AFGHANISTAN is looking to the Australian mining industry for instruction and investment as the war-torn nation stakes its stability and economic future on the success of its nascent natural resources sector.

An Afghan Ministry of Mines delegation will tour Australia in coming weeks on an industry roadshow to convince Australian mining companies that the opportunities for mineral exploitation outweigh the security risks.

The government is also seeking Australian expertise in the creation of an Afghan school of mines. Mines Minister Wahidullah Shahrani said, "Australia is a model for us." read more...

A trader looks at jade stones at the Mid-Year Emporium for gems in December at an emporium hall in Naypyitaw.

The Wall Street Journal - Southeast Asia

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Wednesday that the U.S. will start easing some of its most rigorous economic restrictions on Myanmar following the country’s April 1 by-elections, which came amid continuing political reforms in the country. Does this mean Americans will soon be able to start legally buying Myanmar’s world-renowned gems, which are currently blocked by law in the U.S.? It seems unlikely, at least in the short term. Despite those restrictions, gems have remained an enormous business for Myanmar, since it continues to sell them to buyers in China and elsewhere. It is estimated that the country, formerly known as Burma, produces some 90% of the global ruby supply by value, for example.

Nilam Alawdeen (Japan), president of the CIBJO Coloured Stone Commission (CSC), today released the CSC's annual Special Report, providing an overview of the issues that dominated the discussions and exchanges  between the members of the CSC  Steering Committee throughout the year and of the major topics that are slated for the various meetings that are planned at the upcoming 2012 CIBJO Congress that will take place in upcoming May in Vicenza, Italy.

Register for the CIBJO Congress: http://congress2012.cibjo.org/

Dear Industry Colleagues,
 
The International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) announced changes to its membership categories by opening up associate member status to jewelry retailers.
 
ICA, which was founded in 1984, has nearly 700 members from 48 countries comprised of miners, cutters, and wholesalers of colored gemstones. In addition to the newly added retailer status, ICA associate members include jewelry manufacturers, gemological laboratories, representatives of industry organizations and government agencies, members of the media, and other supporting industry services. 
 
Jewelry retailers will now be able to take advantage of the many ICA networking and sourcing opportunities, exposure to the world market, having access to the wholesale pricing structure, an increased availability of gemstones, education, and easy access to international trends and business opportunities.
 
One of ICA's primary functions is advocacy-the organization serves as a voice for the colored gemstone industry raising awareness and appreciation of gemstones through a popular consumer-friendly website, InColor magazine, and industry conferences and events.
 
By including jewelry retailers in the ICA worldwide network, ICA succeeds in its mission to be an integral part of the pipeline from mine to market.
 
For more information contact:
 
Barbara Wheat
Executive Director
 
International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA)
36 W. 44th Street, Suite 914
New York, NY 10036
Tel: 1-212-620-0900
Fax: 1-212-352-9054
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
www.gemstone.org

The GIA (Gemological Institute of America) at the annual GIA Alumni Association dinner, auction and dance party held in Tucson, Ariz. on Feb. 3rd, recognized ICA member Gail Brett Levine, GG, as the recipient of the 2012 International Leadership Award.

The GIA Global Alumni Awards recognize members who exhibit leadership, demonstrate service to the gem and jewelry industry, and actively support the association’s growth through continuing education and innovative programs.

Levine, an independent personal property appraiser, has been in the jewelry trade for 40 years and an officer in the Manhattan Chapter since the inception of the GIA Alumni Association in 1982. “I am proud that the Manhattan Chapter is one of the gemstones in the GIA ‘Tiara of Chapters,’” she said. “I want to express my gratitude to my fellow officers and everyone I’ve worked with to make it a success.”