In the global gemological landscape, the International Gemmological Conference (IGC) holds a place of distinction. This by-invitation-only event gathers the world’s leading experts, researchers, and laboratory directors. Far removed from commercial dynamics, the IGC stands as a scientific forum dedicated to discussing the latest discoveries and future perspectives in gemstone research.
Founded in the 1930s, the IGC has consistently upheld the highest standards of scientific rigor and excellence. It is the oldest and most enduring gemological conference in the world, remaining true to its selective and highly technical nature.
The upcoming edition, IGC 2025, will take place in Athens, Greece, from October 20 to 24. The program features a wide range of presentations, from applied research to the history of gemmology, led by internationally recognized Chairpersons.
Beyond its scientific sessions, the conference also includes official opening events and a program of pre- and post-conference excursions: participants will have the opportunity to explore the geological and archaeological sites of Meteora, Mount Olympus, and Vergina, culminating with a post-congress tour on the island of Santorini, among volcanic formations and natural gemstones.
Program Structure and Session Highlights
The IGC 2025 program is structured around a series of thematic sessions, each chaired by an expert and focused on a specific area of gemological research. The topics span from gemological history and museum collections to the frontiers of spectroscopic analysis, covering pearls, amber, corundum, jade, and diamonds.
The conference will open with the “Open Session” dedicated to Greek gemstones, celebrating the deep connection between Greece and the history of mineralogy.
Following this, the “History and Museums” session, chaired by Karen Fox, will explore the history of gem cutting, famous diamond collections, and historical mining sites. The “Pearls & Amber” session, led by Dr. Michael Krzemnicki, will delve into cultivation of freshwater pearls in China, amber classification, and cutting-edge spectroscopic methods.
The four General Gemology sessions, coordinated by Ahmadjan Abduriyim, Karl Schmetzer, Pornsawat Wathanakul, and Stefanos Karampelas, will feature an international lineup of renowned speakers. Among them, Ulrich Henn will discuss the application of fiber-optic reflectance spectroscopy (FORS) in determining mineral pigments in jasper; Clemens Schwarzinger, Steve Ulatowski, and G. R. Rossman will delve into zoisite and its many color varieties; D. Gravier, A. Delaunay, J. Boemo, J.-M. Arlabosse, E. Fritsch, and S. Karampela will present their research on hurlbutite from Myanmar; G. Choudhary will examine a convincing glass imitation of larimar (pectolite); and S. F. McClure will discuss the occurrence of bertrandite in emeralds.
Corundum will also take center stage, with sessions moderated by Ulrich Henn, Jayshree Panjikar and Shane McClure, offering complementary insights into rubies and sapphires. Highlights include the presentation by M. Chauviré, M. Corre, M. Curti, C. Gautheron, S. Figowy, and L. Pinsault on noble gases in corundum; Vincent Pardieu’s talk on the unique characteristics of Greenland rubies; and E. Billie Hughes and R. Perkins’ session on low-temperature heat treatment of Madagascar sapphires.
Rounding out the program, the “Jade” session, coordinated by Thye Sun Tay, will address topics such as the authentication of Fei Cui jade and the study of its natural colors. The final session, “Diamonds”, led by Emmanuel Fritsch, will explore the distinctive features of Argyle pink and red diamonds, as well as the classification of synthetic melee diamonds.
