The International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) is planning to open an office in China that will offer all its products and services in Chinese in a bid to better understand and serve this booming market for coloured gems.

New ICA President Damien Cody said the plan is in its early stages, but it will involve replicating ICA’s operations and converting all printed and online information on ICA services, products and promotional materials as well as publications in Chinese for distribution in the mainland market. 

“It will be a duplication of everything that we do but in China,” Cody told JNA. “It is the language barrier that is holding us back, but if we can reproduce all our services and offerings in China, and with a Chinese office, we believe it will be a huge area for growth.” 

Cody added that ICA can be instrumental in pushing for a more seamless trading of coloured gems in China. “There are some barriers to success such as high tariffs, import duties and border issues that present problems for gem traders, but in time, with ICA lobbying and the growth of our membership in China, we can maybe talk with the government about streamlining some of those processes,” the ICA official added.

Another key initiative in China is an awareness programme aimed at educating Chinese consumers about coloured gemstones.

ICA is also looking at establishing so-called “gemstone bureaus,” starting with Dubai, which is being eyed as the next coloured gem trading hub. “Rather than fully staffed offices, these bureaus will be serviced with the support of our members. The one in China however is a full-blown office,” explained Cody.