By Jaime Kautsky

The world is changing at a faster rate than we've ever seen.

That's the buzz, anyway, in the realms of business, technology, popular culture and, of course, the gem and jewelry industry.

So it was appropriate that the opening session of GIA's 4th International Gemological Symposium provided the 1,332 attendees a few moments to reflect on global political and business issues before delving into the considerable economic, ethical, professional and personal challenges before them.

The event, themed "Navigating the Challenges Ahead," opened on Aug. 27 at San Diego's Manchester Grand Hyatt hotel with a moving rendition of John Lennon's "Imagine," performed live by pianist Todd Schroeder.

Images of the diverse people and places that make up the industry flashed behind Schroeder on large video screens, followed by a colorful, 42-country flag procession that symbolized the global audience in attendance.

Ralph Destino, chairman of GIA, welcomed participants and promised that the next three days, which also marked the Institute's 75th birthday, would be "one of the most meaningful and valuable professional experiences of your life."

"Symposium brings together people from every niche of the gem and jewelry industry from all parts of the world," he said. "Nowhere else can you find a common meeting ground for diamond miners, pearl farmers and gemological scientists, side by side with jewelry designers, manufacturers and retailers ໣ all coming together with the common goal of examining challenges and finding solutions that we as a jewelry community need to confront and solve."

Destino introduced a video that highlighted GIA's growth and accomplishments since its inception in 1931, and brought Symposium co-chairs Kathryn Kimmel and Alice Keller to the stage.

Kimmel, who said plans for Symposium had been underway for three years, outlined changes made since the last Symposia – a shortened program and Debate Centers with more outside-industry experts – and Keller gave a preview of the poster sessions and a recap of the two-day Gemological Research Conference that wrapped up earlier that day.

Representing opening session sponsors, Loet Kniphurst (ABN AMRO Bank) and Nancy Robey (VNU Jewelry Group) took the stage next to introduce a "public servant of the utmost renown and influence," keynote speaker and former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright.

Dr. Albright, founder and principal of global strategy firm The Albright Group, and a best-selling author, spoke about "Opportunities and Danger: The World in 2006," and dealt with serious and timely topics of national security, ethical concerns and global politics.

She didn't shy away, though, from a light-hearted acknowledgment of her reputation as an avid jewelry collector – especially of brooches – introducing herself as a "gem enthusiast" and "the perfect customer."

"I am truly delighted to be here, for the simple reason that I love jewelry," said Albright, who is also a professor at the Georgetown School of Foreign Service. "It doesn't have to be expensive; it just has to look good. My dilemma is, if you turn me loose in a shop, it all looks good."

Albright said she sees parallels between the gem and jewelry industry and "the art of diplomacy."

"Both are inherently global. Both demand teamwork. Both respect tradition while embracing calculated risks. And both are grounded in knowledge and the capacity to learn," she said.

The former Secretary of State said she used to tell fellow leaders and diplomats to read her mood by considering her choice of brooches. She wore a dove brooch during Middle East speeches, an eagle on patriotic occasions, a balloon when she was in high spirits and a bumble bee when she was "looking for someone to sting."

"I used my pins as a diplomatic tool, reinforcing the message of the day," she said.

"Of course, it should be no surprise to this audience that gems and jewelry can be used as forms of communication. For as long as history has been recorded, precious gems have been searched for and fought over, used to show affection and to create alliances between one government and another."

Albright lamented the years of global conflict, particularly in the Middle East, and wondered why the world couldn't learn from its mistakes.

"We study history, but constantly forget the lessons of the past; instead, we dwell on grievances that provoke fresh rounds of violence and hate ... There is nothing inevitable about murder and mayhem in the Middle East. To seize the sword instead of the olive branch – that is a choice," she said.

Albright emphasized that achieving peace would require open minds, and the input of people from every nation, race, gender and creed.

"To succeed, we must do the best possible job not simply of expressing what we believe, but also of understanding how and why others act as they do. We must remember that no matter how much we think we know, there is always more to learn. We must adjust constantly to change – but we must also recognize what has not changed. For the most important principles, like the finest diamonds, are forever.

"For me, the core principle is simply that every life matters and that every individual counts," she said.

Albright acknowledged that this philosophy requires the work of many people, and said that "all work that is worth doing is done in faith."

"As the Gemological Institute of America begins its second 75 years, I ask you to join with me in asserting the same faith in the future that inspired your [GIA] predecessors who, in the midst of global depression, set forth to navigate the challenges of their time."

Q&A with a Legendary Leader

Donna Baker, acting president of GIA, sat down with former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright to field questions from the audience. Click here to read her responses.