London: The Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A)) has announced two new extra-special speakers for the Gem-A Conference 2014 from 1 – 4 November at the Business Design Centre in Islington.

Joining the confirmed group of 13 top-international speakers, world-renowned specialist Dr Franz Herzog will run two exclusive workshops on Chemical Analysis using a portable Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence device (EDXRF), on the morning and afternoon of Monday 3 November. A must-see event for those interested in lab technology, Dr Herzog’s experience working as an analyst at the GemResearch SwissLab (GRS) make him one of the world’s foremost specialists when it comes to studying gemstones using EDXRF technology.

Alongside the addition of Dr. Herzog, the Conference welcomes founding member of the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) and author of two of the most exciting gem-related publications released in recent years (“The Tale Told in All Lands” and “A Geologist Speculates”), John M Saul. Accompanying Dr Richard Hughes FGA of Lotus Gemmology, Saul will expand on the subject of Hughes’ talk: ‘Heretical Gemmology’, and will assist Hughes in challenging some of the fundamental concepts accepted by nearly all gemmologists.

These two new speakers join a list of the world’s leading voices in the gemmological community including: Bruce Bridges, Edward Boehm GG CG, Dr Thomas Hainschwang FGA, Alan Hart FGA DGA, Dr Ulrich Henn, Brian Cook, Vincent Pardieu GG, Craig Lynch GG, Chris Smith FGA, Terry Coldham FGAA, Dr Menahem Sevdermish FGA, Richard Hughes FGA and Dr Laurent Cartier FGA, Richard Drucker GG, Mikko Åström FGA and Alberto Scarani GG, Greg Valerio, Vivien Johnston and Dana Shorr.

Gem-A’s 2014 Conference will build on the accomplishments of last year’s event by continuing to run the only conference dedicated solely to the study of gems and diamonds throughout the UK. Discussing the ongoing success of Gem-A’s annual Conference, CEO James Riley said: “Last week we announced new sponsors and supporters for our Conference and this week we’re lucky enough to be able to announce two new speakers as well. It just goes to show how our Conference is growing in its reach and how more people in the jewellery industry are considering the beauty and importance of both diamonds and gemstones.”

Riley continued: “For anybody serious about surviving as a jeweller, a solid knowledge of gems and diamonds, along with an understanding of how the industry is developing and what treatments, synthetics or simulants are currently being used is essential. We encourage anyone looking to develop their skills or continue their professional development to come along and see what’s on offer.”