 Day 1 of the conference found me in the company of a legend, Dr. Alan Jobbins who shared my table along with the Koivulas and Dr. Emmanuel Fritsch during the presentations. I don't think I could have imagined a greater honor under the circumstances! (and the added commentary from all was a priceless footnote to two days of presentations) Photo: E. Skalwold. |
 John Koivula "Inclusions in Gemstones - a History Interwoven" This was a very different and fascinating presentation from John chronicling the history of inclusion study and the inspirational forces in his own lifework (if anyone can find him a copy of the first book on inclusions "Einschlusse von Mineralien" by Blum, you'll have made his day). Photo: E. Skalwold. |
 Dr. Emmanuel Fritsch "Gemmology, a New Science Anchored in Fundamentals" It is not possible to single out any of the presentations as being the most valuable as all were fascinating, full of new information and visually extraordinary, but Emmanuel's at the closing of the conference was probably one of the most compelling for me. (I am tickled to death that he wrote me to say that my Viking Navigation theme for teaching optical properties is "neat!") Photo: E. Skalwold. |
 John and Kristi Koivula Volume 3 of the PhotoAtlas series made its stunning debut! To order contact microWorld of Gems. Photo: E. Skalwold. |
 Rui Galopim de Carvalho and Dr. Alan Jobbins. Representing two generations of gemologists passionate about the beauty of gemstones! Photo: E. Skalwold. |
Reception and Dinner |
 Prof. Henry Hänni and Gillian O'Brien Henry and I found that we have a shared obsession for Maw-sit-sit - now we are working on a growing project, so watch out for more on this amazing material. Photo: E. Skalwold. |
 Alan Hodgkinson and Brian Jackson I am going to have to devote a whole page to the Scottish contingent... Alan's long anticipated new book is coming out, details soon. Brian, Principal Curator, National Museums Scotland, has a special story on a blue apatite phenonenon. Photo: E. Skalwold. |
Goldsmith's Hall |
 FGA Diploma presentation by Dr. Rankin. Photo: K. Fox. |
 Goldsmith's Hall. Photo: K. Fox. |
 Goldsmith's Hall. Photo: K. Fox. |
 Charlotte, Elise and Alan, all of us with thoughts for Rosemarie by the sea.... Photo: K. Fox. |
 Congratulations from Rui! Photo: E. Skalwold. |
 Antoinette Matlins and Donna Hawrelko I missed Antoinette's workshop, but going out together for Thai food with a small band of gemologists, including Alan and Brian, is a workshop in itself. Photo: E. Skalwold. |
 Dr. Rankin. Photo: E. Skalwold. |
Nordskip Designs. |