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ICA Post Congress Report ICA Congress Focuses on Color in China With a population of more than 1.3 billion people, China is the world's most populous country. Having earned a reputation as the world’s factory, the nation produces all kinds of products including jewelry and gemstones for export. It is also fast becoming one of the world’s largest potential markets, a fact not lost on luxury brands that are establishing a presence in the nation at a rapid rate. Given this context, the International Colored Gemstone Association decided to conduct its biannual Congress in China, where the potential for gemstone jewelry is seen as enormous. Held from May 5 to 10, 2009 at the luxurious Chime Long Resort Hotel in Panyu, the ICA Congress attracted a record number of attendees, with nearly 200 coming from abroad and more than 750 coming from around China, mainly from the Panyu/Guangzhou area—the jewelry capital of the nation. Presentations from Congress speakers are now available on the ICA website; please click here to go to the download page. A gallery of photos from the Congress is available at http://www.gemstone.org/congress/panyu2009/ICA-Congress09-gallery/index.html. The main focus of the Congress was the promotion of colored gemstones in the Chinese market, a move enthusiastically endorsed by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) Panyu Branch, as indicated by the Council’s Chairman, Li Zhi-wei: “With the capacity to converge industry information and resources globally from gemstone miners, manufacturers, and dealers around the world, ICA is efficiently facilitating the rapid development of the colored stone industry by strengthening international cooperation, multi-directionally, and laying a solid foundation for sustainable growth.” During the first part of the six-day event, high-level Chinese officials detailed the rapidly expanding Chinese market in terms of exports, imports, and domestic jewelry consumption (nearly $30 billion). Speakers also explained how foreign firms can gain access to the increasingly important Chinese domestic market, which is the world’s largest consumer of platinum, second largest consumer of diamonds, and third largest consumer of gold. In terms of colored gemstone jewelry, however, China lags the rest of the world. According to Professor Qui Zhili, Director of the Gemstone Research and Grading (Assessment) Center and Associate Professor in the Geoscience Department of Sun Yat-Sen University, “The highest selling gemstones in China are jade, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds, although the overall proportion of colored stones is only 5 to 8 percent, which is significantly lower than the 15 to 20 percent in Western nations.” The reasons, he added, were due to several factors: a lack of valuation of colored stones (with the exception of jade) by Chinese consumers who consider such jewelry as accessories, and not for investment (unlike high-karat gold and platinum jewelry with or without diamonds); the lack of a leading brand and focused marketing campaigns in contrast to the efforts made by the diamond industry; a limited knowledge of colored stones by the public; a dearth of official quality standards (this is changing); and finally, the higher tax rate on colored stone products. Qui also outlined a number of strategies to improve this situation and noted that quality standards are currently being addressed by the government. With respect to the standards issue, ICA has also signed a memorandum of agreement with China’s National Gemstone Testing Center (NGTC) to work together for the implementation of nomenclature and quality standards. Among the other main topics at the Congress was the issue of ethics in the gemstone industry. The presentation by ICA Vice President Jean Claude Michelou, “A practical approach to fair trade and ethical mining certification,” showed that 80 percent of colored stone supply comes from artisanal small-scale mining (ASM) and that 90 percent of ASM is located in developing and emerging countries. Several of the main issues in this type of mining are labor and human rights concerns, pollution and environmental protection, money laundering, smuggling, and treatment disclosure. Goals for ASM are development of a value chain, certified exports, sustainable poverty reduction, and social responsibility initiatives. Michelou introduced the example of Nigeria and the efforts this nation is making along these lines. He also cited efforts by organizations and NGOs around the world that deal with ethical issues in the jewelry and mining industries. Also on the sustainability and ethics area, Dr. Graeme Hancock, Senior Mining Specialist at the World Bank elaborated on the World Bank experience in supporting the artisanal gemstone Industry through the CASM Initiative (Communities and Small-Scale Mining), whose goal is “to reduce poverty by improving the environmental, social and economic performance of artisanal and small-scale mining in developing countries.” Significantly, ICA has become a member of CASM. On a more specific level, Marcelo Ribeiro, General Manager, Belmont Mines Ltd. in Brazil, talked about the personal approach that the emerald mine is taking to ensure “sustainable mining practices, mitigating environmental impact, developing people, and creating value.” Among its partnership programs to help the local community and the environment are its investment in local educational projects and its admirable Bird Release program, which takes in wounded endangered birds and rehabilitates them for release into the wild. But, the Congress was not all about work. There was plenty of time for meeting old friends, making new ones, and networking at the various social events, including a golf tournament, welcome dinner, a Cirque de Soleil performance, and of course the grand Gala Dinner. Everyone who attended the dinner cruise on the Pearl River in Guangzhou agreed that the lights rivaled those of Las Vegas at night… Between enormous glittering animated signs and ultra-contemporary architecture, the city was a glowing example of China’s modernity. A number of cultural activities were also available and included visits to local temples and parks, as well as shopping excursions, and working visit to Shawan Industrial Park, housing many modern factories, and the international gems and jewelry center of Worldmart. The Congress would not be complete without a display of the Poster Competition entries. Initiated ten years ago by Yehuda Kassif, the poster competition has become an ICA tradition. Still its coordinator today, Kassif explained its importance: “The competition has become an expression of the international language that we all use—the language of colored gemstones. Graphic designers worldwide are combining gemstones with all the senses that make our life so exciting.” The posters depicted gemstones with colorful fruit, landscapes, flowers, clothing, animals, famous drawings, and even political issues. A total of 106 posters from 20 countries, including designs from countries that have not participated in previous years, were submitted. Winners were determined by a vote of the delegates. First prize went to Ms. Jain Aakriti from India. Second prize was awarded to Ms. Guan Jiawei from China; and third prize was given to Ms. Maria Luisa R. Cruz of Thailand. The poster garnering special mention was created by Ms. Hulya Coskun of Turkey. The announcement of ICA’s new president and board of directors was also made. Heading up the organization will be: Wilson Yuen, president; Jean-Claude Michelou and Charles Abouchar, vice presidents; Michael Haag, Treasurer; and Secretaries Clement Sabbagh and Benjamin Hackman. The Congress organizers and premier sponsors included: International Colored Gemstone Association; Gem & Jewellery Association of China; China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Panyu Branch; Worldmart Jewelry & Gems Emporium (HK) Ltd; China Gold News; National Gemstone Testing Center (NGTC); Jewellery News Asia; UBM Asia; G4S International; Sara Gem Corp; Pranda Group; RMC Gems; KTL; Zimmerman BCS Stones Gmbh; Shuibei International Jewelry Trade Centre; Able Lapidary & Jewellery Co.; Hong Kong Trade Development Council; Facets – Sri Lanka; Liberty Gems. ICA Congress Panyu, China Picture Gallery Here you will find some Pictures from the latest ICA Congress in Panyu, China. Click here for the picture gallery ICA Congress Panyu, China Speakers Presentations Download Speaker Presentations from the latest ICA Congress in Panyu, China. Click here for a list of Speakers ICA PRESS RELEASE ICA Congress Ends on a High Note for Business Opportunities in China Panyu, China, May 11, 2009. The ICA Congress closed its doors yesterday evening after a very successful six-day event in the city of Panyu, China. The attendance was the largest in ICAís history, with 200 overseas delegates from 26 countries and more than 750 local Chinese participants. There was general agreement among foreign delegates that new business opportunities exist in the vast Chinese market. To help understand how to gain access to this increasingly important market, high level Chinese government officials and industry players explained the ins and outs of doing business in the nation, which has a middle class of over 200 million people. Experts feel that the Chinese domestic market for jewelry will also double in the next few years, becoming the largest market in the world. A whitepaper on the Chinese colored stone market co-sponsored by ICA and China Gold News was distributed at the end of the conference to all delegates. Other items on the ICA agenda were the Lifetime Achievement Awards honoring two individuals for their significant and meaningful contributions to ICA and the growth of the international gemstone industry and trade. This year, there were two honorees, both veterans of the colored gemstone industry, Mr. Campbell Bridges and Mr. Yip Kun Poon. Bridges, a founding member of the ICA, is the discoverer of tsavorite and the first person to provide tanzanite for identification in the USA. British-born, he lives in Kenya where he continues his important work in the gemstone trade. Hong Kong-based Yip Kun Poon was also an ICA founding member. He has worked tirelessly for decades to bring colored gems to the Japanese market, while forging long-term relationships with suppliers all over the world. Among the main topics at the ICA event was the presentation of a project for the standardization of colored gemstones in China in order to improve quality, industrial competitiveness, and consumer awareness in that nation. Another important announcement was that ICA is becoming a member of CASM (Communities and Small-Scale Mining), a World Bank initiative ìto reduce poverty by improving the environmental, social, and economic performance of artisanal and small-scale mining in developing countries.î ICA's new president and board were ratified as well. Heading up the organization will be: Wilson Yuen, president; Jean-Claude Michelou and Charles Abouchar, vice presidents; Michael Haag, Treasurer; Secretaries Clement Sabbagh and Benjamin Hackman; and Executive Board Member Asraf Sultan. Just before the closing gala dinner, a press conference was held for the local Chinese press with approximately 35 print and television journalists present. The ICA conference organizers and premier sponsors included: Gem & Jewelry Association of China (GAC); National Gemstone Testing Center (NGTC) in Beijing; China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Panyu Branch (CCPIT); Worldmart Jewelry & Gems Emporium (HK) Ltd.; Jewellery News Asia; UBM; Guangzhou Mickey Weinstock & Co. Diamonds Manufacturing Ltd, Panyu, China; China Gold News; and Guangzhou Panyu Jewelry Manufacturers Association. (www.gemstone.org, www.panyujewelry.org) Barbara Wheat ICA PRESS RELEASE ICA Congress Attracts Record Number of Attendees in Panyu, China Panyu, China, May 6, 2009. The ICA Congress opened its doors today to nearly 1000 attendees, including 160 foreign delegates, the largest in ICA s history, according to Barbara Wheat, ICA Executive Director. Opening the six-day event at the luxurious Chime Long Resort Hotel in Panyu, a number of high-level Chinese officials detailed the rapidly expanding Chinese market in terms of exports, imports, and domestic jewelry consumption (nearly $30 billion). Speakers also explained how foreign firms can gain access to the increasingly important Chinese domestic market, which is the worldís largest consumer of platinum, second largest consumer of diamonds, and third largest consumer of gold. Colored gemstone jewelry currently represents approximately five percent of total domestic jewelry sales but continues to grow as Chinese women increasingly see jewelry as a fashion statement rather than an investment vehicle. The largest selling colored gemstones in China are jade, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds although other types of gems are increasing in popularity as consumers become more educated about these stones. The dominant focus of the conference was the presentation of a project for the standardization of colored gemstones in China, to improve quality, industrial competitiveness, and consumer awareness. In this regard, ICA has signed a memorandum of agreement with Chinaís National Gemstone Testing Center (NGTC) to work together for the implementation of nomenclature and quality standards. Organizers and premier sponsors include: Gem & Jewelry Association of China (GAC); National Gemstone Testing Center (NGTC) in Beijing; China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Panyu Branch (CCPIT); Worldmart Jewelry & Gems Emporium (HK) Ltd.; Jewellery News Asia; UBM; Guangzhou Mickey Weinstock & Co. Diamonds Manufacturing Ltd, Panyu, China; China Gold News; and Guangzhou Panyu Jewelry Manufacturers Association. The ICA Congress continues through May 10, in Panyu, Chinaís largest jewelry manufacturing area. Starting May 7, the ICA events can be followed online at:www.panyujewelry.org. ICA Congress - Speaker Highlights ICA April 6th, 2009 Keynote speaker
Welcome address Speaker Presentations: ICA Post Congress Report  • ICA Congress Focuses on Color in China Adolf Peretti  • GRS Talk at 13th ICA Congress 2009 in Panyu, China Andrew Cody • Panyu ICA 0509.doc Capt. Ramji Sharma  • JCP Power Point_latest 1.pptx CK Cheung • ICA Panyu - Gem Paper.doc Vincent Pardieu and Dan Marshall • Presentation VP-DM ICA_Panyu.ppt Jack Ogden • Jack Ogden - ICA Presentation.ppt • Jack Ogden - ICA.doc Jean Claude Michelou • JC presentation - ICA Panyu.ppt Johnny Chan • Johnny Chan - ICA CONGRESS SPEECH20090407.ppt Marcelo Ribeiro • Sustanaible Mining Practices8.ppt Robert Weldon  • New Developments at the GIA - WELDON.doc • GIA - NEW DEVELOPMENTS - WELDON.pdf Congress Daily Schedule:
OPENING DAY - CONGRESS SESSIONS BEGIN: Doing Business in China CONGRESS SESSIONS CONTINUE: ICA & Global Trade
OPEN DAY: Excursion Tours FINAL DAY: How Have They Achieved Success in China
National Gemstone Testing Center (NGTC) Gem & Jewellery Association of China (GAC) China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Panyu Branch Worldmart Jewelry & Gems Emporium (HK) Ltd Jewellery News Asia CMP Asia China Gold News GOLD SPONSOR G4S International SILVER SPONSOR Sara Gem Corp BRONZE SPONSOR Pranda Group RMC Gems - Lanyards Zimmerman BCS Stones Gmbh KTL PARTICIPANT SPONSOR Able Lapidary & Jewellery Co. Gemological Institute of America Hong Kong Trade Development Council Facets — Sri Lanka Liberty Gems
Dear Members Lotus Mountain May 8 - Friday Treasure Ink Garden May 9 - Saturday Travel to Guangzhou Nanyue King Mausoleum Museum May 10 - Sunday
Xiangjiang Safari Park
Attractions:
Lotus Mountain, Panyu Lotus Mountain is located in Panyu at the mouth of the Pearl River and was a famous quarry where red sandstone was mined over 2,000 years ago. There are pagodas, temples and other Ming dynasty constructions dotted about the mountain. Visitors can offer incense at the statue of Guanyin, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, standing 40.88 meters high. Lotus Mountain served as a line of defense against the British during the Opium War and is still commonly called the 'Great Wall of Guangzhou'. Hillside Temple of Twilight Hillside Temple of Twilight, located on Lotus Mountain, contains one of the four most famous gardens in Guangdong Province, featuring the Ancient Temple for Farming Education and the Ancient Cannon Relics in the Hengdan islet. The area is a favorite spot for photography buffs. Treasure Ink Garden, Shawan Treasure Ink Garden in Shawan captivates visitors as the largest garden-style architecture in South China with a blend of ancient architecture and unique style of gardening. Step into yesteryear as you explore this ancient area surrounded by ponds and greenery.
Cool off in the Chime Long Water Park which has incredibly hi-tech water rides and attractions. Join in the fun at the Wave Pool, Rain Forrest, Boomerango, Lazy River and Master Blaster ñ a fast-moving water roller coaster. Or, relax at the Pool Bar next to the Lazy River with a fresh coconut drink in hand. Nanyue King Mausoleum Museum, Guangzhou The Western Han Dynasty Nanyue King Mausoleum Museum is the oldest and largest Han tomb with the most funerary objects in Lingnan area. Discovered in 1983, the museum covers 14,000 square meters (150, 699.6 square feet) with 10 exhibition halls. The owner of the tomb was the second king, Zhao Mei, of the Nanyue State of the Western Han Dynasty (206 B.C.-24 A.D.). — He was buried in grand fashion, complete with an entourage of concubines and slaves. Hidden 20 meters (65.6 feet) underground, the tomb is made up of 750 huge stones with colorful murals. Highlighting the mausoleum is a silk and jade garment made up of 2,291 small jade tiles. In addition, three sets of bronze serial bells, thirty-six bronze vessels, thirty-six bronze mirrors, and three gold seals give visitors a glimpse of the ancient Nanyue Culture. The oldest and largest folding screen used in China is also here, as are two of the world's oldest bronze patterns for textile stamping.
Xiangjiang Safari Park Xiangjiang Safari Park, a natural wildlife reservation sanctuary, is home to over 20,000 animals divided into 460 species and includes Panda bears from China, Koalas and wallabies from Australia, Giant Anteaters from Honduras, Polar bears from Norway, elephant, giraffe and lions. The park cares for over 130 white tigers, which accounts for more than half the entire world's white tiger population. Travel in a 'Zoo Train' to get up close to wild animals in their natural environment.
Chime Long Paradise (Amusement Park) Featuring the best selection of the most challenging roller coasters in the world, Chime Long Paradise includes over 70 rides and attractions, including Dive Coaster, Giant Frisbee and Bungee Jump. In addition to spectacular rides, visitors can also view a Hollywood water stunt show, the Chime Long Parade and an amazing fireworks display to end the day. Shopping in Guangzhou Guangzhou is famous as a shopping paradise with street markets, boutiques and specialty stores where you can shop for men's, women's and children's clothing, shoes, fabric, handbags, accessories and more. Historically Guangzhou has been an important international trading port, so the growth of commerce developed rapidly.
The International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) released a schedule of activities today for the ICA Congress, which will be held in Panyu, China, May 5th-10th, 2009. The ICA Congress attracts delegates from every mining, producing and trading center in the world who are looking to participate in ICA activities as well as to expand business opportunities. Highly anticipated events include a two-day ICA Gem Show, excursions, debate session and more.
Congress Daily Schedule:
REGISTRATION BEGINS
OPENING DAY - CONGRESS SESSIONS BEGIN: Doing Business in China CONGRESS SESSIONS CONTINUE: ICA & Global Trade
OPEN DAY: Excursion Tours FINAL DAY: How Have They Achieved Success in China
A detailed Congress Agenda will be available online soon with details on speakers and excursions. The ICA Congress website, with information on registration, transportation, hotel and more will be launched later this week at www.panyuicacongress2009.com
Welcome to the ICA Congress 2009 in Panyu, China March 20, 2008, New York - The International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) signed a memorandum of understanding on March 10th in Beijing with the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Panyu Branch to hold the 2009 ICA Congress in Panyu, located in Guangzhou. Mr. Li Zhi-Wei, President of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Panyu Branch and Mr. Prida Tiasuwan, ICA Vice-President, signed the MOU in the presence of Mr. Sun Feng Min, Secretary-General of the Gems & Jewelry Trade Association of China (GAC) and Ms. Ke Jie, Vice-Director of the National Gemstone Testing Centre (NGTC), who will chair the congress. Mr. Johnny Chan, Chairman of Worldmart and Mr. Mickey Weinstock, Special Jewelry Advisor to the Panyu Government were appointed to organize the event. Over 1,000 delegates, of which 600 will be international participants and 400 from Hong Kong and China, are expected to attend. In recent years the jewelry industry in the Panyu area has grown to include nearly 400 enterprises employing more than 70,000 workers. In 2007 the total value of domestic export was US$1.32 billion dollars. In the coming years Panyu intends to intensify efforts to promote its jewelry industry, focusing especially on colored gemstones. Following the ICA’s 2007 Congress in Dubai, Panyu won the bid over several candidate cities to host the next congress in China. This will be the largest jewelry industry conference to ever be held in China. To prepare for this important event the Panyu government has decided to name 2008 “The year of the Panyu colored gemstone industry." Past ICA congresses, which have been held in Dubai, Thailand, India, Germany, Sri Lanka, the United States, Israel, Japan, Brazil, Italy and Australia, have been very successful. The purpose of next spring's congress is to provide an occasion to discuss the issues that face the colored gemstone and jewelry industry, to provide a networking opportunity for ICA members, and international delegates and allow participants and industry members from numerous nations to meet. The ICA's decision to hold its 2009 congress in Panyu illustrates the district’s growing importance in the international gemstone and jewelry industry Regards, Barbara Wheat Executive Director International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) 19 W. 21st St, Suite 705 New York, NY 10010 Tel: 1-212-620-0900 Fax: 1-212-352-9054 ica(at)gemstone.org www.gemstone.org DOWNLOADS Congress Registration Form (PDF) Golf Registration Form (PDF)
PRESS RELEASES  ICA Poster Competition 2009 Winners AnnouncedThe 5th ICA International Poster Competition dedicated to Colored Gemstones ICA 13th Congress at Panyu – China The International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) conducted the 5th International Poster Competition dedicated to colored gemstones during ICA Congress, that took place in Panyu, Guangzhou, China. A total of 106 posters from 20 countries, including designs from countries that have not participated in previous years, were exhibited in the congress venue. The delegates of the congress, that had the largest attendees ever in such an event, voted for the three best posters that have been submitted to the competition. ...[more]  Five Minutes Before the Gong of the 5th ICA International Poster CompetitionNew York, April 23, 2009 - The International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) will conduct the 5th International Poster Competition dedicated to colored gemstones during the ICA Congress, May 5-10, 2009, in Panyu, Guangzhou, China. A total of 106 posters from 20 countries were submitted to the organizing committee, including designs from countries that have not participated in previous years, such as Pakistan, Finland, Ecuador and Turkey. ...[more] ICA Announces Fifth International Poster CompetitionICA Announces Prizes for 5th ICA International Poster Competition. Deadline for entries - December 31, 2008 New York, Dec. 4, 2008 – The International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) announced prizes for the 5th ICA International Poster Competition, which will be held in conjunction with the ICA Congress scheduled for May 5-10, 2009 in Panyu, Guangzhou, China. ...[more] ICA PRESS RELEASE  ICA Announces Fifth International Poster CompetitionNew York, August 25, 2008 – The International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) announced the launch of the 5th ICA International Poster Competition, which will be held in conjunction with the ICA Congress scheduled for May 5-10, 2009 in Panyu, Guangzhou - China's largest jewelry manufacturing area. ...[more] ICA PRESS RELEASE  ICA Signs MOU with the CCPIT Panyu Branch to Promote Colored Gemstones in ChinaSeptember 29, 2007 Hong Kong - The International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) Panyu Branch have signed a Memorandum of Understanding during a visit by an ICA delegation to Panyu, Guangzhou during the Hong Kong Jewellery & Watch Fair. The signing of the MOU coincides with the CCPIT's initiative announcing 2008 as the Thematic Year of Colored Stone Promotion....[more] |
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The International Colored Gemstone Association, headquartered in New York City and operating additional "GemBureaus" in Idar-Oberstein/ Germany, Bangkok/ Thailand and Dubai/ UAE, is the nonprofit trade association that represents the international colored gemstone industry, an extremely important and influential segment of the jewelry business. ICA has over 500 members in 46 countries worldwide.
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