The ICA – International Colored Gemstone Association is a worldwide body specifically created to benefit the global colored gemstone industry by advancing and promoting the knowledge and appreciation of colored gemstones. It has offices in New York and in Hong Kong.
The 19th Congress of the International Colored Gemstone Association will take place at the Shangri-La Hotel in Bangkok (Thailand) from 12th to 15th October, 2019, enabling industry experts to share their latest knowledge and insights with members of the trade and industry professionals.
The biennial ICA Congresses are organized in member countries across the world. Thailand will be the first country to host the event for the third time – in 1987, 2005 and now 2019.
«As Bangkok is the world’s largest colored stone trading and processing hub, we have an immense opportunity to create great awareness about colored stones to a global audience – said Prida Tiasuwan, chairman of ICA Congress 2019 –, this Congress will have the largest representation of female speakers and will also have the first ever representation of artisanal miners on an international platform. Topics at the Congress will range from rubies, gemstones, mining, technology, the young generation, designs, market trends, social responsibility, media, retailing».
ICA was founded in 1984 and now comprises over 700 gem industry leaders from mine to market, including miners, gem cutters, suppliers, retailers, trade associations, gemological laboratories, academia, museums, from 47 countries, who are devoted to advancing and promoting the knowledge and appreciation of colored gemstones.
ICA’s global network works to develop a common language for promotion and consistent business standards necessary to improve international communications and trade of colored gemstones.
There is also a competition.
The main theme of the poster competition in 2019 is “Gemstone – a genuine treasure to hold on to.”
In light of this concept, ICA invites graphics designers worldwide to design a poster (or posters) including a design of a piece of any kind of jewelry adorned with colored gemstones.
Prizes for the winning designs:
- First prize – one winner – US $2,000
- Second Prize – one winner – US $1,500
- Third prize – one winner – US $1,000
The prizes will be sent to the winning designers after the conclusion of the ICA Congress.
All entries will be exhibited during the ICA Congress in Bangkok (October 2019), where ICA members and congress delegates will vote for their favorite designs.
The deadline for receiving posters is September 20, 2019.
Entries must be sent to: Yehuda Kassif, e-mail: kassifus@yahoo.com.
