A cademy was founded in 2013, the same year as the hundred year anniversary of the birth of one of the world's most celebrated gemmologists, Dr. Eduard J. Gübelin. Known as 'the father of origin determination', Eduard Gübelin was a leading light in the study of gemmology and a key figure in the history of Gübelin, specifically in the development of the renowned Gübelin Gemmological Laboratory.

Inspired by his academic heritage, Gübelin Academy was opened to share the company's 160 year expertise in imparting passion, emotion and knowledge in the wonderful world of coloured gemstones. Centred in the vivacious hub of Hong Kong, the Academy is placed to serve the needs of the global industry and to educate the keen collector. Gübelin Academy offers courses on coloured gemstones by tutors with an extensive teaching and gemmology experience. The aim is not only to inform but also to inspire, so the courses emphasize both the practical and the emotional aspects of the fascinating world and history of emeralds, rubies and sapphires.

Gübelin Academy's 'Coloured Gem Professional' course is created as a series of modular programs with increasing levels, with classes ranging from several hours to weeks and taught either in English or Cantonese. Amongst other aspects, participants are trained to consider coloured gems by quality, rarity and colour.

Launched in September 2013 at the HK Jewellery and Gem Show, this September sees the Academy's first birthday. To celebrate, Gübelin Academy will be hosting a star double-bill seminar on the 18th September once more at the HK Convention Seminar. The keynote speaker will be Richard Hughes, an award winning author, gemmologist and worldrecognised authority on ruby and sapphire.

Richard will be speaking on his specialist subject, specifically discussing the key factors which collectors should look for with ruby and sapphire, while taking a visual journey around the world of the most important sources for ruby and sapphire. Joining Richard for a special double-bill second lecture, will be Hpone-Phyo Kan- Nyunt, Laboratory Manager at Gübelin Gem Lab Hong Kong. Like Richard, Hpone is also an experienced gemmologist with a wealth of practical fieldwork experience behind his knowledge.

Gübelin Academy's 'Coloured Gem Professional' course is created as a series of modular programs with increasing levels, with classes ranging from several hours to weeks and taught either in English or Cantonese. Amongst other aspects, participants are trained to consider coloured gems by quality, rarity and colour.Focusing on the internal world of rubies and their incredible inclusions, these world-renowned experts will be following on the footsteps of Eduard Gübelin, whose gemmological micro-photography revolutionised the study of origin determination. This lecture double-bill of insider's insights and magical microworlds will be one not to miss. Gübelin Academy and Gübelin Gem Lab will also be on hand at their booth at the Show, both at the Airport and Convention Centre, to discuss courses and take in gemstones for testing.

For further details please contact info@gubelin-academy.com for the Academy and info@gubelingemlab.com for the Gemmological Laboratory, and visit www.gubelin.com for more details in general.

Seminar details: 18th September 2014, 9-11am, at the Hong Kong Convention Centre, room S224. Followed directly by the Dr. Eduard J. Gübelin Research Scholarship award announcement. To register for the seminar: please visit www.gubelin-academy.com or email: info@gubelin-academy.com

R ichard W. Hughes is an American gemmologist and award winning author, known as an authority on corundum: rubies and sapphires. A.G. graduate of Bangkok's AIGS (1980), and a Fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain (F.G.A.) (1982). He was the director of the Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences in Bangkok, Thailand during the 1980s, and also served at the American Gem Trade Association’s gemmological laboratories in California and New York from 2005 to 2008. In 1997 he authored Ruby & Sapphire, which is considered by many in the gem and jewelry industry to be the most authoritative treatise on the subject. In recognition of his contributions Hughes received the American Gem Society's Richard T. Liddicoat Journalism Award in both 2004 and 2005, and The Antonio Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology in 2010.

H pone-PhyoKan-Nyunt has many years of experience in the analysis of treatments and the determination of origin of coloured gemstones. He began his gemmological career in 2004 at the AGTA lab in New York, followed by a position as a research coordinat or and laboratory technician at the GIA in Thailand. Hpone-Phyo joined the Gübelin Gem Lab in Hong Kong in January 2013 as a Gemmologist. A native Burmese speaker, he regularly visits mines and markets in Mogok, Mandalay and other places in Burma, further extending his knowledge and understanding of Burmese rubies, sapphires and jade. Hpone has co-authored several articles in gemmological journals.