SGS 65 - Suomen Gemmologinen Seura

Anniversary Seminar and Evening Gala, October 11–12, 2025 | Helsinki, Finland

To celebrate the 65th anniversary of the Finnish Gemmological Association (Suomen Gemmologinen Seura, SGS), this seminar brings together international experts to share current research and developments in the field of gemology. Topics include advancements in gemstone identification, spectroscopic applications, detection of treated and synthetic materials, and innovations in gemological instrumentation.

Speakers include Dr. Emmanuel Fritsch (University of Nantes, France), Dr. Thomas Hainschwang (GGTL Laboratories), Dr. James Shigley and Nathan Renfro (GIA, USA), Alberto Scarani (Magilabs), Rui Galopim de Carvalho (independent educator, Portugal) and Dr. Claudio Milisenda (DSEF German Gem Lab, Germany). This conference offers in-depth knowledge for professionals engaged in research, laboratory practice, and gemological education. Speakers subject to change.

REGISTRATION

SGS members have received a registration link by email and are requested to complete their registration using that link.

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Registration link: https://forms.gle/MX4fh5KyPrKn1eN36

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Speakers:

Dr. Emmanuel Fritsch, Ph.D., GG, hFGA – France

Retired Emeritus Professor, University of Nantes; Researcher at IMN-CNRS

Dr. Emmanuel Fritsch is a leading figure in scientific gemology. After earning a geological engineering degree from ENSG, Nancy, and a Ph.D. from the Sorbonne (University Paris VII), he spent nearly a decade at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), where he served as Manager of GIA Research.

His research today focuses on color, luminescence, and laboratory techniques applied to gemstones, especially diamonds, opals, and pearls. He has authored over 400 articles, contributed to 20 book chapters, and published a book on the gemstones of Mogok. In 2013, he received the Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology and is one of only three Honorary Fellows (hFGA) of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain.

Photo: Camille Latouc

Seminar presentation: From UV lamp to spectroscopy: how to get the most out of your equipment

For the abstracts see the page Seminar – from the top of the page.

Dr. Thomas Hainschwang, DUG – Liechtenstein and Belgium

Director and Founder, GGTL Laboratories

Dr. Thomas Hainschwang is Director and co-founder of GGTL Laboratories (GGTL Laboratories Liechtenstein). He founded Gemlab (Liechtenstein) in 1996 and joined a very close collaboration with GemTechLab in Geneva in 2011, through which GGTL Laboratories emerged, with the three member labs in Liechtenstein, Geneva and Antwerp. Dr. Hainschwang has been working on the analysis of diamonds, colored stones and pearls for the past 29 years, and is a respected expert in the field of gemological research, with extensive experience in the complex topic of colored diamond.

Besides his expertise as a multidisciplinary gemmologist with specialization in diamond research and testing, Dr. Hainschwang has developed and built many analytical instruments for gem and pearl testing in the past years. Dr. Hainschwang holds a PhD in Physics (materials science) from the University of Nantes, France, a university diploma in advanced gemology from the University of Nantes (DUG diploma), and gemological diplomas by the GIA (GG), by the British Gemological Association (FGA), and by the Swiss Gemological Society (SGG).

Photo: Thomas Hainschwang

Seminar presentation: The Plastic Deformation Game: The Link Between Olive, Brown and Pink to Purple to Red Diamonds and Their Color Origin

For the abstracts see the page Seminar – from the top of the page.

Dr. James E. Shigley, Ph.D. – United States

Distinguished Research Fellow, GIA Research

Dr. James Shigley is a cornerstone of gemological research at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). A geology graduate from UC Berkeley and Stanford University, he has been with GIA since 1982. His research focuses on the identification of diamonds and colored gemstones and the geological conditions of their formation.

Author of over 180 articles and a recipient of awards such as the AGS Lifetime Achievement Award and GIA’s Richard T. Liddicoat Award, Dr. Shigley is widely recognized as a global ambassador for gemological science. He was recognized with the Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology in 2008, honoring his significant contributions to gemological research and education.

Photo: GIA

Seminar presentation: The Changing World of Gemology – Gem Testing: A Look Back and a Look Forward

For the abstracts see the page Seminar – from the top of the page.

Nathan Renfro, B.S., GG, FGA – United States

Senior Manager of Colored Stones, GIA Carlsbad

Nathan Renfro, Senior Manager of Colored Stones at GIA in Carlsbad, California, specializes in colored stone identification, inclusion identification, photomicrography, and the defect chemistry of corundum. After earning a B.S. in Geology and Education from Appalachian State University and a Graduate Gemologist (GG) diploma from GIA, Nathan began his career at GIA in 2007. He later earned the FGA (Fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain) designation.

Nathan has authored and co-authored several gemological articles and lectured to gem and mineral groups internationally. His photomicrographs have been featured by many organizations, including National Geographic, Zeiss, Nikon and Olympus.

Photo: GIA

Seminar presentation: The Evolution of Gemmological Photomicrography-Film to Digital

For the abstracts see the page Seminar – from the top of the page.

Alberto Scarani, GG – United States

Marketing Manager, Magilabs

Alberto Scarani is a Graduate Gemologist (IGI Antwerp), goldsmith, and court-registered expert with the Tribunal of Rome. He co-founded Magilabs with Mikko Åström in 2012, a company known for developing advanced spectroscopic instruments—such as Raman, UV-Vis-NIR, FTIR, and fluorescence spectrometers—tailored for gemological use.

Scarani has contributed to the revision of national standards as a member of the UNI Commission on gems and precious metals and has taught, lectured, and led workshops at institutions including Gem-A, AGA, HRD, MGJC, IGE, and various Italian universities. Scarani also serves as co-editor of The Rivista Italiana di Gemmologia – Italian Gemological Review. In 2019, he and Mikko Åström were jointly awarded the Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology by the Accredited Gemologists Association.

Photo: Alberto Scarani

Seminar presentation: Certified Hybrid Diamond Master Set – The Hybrid Solution for Diamond Color Grading

For the abstracts see the page Seminar – from the top of the page.

Rui Galopim de Carvalho, FGA, DGA – Portugal

Independent Gem Education Consultant

Rui Galopim de Carvalho is an experienced author, educator, and consultant in gemology with over 30 years in the field. He has contributed to the study of historical gem collections, including the Portuguese Crown Jewels. Rui holds both the FGA (Fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain) and DGA (Diamond Member of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain) diplomas.

Rui Galopim de Carvalho serves as Vice-President of CIBJO’s Coral Commission, is an Associate Editor for The Journal of Gemmology, and author of GEMPEDIA, A Comprehensive Glossary for Gemstones and Gemmology. Rui is actively involved in international gemological organizations and museums.

Photo: ruigalopim.com

Seminar presentation: BIOGENIC GEMS & CITES: a look into pearls and corals

For the abstracts see the page Seminar – from the top of the page.

Dr. Claudio Milisenda, Ph.D. – Germany

Director, DSEF German Gem Lab

Dr. Claudio C. Milisenda has been a key figure in gemology since joining the German Gemmological Association (DGemG) and its gemological laboratory in 1993. He became Managing Director of the DSEF German Gem Lab in 1996, overseeing research and gemstone analysis. Holding a Ph.D. in Earth Sciences from the Max Planck Institute, Dr. Milisenda has conducted field research across Europe, South Africa, and Southeast Asia. He has authored numerous articles on gemology and related fields.

Dr. Milisenda also serves as Vice President of the Gemmological Commission at CIBJO, is a member of the Laboratory Manual Harmonization Committee (LMHC) and is an editor for the Journal of the German Gemmological Association. He also lectures on gemology diploma courses and works to advance industry standards.

Photo: Claudio Milisenda/ Kagem

Seminar presentation: Paraiba and other gem varieties of the tourmaline group

For the abstracts see the page Seminar – from the top of the page.