Sourcing

BrankoGems To Hold Conference in Montana

SourcingMar 21, 2025

BrankoGems To Hold Conference in Montana

The event, set for June 13-15, will feature educational presentations and guided visits to the state’s sapphire mines.

Branko Gems
Consulting company BrankoGems/Gemmological Research Industries Inc. will hold its first International Conference in the United States in June.
New York—Consulting company BrankoGems/Gemmological Research Industries Inc. has announced a conference with the theme of “Exploring American Gems” to take place in Helena, Montana this summer. 

The event will be held June 13 to 15 at the Delta Hotels Helena Colonial. 

It will include presentations and workshops, as well as guided sapphire mine visits to the Yogo, Missouri River, and Rock Creek Sapphire Mines and Yellowstone National Park.  

The trips, limited to 30 participants, will be offered before and after the conference. 

Expert discussion topics include sapphires from Montana and turquoise grading, as well as the challenges of identifying natural and synthetic and treated gemstones. 

Warren Boyd of Potentate Mining will present “Rock Creek Sapphire Mine,” gemologist and consultant Dr. Lore Kiefert will discuss “Origin Determination of Sapphires,” and turquoise expert Joe Dan Lowry will present “Turquoise 101.” 

The conference workshops will also feature over 200 samples, and presenters will explore solutions to identification challenges through demonstrating techniques utilizing standard and portable advanced gemological instruments.  

Dr. Kiefert will lead the workshop “Treatment and Origin Determination of Sapphires;” Lowry will lead “Turquoise Grading;” and Branko Deljanin, president and head gemologist at CGL Canadian Gemlab and director of Gemmological Research Industries, will lead “ID of LGD.” 

A round table featuring seven international experts and moderated by Travis Lejman, gemologist and conference co-chair, will discuss “Sapphire Origins” and “LGD Versus Natural Diamonds.” 

 Related stories will be right here … 

In addition, some presentations will further explore portable instruments for identifying gems and synthetic diamonds, as well as artificial intelligence (AI). 

Randall Lightfoot of Mayflower Estate Buyers and Consulting will lead “Gem Secrets: The Importance of Inclusions & CPF” and Guy Borenstein, senior gemologist at Stuller will present “Screening Instruments for Laboratory-Grown Diamonds.” 

Also, Sharrie Woodring, senior gemologist at GCAL, will lead “An Update from GCAL by Sarine Lab: Diamond Traceability, AI-Driven Grading, and Market Dynamics” and Deljanin will speak on “How India’s CVD Boom in Production, Treatments, and Cutting is Reshaping Diamond Mining and Gemological Testing Worldwide.”

The upcoming event will be BrankoGems’ first International Conference in the United States.

The company has held seven Mediterranean Gem and Jewellery Conferences since 2015, as well as an International Conference in Australia in 2023. 

Its conferences are designed to offer a unique “tech-trade platform,” said the company, with practical workshops for gemologists, appraisers, and other industry professionals.

For more information on speakers, lectures, tours, the venue, and registration visit the event website.  


The Latest

Movado Connect 2.0 watches
FinancialsNov 26, 2025
Movado CEO Talks Tariffs, Growing Interest in Accessible Luxury Watches

During its Q3 call, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed the deal to lower tariffs on Swiss-made watches, watch market trends, and more.

Rosior Pumpkin Ring
TrendsNov 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rosior’s Pumpkin Ring

Rosior’s high jewelry cocktail ring with orange sapphires and green diamonds is the perfect Thanksgiving accessory.

Greenwich St. Jewelers Embrace Your True Colors Holiday Campaign
IndependentsNov 26, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Launches Colorful Holiday Campaign

The “Embrace Your True Colors” campaign features jewels with a vibrant color palette and poetry by Grammy-nominated artist Aja Monet.

Recipients Collage 2025 - NJ (1872 x 1050 px) (1872 x 1052 px).png
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow Today

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

Alejandro Cuellar
MajorsNov 26, 2025
Serafino Consoli Names New VP of Sales, Brand Development for the Americas

Luxury veteran Alejandro Cuellar has stepped into the role at the Italian fine jewelry brand.

Weekly QuizNov 20, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Grandview Klein scholarships
Events & AwardsNov 26, 2025
Grandview Klein Presents 4 Scholarships in Namibia

The company gave awards to four students at the Namibia University of Science & Technology, including one who is a Grandview Klein employee.

Margaret “Maggie” Hoisik
IndependentsNov 25, 2025
Pearl Stringer Margaret Hoisik Dies

She is remembered as an artist who loved her craft and was devoted to her faith, her friends, and her family.

roseco-catalog.png
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line Catalog

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

State Property Toadstool Pendant
TrendsNov 25, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Polka Dots

The polka dot pattern transcends time and has re-emerged as a trend in jewelry through round-shaped gemstones.

Stock image of gavel and books
CrimeNov 25, 2025
Former Arizona AG Official Charged With Trafficking Stolen Jewelry

Vanessa Hickman, 49, allegedly sold a diamond bracelet that was mistakenly sent to her home.

GIA executives John Koivula, Kathryn Kimmel, Susan Jacques, Tom Moses, Alice Keller, James E. Shigley
Events & AwardsNov 25, 2025
GIA Awards Susan Jacques With Its Highest Honor

GIA’s former president and CEO was presented with the Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement.

20251124_MNQ social media etiquette header.jpg
Recorded WebinarsNov 24, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Social Media Etiquette

Social media experts spoke about protecting brand reputation through behaving mindfully online.

Breitling house of brands
WatchesNov 24, 2025
Breitling Reveals Plans for Gallet, Universal Genève

In 2026, the three will come together as “House of Brands,” with Gallet sold in Breitling stores and Universal Genève sold separately.

Cynthia Erivo in Muse’s Have a Heart x Cynthia Erivo Collection
CollectionsNov 24, 2025
Muse Debuts a Wicked 'Have a Heart x Cynthia Erivo' Sequel

The second drop, which includes more Elphaba-inspired pieces from additional designers, will continue to benefit nonprofit Dreams of Hope.

J.R. Dunn Jewelers employees
IndependentsNov 24, 2025
J.R. Dunn Jewelers Names New President

Second-generation jeweler Sean Dunn has taken on the role.

Amber Pepper
MajorsNov 21, 2025
Natural Diamond Council Names New CEO

Amber Pepper’s main focus will be on digital innovation and engaging younger consumers.

Melissa Kaye Rocky Infinity Emerald Necklace
CollectionsNov 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Melissa Kaye’s ‘Rocky Infinity’ Necklace

The lariat necklace features a 4.88-carat oval-cut Zambian emerald in 18-karat yellow gold.

Phillips auction of The Vanderbilt Sapphire brooch
AuctionsNov 20, 2025
Vanderbilt Jewels Shine at Phillips Sale, Pink Diamond Withdrawn

A 43-carat sapphire brooch from the Vanderbilt collection was the top lot of the Geneva sale.

Rebecca Rau Jewels Green Flame Necklace
CollectionsNov 20, 2025
Rebecca Rau Jewels Debuts With ‘Then & Now’ Collection

Rau is a fourth-generation art and antique dealer from M.S. Rau gallery whose first jewelry collection merges artifacts with modern design.

Purvi Shah
Policies & IssuesNov 20, 2025
RJC Names New Executive Director

Former De Beers sustainability leader Purvi Shah will take over the role in February 2026.

La Joux-Perret manufacturing facility in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland
WatchesNov 20, 2025
LVMH Takes Minority Stake in Citizen Group-Owned Movement Maker

La Joux-Perret is based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, and makes solar quartz as well as mechanical watch movements.

Julia Griffith
GradingNov 20, 2025
Julia Griffith Joins SSEF as Head of Education

She previously taught at Gem-A and is the founder of The Gem Academy.

Helena Bonham Carter in Larkspur & Hawk Once Upon a Time Campaign
CollectionsNov 19, 2025
Larkspur & Hawk Celebrates 25 Years With Helena Bonham Carter Campaign

The British actress and her daughter modeled pieces from the brand’s new “Palette” capsule for its “Once Upon a Time” holiday campaign.

Google reviews on a phone screen and a laptop
TechnologyNov 19, 2025
Google Has a New Form for Reporting ‘Review Bombing’ Attacks

Plus, the tech giant shares the steps retailers should take if they believe they’re a victim of a review extortion scam.

Shaftel Diamonds logo and jeweler’s bench
IndependentsNov 19, 2025
Houston Jeweler Keith Shaftel Retires, Next Generation Steps In

Danny and Gaby Shaftel are now Shaftel Diamonds’ CEO and chief operating officer, respectively.

Midas chain mini studs
TrendsNov 19, 2025
Midas Chain Releases 2025 Holiday Style Guide

The jewelry manufacturer’s seasonal offering features its new “Melodie” bangles, as well as mini stud earrings and layering pieces.

Jewelry from NYC Jewelry Week 2024
Events & AwardsNov 18, 2025
NYC Jewelry Week 2025: 12 Must-See Events

With more than 140 activations taking place in New York City now through Nov. 23, these 12 events are can’t-miss moments.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy