The different colour variations of ruby can be connected with people's personality and behaviour, as well as symbolize attractiveness, beauty, value, activity, fre and love, but also the sins of the fesh, death and hell, indicating a duality that is always present and reflected in how red is used in different cultures and religions.
The first speaker, Didier Giard (AFG, Lyon, France), stressed the importance of rubies and the psychological significance and symbolism of the colour red, creating an ultimate 'alchemy' between ruby and red. The stone is considered a major strength of the Thai gem industry.įollowing introductions by Duangkamol Jiambutr (director of GIT) and Henry Ho (chairman emeritus of AIGS Figure 3), the forum was officially opened by Apiradi Tantraporn (Minister of Commerce). The purpose of this forum was to promote, support, raise awareness and improve understanding of ruby, as well as to create global recognition of the value and beauty of ruby. It was organized by the Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand (GIT) in collaboration with the Department of International Trade Promotion, Ministry of Commerce (DITP) the Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences (AIGS) and the Association Francaise de Gemmologie (AFG). The World Ruby Forum 2017 was attended by about 200 people and took place 4 November in Bangkok, Thailand, one day prior to and in conjunction with the annual World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO) Congress.