everyone would love to know where all of their gemstones were sourced and by whom. Unfortunately, it takes a huge amount of research to develop new origin services, and so most gem labs limit origin determination to a small number of important stones. Over the last 10 years, GIA has been scientifically investigating several new materials, and over the last year, has launched 4 new origin services for jade, opal, demantoid, and peridot. This lecture will lay out the scientific basis for geographic origin determination and discuss the research that goes into developing a new origin service.

This GIA session will be repeated.

Sculptures of Light: The Artistry of Contrast explores the role of dark zone features in fancy-shaped diamonds and their influence on Visual Performance. Often misunderstood, contrast features are an impactful component of how diamonds create pattern and visual character. Through guided education, comparative analysis, and real-world examples, this presentation examines the wide range of dark-zone appearances across GIA’s grading scales. In addition to providing a sneak peek at GIA’s upcoming fancy-shape cut grade system, the session will explore the fascinating way intentional contrast anchors a diamond’s visual design, providing both dimension and space to its unique optical architecture.

Fluorescence remains one of the most discussed – and often misunderstood – properties in diamond grading. While strong market opinions persist, the scientific and visual realities are more nuanced. In this 45-minute presentation, Dr. Mike Breeding examines fluorescence through three lenses: history, research, and observable appearance. Drawing on recent advances in imaging and measurement technology, a GIA research team has quantitatively characterized the relationship between blue fluorescence intensity and its effects on table-down color, face-up color, brightness, and transparency under controlled illumination. The session will also address the distinction between fluorescence-related contrast effects and transparency reduction caused by structural light scattering. By separating perception from measurable optical behavior, this research aims to reduce long-standing confusion and provide a scientific foundation for informed discussion of diamond fluorescence.

Generative AI is moving quickly from a novelty tool for inspiration toward a practical part of the jewelry design workflow. This session explores how today’s AI platforms are being used to create more realistic jewelry concepts, test material and proportion accuracy, and support the development of 3D design assets. We will look at where these tools are already helping retailers communicate ideas more effectively with clients, as well as where they still fall short of true manufacturing readiness. Attendees will leave with a clearer sense of what AI can do today, what is still hype, and how to evaluate these tools without compromising the craftsmanship, trust, and artistry at the heart of fine jewelry.

Inclusions and other clarity characteristics in gemstones are typically regarded as undesirable, value-reducing imperfections. However, some rare features can be beautiful and fascinating, such as a dazzling purple garnet crystal in a diamond. Should there be a way to communicate “fancy” clarity features in a gemological report? Help us explore this topic and provide your feedback.

Sculptures of Light: The Artistry of Contrast explores the role of dark zone features in fancy-shaped diamonds and their influence on Visual Performance. Often misunderstood, contrast features are an impactful component of how diamonds create pattern and visual character. Through guided education, comparative analysis, and real-world examples, this presentation examines the wide range of dark-zone appearances across GIA’s grading scales. In addition to providing a sneak peek at GIA’s upcoming fancy-shape cut grade system, the session will explore the fascinating way intentional contrast anchors a diamond’s visual design, providing both dimension and space to its unique optical architecture.

Untreated vs treated gemstones have very different market values, which require the disclosure of treatments to be crucial. From initial discovery to showcasing the treatment's overall effect, this presentation will explore some of the most significant treatments introduced into the market in the 21st century. Gemstone treatments are not going away, which means educating oneself on them is an important tool for anyone in the trade.