International News
The Jewelry Symposium to spotlight AI, traceability, and sustainable practices
The Jewelry Symposium (TJS), formerly known as the Santa Fe Symposium, the premier international event for jewellery manufacturing technology, will convene at the Detroit Marriott Troy from 17-20 May 2025, with a focus on cutting-edge technologies and sustainability.
This year’s symposium will expand beyond its traditional focus on metallurgy and craftsmanship to address critical industry issues like responsible sourcing, AI integration, and advanced manufacturing processes.
“We had an unprecedented number of proposals and abstracts for 2025, and we are delighted that many of our respected presenters will be focusing on timely and important issues like sustainability and technology,” says Linus Drogs, TJS Chairman of the Board. “We are grateful to the experts who will be sharing the latest information on CAD, AI, and additive manufacturing (3-D printing), as well as the group of professionals focused on sustainability related to a responsible supply chain and the tracing of coloured gemstones.”
The symposium will feature presentations from leading experts worldwide, catering to a diverse audience of bench jewellers, designers, manufacturers, students, retailers, and press. Among the technology-focused sessions, Scott Bradford of Gesswein will explore CAD techniques and software for enhanced jewellery design, while Jenny Luker of the Platinum Guild International (PGI) will unveil a new platinum alloy. Consultant Anne Miller will delve into the potential of generative AI, and Joseph Strauss of HJE Company, Inc. will discuss advancements in sinter-based 3-D printing.
Sustainability and ethical sourcing will also take centre stage, with Eric Branwaurt of Columbia Gem House and consultant Frank Cooper examining the traceability of coloured gemstones.
International News
Gemfields’ Higher-Quality Emerald Auction Fetches $26.8 Million
Strong Demand Continuing For Top-Tier Stones Despite Broader Market Caution Driven By Geopolitical Tensions and Macroeconomic Uncertainty.
Gemfields reported revenues of $26.8 million from its latest higher-quality rough emerald auction, with strong demand continuing for top-tier stones despite broader market caution driven by geopolitical tensions and macroeconomic uncertainty.
The auction, held from 4 to 21 May 2026, saw 36 of 37 lots sold, representing a 97% sell-through rate. Of the 185,135 carats offered, 183,385 carats were sold, achieving an average realised price of $146.08 per carat.
The rough emeralds were mined by Kagem in Zambia. Buyers viewed the lots in Bangkok before bidding through Gemfields’ online sealed-bid auction platform.
Adrian Banks, Gemfields’ MD- Product & Sales, said:

“While demand for higher-quality emeralds remains stable, the market is presently exercising a degree of caution, influenced by ongoing geopolitical tensions and prevailing macroeconomic uncertainty…Competition and pricing for the top-tier emeralds remained particularly strong.”
Banks also pointed to the Indian rupee’s roughly 10% depreciation against the US dollar since Kagem’s previous higher-quality auction in September 2025 as an added challenge for many customers.
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