Madeleine Albright to Keynote GIA’s 4th International Symposium

Former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright will help kick off the Gemological Institute of America’s (GIA) 4th International Gemological Symposium when she presents the lead keynote address.

Head of The Albright Group LLC, a global strategy firm that she founded, and chairman of the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs, Secretary Albright is also a jewelry enthusiast, noted for her eclectic collection of fine and costume brooches.

She is working on a book about her collection, which will be published in 2008.  The book, which will be illustrated, will discuss the historical and personal significance of the collection and her use of brooches as a tool of diplomacy.

The GIA says the symposium will bring together over 1,500 participants from around the globe to gain firsthand knowledge from gem and jewelry experts representing every aspect of the international trade: diamonds, colored stones, pearls, gemology, jewelry design, manufacturing, marketing, branding, and retail.

The Symposium will be held August 27–29, 2006.