GIA Gemstone Gathering Presents Pakistan Mine Update
Experts discuss ruby, sapphire mining
CARLSBAD, Calif. – Jan. 11, 2012 – GIA (Gemological Institute of America) will host its next Gemstone Gathering on Jan. 25 in Bangkok, Thailand. Leading gemologists Stéphane Jacquat and Vincent Pardieu will present findings from ruby and sapphire deposits in “Gems from the Silk Roads II: Pakistan.”The duo will share research from a recent expedition to Northern Pakistan, including visits to ruby deposits near the villages of Hunza and Bisil, and ruby and sapphire deposits from the Kaghan Valley. During the visit, Jacquat and Pardieu collected reference specimens to study at the GIA laboratory in Bangkok.
Northern Pakistan was an integral part of the Silk Roads for nearly 1500 years – until the extensive trade network became almost obsolete in 14th century as epidemics, war and sea-based trade surfaced. Places like Gilgit, Hunza, Nagar and Skardu became some of the most remote places on Earth until the end of the 20th century when the construction of the Karakoram highway and air travel opened the region to global trade once again. Today, mines there are known for producing a diverse range of sought-after gemstones and minerals
Jacquat, director for Piat Thailand, Co., Ltd., is a Swiss gemologist and engineer holding a Master in Metallic Ore Deposits from the University of Geneva. He is an experienced mountaineer, geologist and photographer. Pardieu, GIA’s supervisor of field gemology in Bangkok, specializes in the origin determination of gemstones and has visited a multitude of gem mining areas in Asia and Africa.
GIA in Thailand’s Gemstone Gathering is a free event that begins at 6 p.m. on Jan. 25 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.
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