A Dazzling Evolution: Collector Gems Through the Ages
Veteran gem dealer to address GIA’s next gemstone gathering in Bangkok
CARLSBAD, Calif. – Sept. 19, 2012 – Jeffery Bergman, founder and director of Primagem, will discuss increasingly savvy consumers and their quest for exotic gemstones at GIA’s (Gemological Institute of America) next Gemstone Gathering on Sept. 27 in Bangkok.A few decades ago, gemstones like bastnasite, hackmanite, jeremejevite, painite and taffeeite were known primarily among mineral collectors, gem enthusiasts and scientists. Today, these and many other formerly-obscure gems are sold on television and the internet to a growing number of savvy consumers. Bergman’s illustrated presentation will introduce recent geological theories on the co-evolution of life and minerals and will examine the influence of modern technology on the supply and demand of exotic, atypical gemstones.
Bergman, an American gem dealer with more than 40 years of experience in gemstone and fine jewelry mining, cutting, wholesaling and retailing, is the founder and director of Primagem in Thailand. His career has taken him to more than 50 countries and every continent except Antarctica. He has appeared on the BBC, CNN, NBC, ABC and GEO, and has been featured in Time, USA Today, National Geographic, Gems & Gemology and Discovery Channel magazine. He is a regular guest speaker at gem lab seminars and gemological association conferences and universities.
GIA’s Gemstone Gathering, a free event, begins at 6 p.m. on Sept. 27 in the “Crowne Room 1-3” on the 21st floor of the Crowne Plaza Hotel (formerly known as the Pan Pacific), Lumpini Park in Bangkok.
