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Information about several topics discussed at the 30th International Gemmological Conference held at the Academy of Sciences in Moscow, Russia from July 14-19, 2009 is presented. The event was attended by 114 delegates and observers from 27 countries. It featured presentations of 90 papers by 265 authors with topics including the gemstones in northern Canada and the method of calculating the concentration sum of nitrogen and basic nitric defects in diamond microcrystals.

The article provides an overview of the history of explorations for gemstones in Canada for the first half of the 20th century. It notes that the country had assumed its contemporary boundaries in 1905 when Saskatchewan and Alberta were given provincial status. It stresses the potential significance of general exploration, geological surveying and mapping for finding and developing of the county's new mineral resources. It indicates that gemologist Arthur Leonard Parsons' paper "The utilization of the semi-precious and ornamental stones of Canada," which was published in 1934, described the iolite and garnet as being brought from Baffinland Iron Mines Corp. by the Mackenzie expedition.

Information about papers and reports discussed at the 2nd International Gem and Jewelry Conference (GIT) which was held in Bangkok, Thailand on March 9-12, 2009 is presented. Topics include industry competitiveness, palladium in jewelry, and business opportunities for gem and jewelry in Tanzania. It notes that the event has attracted about 510 participants and several keynote speakers such as Vichai Assarassakorn, president of the Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders' Association.