ICA to present Lifetime Achievement Award at its 2011 biennial Congress

ICA to present Lifetime Achievement Award at its 2011 biennial Congress

Congress discussions will focus on CSR

International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) has dedicated a segment of its forthcoming biennial Congress in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, between May 1-4, to honour - Paolo Valentini founding member and past president of ICA with the ICA Lifetime Achievement Award and Hecliton Santini Henriques, president of the Brazilian Gems and Jewellery Trade Association (IBGM), for his work in promoting color.

Valentini, besides leading the family business of gemstones - Valentini Gemstones SRL since 1973, has been associated with various industry organizations including Club Degli Orafi-Italy; Valencia Jewelry Association, Italian Gemstones, Pearls and Diamond Dealers Association, (as president), currently vice president; and, president of the Gemological Institute of Italy since 2005, as ICA president from 1995 to 1999. He also pioneered the ICA Ruby Promotion; “Gate 2000,” and the “Book of Life” works.

Henriques has served as president of IBGM since 1998, was representative of the sector before the government and National Congress, coordinated and supervised programs for the Brazilian gems and jewelry sector.

Leading officials of the host country, Brazil, will lend insights into its gem and jewellery sector growth, investment opportunities. Speakers include - Claudio Scliar, secretary of Geology, Mining and Mineral Processing, Ministry of Mines and Energy; Mauricio Borges, president of ApexBrasil (Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency); and Fernando Pimentel, Minister of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade, who will deliver the keynote speech. Daily business matching sessions with Brazilian gem and jewellery companies are planned, along with a special gem fair featuring over 40 Brazilian producers and exporters of colored gemstones.

Besides the Brazilian focus, industry veterans will present perspectives on the central theme of discussions – CSR in the industry. Presentations will be made by - Dr. Gaetano Cavalieri, CIBJO, Eli Izhakoff, president World Diamond Council, Doug Hucker, CEO of the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA), Michael Rae, CEO of the Responsible Jewelry Council; Jean Claude Michelou, vice president of the ICA; Ian Harebottle, CEO, Gemfields; Steve Bennett, CEO Colored Rocks Limited/GemsTV.

Gemological Institute of America’s (GIA) Robert Weldon, manager, Photography & Laboratory Publishing; Andrew Lucas, product manager, Gemology Course Development Education and Fair Trade; and Vincent Pardieu, supervisor, field gemology, GIA Lab Bangkok will present a lab perspective delving into ruby, sapphire and emerald origin determination and traceability; and a panel on education and fair trade.


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