Gemtech is a free, independent, no-profit Association established in 2011 to develop gemmological knowledge. Gemtech aims to support the field of jewelry and gemstone production and distribution through research and teaching of technical issues. Gemtech provides the internationally recognized courses of IGI.
To perform the mission, Gemtech shall undertake the following initiatives:
- Unification of technical nomenclature of gemstones according to current internationally recognized legislation.
- Raising awareness of trade operators for the urgency of ethical issues in jewelry with special reference to the use of precious metals and stones as well as for the need of a conscious exploitation of raw materials.
- Assessment of environmental impact of mining in disadvantaged areas in a process of optimization of benefits for local communities involved in the supply chain.
- Organizations of educational training related to jewelry and gemology. Promotion of exhibitions, conferences, seminars, round tables, congresses, meetings and all relevant events in the sector of gems and jewelry.
- Elaboration of a research work aiming to explore the world of jewelry as a whole using a wide range of multidisciplinary approaches beyond the purely gemmological scope. To accomplish the goal a deep cooperation with academic activities is required in the areas of Economy, Geography, Ethnology, Geology, Mineralogy, Fine Arts, Archeology, Marine Biology, Zoology, e.a.
- Fostering the use of a scientifically correct disclosure of gemstone materials in business transactions and in all relevant communications complying with current rules as a responsible practice or protect consumers.
- Promoting an intense cooperation with National and International Associations, public and private Institutions.
- To negotiate the best terms and conditions to obtain equipment and services necessary to carry out the production of jewelry as well as the research on materials and their identification.
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Prof. Francesco Sequino - Technical Director of GemTech and IGI Antwerp teacher
GemTech: ethical gemology
Nowadays gemstones and jewels are in the middle ofa debate concerning their use in a CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) framework. Such a precious and unique resources imply the focal issues of sustainability of disadvantaged mining areas, the impact on ecosystems of weak economies, the fair disclosure of the stones on sale.
Therefore new commitments are challenging the traditional role of classical gemology, so far entirely based on the maximization of profits while supporting the marketing policies of the jewelry industry.
Gemtech is on the frontline of this new research focused on the ethical value of gemstones.
Its mission consists in gathering a new community for the purpose, made of researchers of ecology, sciences of the territory and law, economists.
Due to GemTech collaboration, Napoli became an active city in the field of Corporate Social Responsibility applied to jewelry's world. In 2011, with the collaboration of Napoli's "L'Orientale University", GemTech worked to the meeting "Diamonds commerce between conflicts, ethic and market".
Since 2013, Paolo Minieri, GemTech President, is a member of the Ethical Committee of Assogemme, presided by dr. Ravagli (Gucci).
Therefore new commitments are challenging the traditional role of classical gemology, so far entirely based on the maximization of profits while supporting the marketing policies of the jewelry industry.
Gemtech is on the frontline of this new research focused on the ethical value of gemstones.
Its mission consists in gathering a new community for the purpose, made of researchers of ecology, sciences of the territory and law, economists.
Due to GemTech collaboration, Napoli became an active city in the field of Corporate Social Responsibility applied to jewelry's world. In 2011, with the collaboration of Napoli's "L'Orientale University", GemTech worked to the meeting "Diamonds commerce between conflicts, ethic and market".
Since 2013, Paolo Minieri, GemTech President, is a member of the Ethical Committee of Assogemme, presided by dr. Ravagli (Gucci).
Corporate Social Responsibility: bibliography and other useful material
| The Companies Act 1985 to 1989 |
| A.A.V.V. - Towards an ethical jewellery business - Natural Resource Institute |
| Atichat W., Good Governance in Gem Business Traceability of Origins and Tracking Alternative within a Certification Process, GIT |
| CIBJO, The U.S. Jewelry Consumer & Social Responsibility Research , March 2008 |
| RJC Chain‐of‐Custody (CoC) Certification for the diamond, gold and platinum jewellery supply chain |
| Shroeder R., The Moral Economy of the Mine Contesting South African Control of Tanzania's National Gemstone |
| United Nations promoting mineral clusters. Tanzania |
| OECD, Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas.pdf |
| Multi-stakeholder meeting on responsible supply chains for precious stones |
| ICA Joins United Nations Intitiative on Certification of Origins of Colored Gemstones |
| Economic Commission for Africa and Africa Union, Minerals and Africa's Development |
| Global Witness, THE DODD FRANK ACT'S SECTION 1502 ON CONFLICT MINERALS.pdf |
| ETFP, assuring consumer confidence in ethical trade |
| AGTA, Gemstone Information Manual, 2012 |