ICA GemLab News, Photo, Video and Current Affairs

Informa Markets revealed the recipients of the NextGen Coloured Gem Excellence Awards by JWA (Jewellery World Awards), honouring professionals aged 45 and under who are driving innovation and positive change across the coloured gemstone sector. This year’s awardees form a truly global collective. Gemstone specialists from Beruwala, Idar-Oberstein, Minas Gerais and New York. Jewellery designers from Jaipur and Ho Chi Minh. Educators from Bangkok, Taipei and Xinjiang. Market innovators from Montreal and Hong Kong. Building on strong foundations while adapting to an evolving landscape, they champion transparency and traceability, invest in education and leverage digital innovation. At the heart of their work lies a singular mission: Connecting buyers with each stone’s complete story − one that embraces the romance and mystique long associated with gems, while ensuring their journey from mine to market is as beautiful as the stones themselves. “The coloured gemstone industry is moving towards a future built on heritage, trust and integrity,” said Celine Lau, Director of Jewellery Fairs at Informa Markets. “Today’s new leaders understand that honouring these values means evolving with the times, and that innovation and tradition can − and must − coexist.” The Awards likewise serves a dual purpose: Celebrating achievement while signalling to rising talent that the trade values fresh thinking, different perspectives and entrepreneurial ambition. “These 18 individuals are part of a broader movement,” Lau added. “By shining a light on their journey, we are not only recognising their contributions but also building a visible network of changemakers who can inspire collaboration, share knowledge and collectively strengthen the future of coloured gemstones.” The industry’s next-generation trailblazers will be honoured during an awards presentation ceremony on 16 September at the JGW September reception. Bringing together diverse expertise from across the globe, some of the recipients will subsequently participate in panel discussions at the GEM+ Conference on 17 September − an event that gathers key stakeholders from the coloured gemstone world. Here are the 18 Awardees leading the charge. (Recipients are listed alphabetically by first name.) Alexander F. Arnoldi CEO, Arnoldi International e.K. Germany Alexander is a fourth-generation gemstone entrepreneur and cutter from Idar-Oberstein, continuing a family tradition in fine coloured gemstones dating back to 1919. He began his career with leading German jeweller Wempe before completing his training as a gemstone cutter in Idar-Oberstein, graduating as Germany’s top apprentice in his profession and receiving national recognition in Berlin. He further developed his expertise through GIA studies in Bangkok, with a focus on coloured gemstones, and has served on the Advisory Board of the German Gemmological Association (DGemG) since 2020. Today, Alexander combines traditional German lapidary craftsmanship with an international and forward-looking approach to the coloured gemstone trade. His work has received multiple international distinctions, including recognition at the AGTA Spectrum Awards and back-to-back INHORGENTA Awards in 2025 and 2026. He also trains the next generation of gemstone cutters, helping preserve and advance Idar-Oberstein’s unique cutting heritage. Amira Hatta Managing Director, ICA GemLab Thailand Amira serves as Managing Director of ICA GemLab, a premier international laboratory specialising in coloured gemstone authentication, origin determination and research. Appointed to her executive role in February 2023, she guides the laboratory’s strategic direction, project management and global trade collaborations from its primary regional base in Bangkok, Thailand. Beyond her executive responsibilities, Amira is a prominent international speaker. She serves as Vice President of the Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association (TGJTA) and holds active memberships in leading international trade bodies including the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA), the Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) and the Accredited Gemologists Association (AGA). Anurak Sinchawla Director, Sant Enterprises Co Ltd Thailand Anurak is a fifth-generation gemstone professional and Director of Sant Enterprises, a Bangkok-based company specialising in fine natural coloured gemstones. Continuing a family legacy built over decades, he focuses on sourcing exceptional rubies and sapphires from the world’s most renowned origins. With extensive experience in gemstone selection and international trading, Anurak’s expertise lies in identifying stones with outstanding colour, clarity and rarity while maintaining the highest standards of authenticity. He works closely with luxury brands, jewellers, designers and collectors across Europe, Asia, the Middle East and North America. Known for his professionalism and customer-first approach, Anurak is committed to promoting responsibly sourced natural gemstones and strengthening Thailand’s reputation as a leading centre for coloured gems. His goal is to supply exceptional stones while building lasting partnerships founded on transparency, reliability and trust. Bénédicte Lavoie Owner & Director, Pierres de Charme Inc Canada Bénédicte is the owner and Director of Pierres de Charme Inc, a family-owned gemstone dealing business based in Montréal, Canada, specialising in coloured, precious and fine gemstones. For over a decade, the company has served jewellers and galleries across Canada, built on rigorous sourcing standards and enduring client relationships. Bénédicte has been a member of the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) for many years and previously served on its Board of Directors, contributing to the association’s mission of strengthening community and connection within the trade. She is also committed to education within the industry, presenting to students across Canada twice a year to share her expertise and foster the next generation of gemstone professionals. Under her leadership, Pierres de Charme continues to bridge tradition and innovation − combining disciplined, data-informed decision-making with a commitment to storytelling and engagement that brings new audiences into the world of coloured gemstones. Carl-Philip Arnoldi CEO, HC Arnoldi e.K. Germany Carl-Philip is a fourth-generation gemstone entrepreneur from Idar-Oberstein, Germany. Growing up in a family with a long tradition in the gemstone trade, his fascination for coloured gemstones and the craftsmanship behind them began at an early age. He completed his training as a gemstone cutter in the family business and has now been working in the gemstone industry for more than 10 years. Today, he is part of HC Arnoldi, where he continues his family’s gemstone tradition while bringing his own entrepreneurial perspective and ideas to the business. Carl-Philip is also co-founder of Gemhype, an online platform for coloured gemstones that combines gemstone expertise with digitalisation and modern storytelling. Through his work, he seeks to preserve traditional knowledge and craftsmanship while finding new ways to make the world of coloured gemstones more accessible, engaging and relevant to a new generation of customers and industry professionals. Cedrik Wild General Manager, Wild Gems LLC US Cedrik leads Wild Gems LLC, a New York–based family business specialising in fine and rare coloured gemstones. Growing up in a family with generations of experience in the gemstone industry, he was introduced to the world of gems from an early age, developing a deep appreciation for exceptional stones and the people and stories behind them. After completing his gemmological education at GIA and university studies in New York City, he joined the family business and later established their New York office, focusing on expanding Wild Gems’ presence in the North American market. Today, the company works with over 80 different gemstone varieties sourced globally. Cedrik is passionate about building relationships with jewellers, designers, collectors and industry professionals worldwide. He takes pride in carrying forward his family’s legacy while bringing his own perspective to help shape Wild Gems’ future. Chomphol Phornchindarak Co-Founder, Gemports Thailand Chomphol is an experienced gemmologist specialising in gemstone and jewellery appraisal, recognised for his contributions to valuation services and industry education. As a lecturer, he shares extensive knowledge on gemmology, jewellery assessment and market trends with audiences domestically and internationally while providing strategic guidance for business growth in key markets including China, Sri Lanka and India. He serves as President of the Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association and Vice President of the Federation of Gem and Jewelry Associations and Precious Metals (Thailand) through 2026. He spearheaded the Gemports − Colored Gemstone Report project with the Gems & Jewelry Trade Association of China (GAC) and the National Gemstone Testing Center (NGTC) to boost global trade standards. Additionally, he enhanced the association’s digital platform for international opportunities and advocated for tax measures strengthening Thailand’s competitiveness. Photo credit: Mark Hartman Dave Bindra Vice President, B & B Fine Gems US Dave is Vice President of operations and head of acquisitions at B & B Fine Gems. He is a coloured gemstone specialist with over 19 years of experience in sourcing, cutting and recutting fine and rare coloured gemstones. His family’s firm supplies many of the couture brands and high jewellery houses with exceptional coloured stones of all kinds. Dave has served on the boards of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, American Gem Society, 24 Karat Club of Southern California, Black in Jewelry Coalition and the Jewelers Advisory Council. He currently serves on the GIA Board of Governors, where he chairs the Education Committee and sits on the Executive Committee. He is a graduate of the University of Southern California, and received his GIA Graduate Gemologist diploma in 2007. He joined the GIA Board of Governors in November 2021. Billie Hughes Co-Founder, Lotus Gemology Co Ltd Thailand Billie is Co-Founder and Managing Director of Lotus Gemology laboratory. She oversees the company’s day-to-day operations while continuing gemmological research and laboratory work. After graduating from UCLA in 2011, Billie became a Fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain (FGA) in 2013. Her research focuses on ruby and sapphire, including low-temperature heat treatment, and she has authored and co-authored articles in leading gemmological journals. Billie is an internationally recognised educator who has lectured for trade organisations, museums and luxury jewellery houses. She has collaborated extensively with Van Cleef & Arpels’ L’ÉCOLE School of Jewelry Arts on educational programmes and lectures. An award-winning photographer and photomicrographer, Billie received honours in the Nikon Small World and Gem-A competitions. Her photos have appeared in publications including National Geographic and Forbes. She is also the creator of Hyperion, Lotus Gemology’s online inclusion database. George Lu General Manager, Chii Lih Coral Co Ltd Taiwan George is the third-generation leader of Chii Lih Coral, one of the world’s most established precious coral enterprises. Over the past decade, he has modernised the family business while preserving more than 50 years of craftsmanship and cultural heritage. His work spans business development, museum collaborations, international exhibitions, industry standardisation and public education, positioning precious coral as both a luxury gemstone and an important element of cultural heritage. Under his leadership, George has expanded the company’s presence throughout Mainland China and international markets, promoted compliant online sales channels and led digital transformation and social media education initiatives. He contributed to the CIBJO Coral Blue Book (2014–2015) and collaborated with NGTC and GAC to develop China’s Gem-quality Precious Coral Industry Standard (2016–2018). As Curator of the Chii Lih Coral Museum, he co-organised “Treasures from the Deep Sea” with Shenzhen Nanshan Museum (2025−2026) and served as key lending partner for L’ECOLE School of Jewelry Arts’ exhibition, “Precious Coral: From Curiosity to Treasures.” Jaimeen Shah Partner, Prima Gems USA LLC US Jaimeen represents a new generation of leadership in the coloured gemstone industry − one built on ethical governance, strong institutions and community trust. A second-generation professional since 2007, he gained hands-on experience across the entire supply chain, from African mining to cutting facilities in India and Sri Lanka, and international luxury markets. His vertically integrated business now operates across New York, Bangkok, Tanzania, Jaipur, Colombo and Ratnapura, employing over 270 people and supplying leading luxury houses. For nearly eight years, Jaimeen has served the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) in volunteer leadership roles. Elected to the Board of Directors in 2018 and re-elected in 2022 and 2025, he currently serves as First Vice President and chairs the Bylaws and Membership & Security Committees. His leadership philosophy is rooted in service. Whether chairing committees, developing industry policies, supporting fellow members or investing in the next generation of skilled artisans, his focus remains on building a more trusted, transparent and resilient industry for future generations. Le Yen Founder, LEYEN Co Vietnam As a second-generation gemstone specialist, Le Yen carries forward Vietnam’s rich precious stone heritage. Her credentials as a Graduate Gemologist from GIA and AIGS (Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences) are complemented by extensive hands-on experience in mining and sourcing. Le Yen’s ambitions reach beyond fine jewellery − she is dedicated to creating a transparent, ethical and globally connected gemstone ecosystem. She founded LEYEN Co and holds leadership positions as Vice President of the Vietnam Gemstone Jewelry & Art Crafts Association (VGJA), Vice Chairperson of the ASEAN Gems and Jewellery Trade Association (AGJA) and ICA (International Colored Gemstone Association) Ambassador to Vietnam. Mahima Bardiya Designer, RMC Gems India Ltd India Mahima is a dynamic young professional blending traditional gemstone expertise with digital innovation. Specialising in jewellery design with Procreate, she has built a strong foundation in the gemstone world from childhood, inspired by her father and mentor, Nirmal Bardiya, a respected figure in the gemstone sector. Growing up immersed in the trade, she gained hands-on experience in gemstone identification, quality assessment and sourcing. With a digital-first mindset, Mahima is now expanding her gemstone business into the online marketplace. Her vision is to bring authentic coloured gemstones, ethical sourcing practices and industry expertise to wider audiences through digital platforms, contemporary branding and storytelling – bridging traditional craftsmanship with today’s consumer expectations. Manuela Soares CEO, ArtOuro & Gemas Brazil Manuela is a Brazilian entrepreneur and gemstone industry leader committed to building a more responsible, transparent and sustainable coloured gemstone supply chain. As CEO of ArtOuro & Gemas − a women-owned, family-run company founded in 1986 in Teófilo Otoni, Minas Gerais − she represents the second generation expanding the business internationally while preserving its deep connection to Brazil’s gemstone heritage and local communities. Manuela serves on the Board of Directors of the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA), leading its Compliance & Sustainability Committee. In Brazil, she directs the Gemstone Chamber of SindiJoias Ajomig and sits on FIEMG’s Mining Committee. She is also a member of the Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) and advises Wylinka, fostering innovation and social impact. A significant focus of her work involves strengthening connections between the formal gemstone industry and artisanal small-scale mining communities, advancing formalisation, traceability and market access. Mushir Munas CEO & Co-Founder, Sri Gems Sri Lanka Coming from a family with deep roots in the gemstone sector, Mushir joined his father, Jayalabdeen Munas, and brother, M.M. Murshid, to establish Sri Gems in 2013. The following year, he launched his entrepreneurial journey with LKR 25,000 in personal savings. His first international sale − to a customer in Singapore − gave him the confidence to pursue markets worldwide. Today, the business operates across over 30 countries, supported by participation in international trade shows from Hong Kong to Tucson. Sri Gems is an internationally recognised supplier of fine coloured gemstones headquartered in China Fort, Beruwala − the world’s oldest and largest open-air gem market. Mushir completed Harvard Business School’s Program for Leadership Development in 2018 and represented Sri Lanka as one of the youngest delegates at the CHOGM (Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting) Business Forum, where he met King Charles III. Naftali Gad Director, Michael Gad Emerald US Naftali is a third-generation Colombian emerald specialist and Director at Michael Gad Emerald, carrying forward a family legacy devoted to extraordinary gemstones. Founded by his grandfather and expanded internationally by his father, Michael Gad, the family business is renowned for fine Colombian emeralds, important stones and meticulously matched layouts. A graduate of Boston University’s Questrom School of Business and a GIA Graduate Gemologist, Naftali joined the family business in 2024. His role spans international sourcing, client development, exhibitions and marketing, cultivating relationships across the world’s leading jewellery markets. His particular expertise lies in cutting analysis − recognising the potential within an emerald and determining how its beauty can be further revealed while preserving its colour, character and weight. As the third generation, Naftali brings a contemporary perspective to a deeply rooted tradition, guided by the principles that have defined his family for generations: Exceptional quality, integrity, transparency and, above all, a genuine love for Colombian emeralds. Wang Fei Gem Hunter (‘Wang Fei Reads Jade’) / Xinjiang Wude Jade Co Ltd China Wang Fei is a second-generation member of a family in the Hetian jade business − Xinjiang Wude Jade Co Ltd − and founder of the Gem Hunter family brand. She is a GIA Graduate Gemologist and National (Senior) Hetian Jade Appraiser. With two decades of experience continuing her family’s legacy, Wang Fei operates from Xinjiang’s core Hetian jade production region. Drawing on her deep roots in Eastern aesthetics, she collaborates with leading contemporary Chinese jade carving masters to create art jewellery that bridges traditional craftsmanship with modern design language, dedicated to the contemporary artistic expression and cultural preservation of Eastern jade heritage. Founded in 2006, her company specialises in Hetian jade mining and development, high-end retail and private customisation. The name “Wude” (五德) translates to “Five Virtues,” referencing ancient Confucian philosophy that associates jade’s properties with Benevolence, Righteousness, Propriety, Wisdom and Trustworthiness. William Wong Founder, Wills Jewellery Hong Kong Building upon the manufacturing heritage of his parents’ company, Profit Gem Jewellery, William is a next-generation leader who successfully achieved vertical integration by founding Wills Jewellery. He actively expands consumer horizons by introducing lesser-known gems, such as spinel and garnet, into modern everyday fine jewellery collections. Recognising the crucial role of consumer education, William built a robust online gemstone database to promote gemmological culture. Through AI-driven marketing and SEO strategies, Wills Jewellery consistently secures first-page Google search rankings for gemstone-related keywords, effectively educating and engaging a younger, sophisticated demographic. This digital authority seamlessly transitions into a premium online-to-offline (O2O) retail experience through highly curated physical locations, driving tangible business growth. Furthermore, William actively shares his practical insights on leveraging AI and data-driven CRM with industry peers.

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