Gold: Vortex, Virtues, and Values

IAC’s 8th Precious Substances Conference
April 12 – 13, 2018

Bohemian National Hall, New York City

We live in an Age of Uncertainty. But just the most recent: uncertainty was a defining characteristic of the human condition, a perverse constant in everything we experienced as we teetered at the edge of the vortex. This brought us to gold, another constant, one that never dulls and which, perhaps counterintuitively, continuously evolves.

The 2018 conference explored the totality of this powerful and fascinating metal. We started with value, how that value reflects gold’s place as a repository of our hopes and fears and, more practically, how market value is established and assured. We also considered value-added, specifically by the extraordinary jewelers, goldsmiths, craftsmen, and artisans who transform elemental gold into jewelry.

Other topics included responsible and ethical business practices across the worldwide supply chain and new trends in jewelry manufacturing and technology. The importance of education, apprenticeship, and the preservation of traditional artisanal skills were central to our discussion. New frontiers in sales and marketing, social media, and government and legal affairs were considered.

IAC’s annual Gold Conference brings together representatives from all communities and disciplines to engage in a multi-faceted exploration of the power and meaning of gold.

Richline and Signet were Lead Sponsors at the Patron Level. Riva Precision was a sponsor at the Partner Level. Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks and Hoover & Strong were sponsors at the Donor Level. Au Enterprises and Diamond Manufacturers & Importers of America (DMIA) were sponsors at the Supporter Level. ANZA Gems was the sponsor of the champagne reception for the evening, “Celebration of Women in the Jewelry World.” Society of North American Goldsmiths was a media sponsor.

Program agenda