Gem Trading from Mine to Market

As part of our sponsored series “Exploring Field Gemology with GIA,” which has enjoyed an enthusiastic response so far, we are opening a new chapter — this time on the topic of trading gems.

In this fourth installment, Wim Vertriest, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) manager in Bangkok, will highlight the differences between artisanal mining and formalized mining when it comes to the trading process.

He will also touch on how traders determine gem value throughout the supply chain, and key ways they can add to that value. As part of the conversation, we will look at how parcels and mine runs reach the wider market, and examine the impact of treatments and cutting.

Vertriest joined the Thailand GIA laboratory in 2015 and has participated in the organization’s field expeditions on different continents, focusing on ruby-, sapphire- and emerald-mining areas. These trips involve collecting samples for GIA research and documenting the local situation. In his role as manager, Vertriest oversees the field gemology department and is in charge of the GIA colored-stone research collection in Bangkok. He has authored and coauthored articles on new gemstone localities, updates on existing mining areas, in-depth gemological studies, and reports on treatment experiments.

“Exploring Field Gemology with GIA — Episode 4” will take place on Monday, September 16, at 12 p.m. EDT. Join us on the Instagram accounts @rapaportjewelrypro and @giagrams to watch the Live interview.

Previous episodes are available on our Instagram account and YouTube channel.

This Instagram Live is brought to you by GIA, which has been protecting consumers and supporting the global gem and jewelry trade since 1931 through research, education, and laboratory services.