Metro Phoenix Chapter: Colombian Emeralds with Ron Ringsrud, GIA GG

Join us for our final 2016 program as we welcome Ron Ringsrud, past emerald dealer extraordinaire and former director of emerald quality at Muzo International, the company that operates the Muzo emerald mine in Colombia. He is uniquely qualified to discuss the past, present and future of mining in Muzo, with an emphasis on what has been happening the last two years. Ringsrud will discuss many newsworthy developments and future plans, as well as an overview of the emerald market and general price discussions. He is returning from Colombia just days before this lecture.

Ringsrud will describe how emerald treatments are designated on GIA and other laboratory grading reports and how they affect value. In addition, he will share delightful micro-photos of emerald inclusions and bring emeralds bearing special inclusions for us to view through the microscope.  

Ringsrud has been a speaker at national and international gemological conferences and was featured in a Discovery Channel and National Geographic Explorer special about Colombian emeralds. He has written articles for various publications, including GIA’s Gems & Gemology and Britain’s Gem-A Journal of Gemmology. His book, “Emeralds: A Passionate Guide” is popular in the trade and has been translated into Italian, Russian and Spanish. This book will be available for purchase and signing by Ringsrud at this event, so come early to grab your copy.

All are welcome to attend; whether you're a GIA graduate, student, industry associate, hobbyist or guest. Please share this invitation with any others you feel would be interested.