Trip Report: Vietnam Gemstone & Cultural Tour

In May, members of the GAA, lead by Chris Holdsworth and Kath Kovacs, headed to Vietnam to take in the local sights and gem trade.

It was a great chance to get some hands on experience with the gems at their source, with a specific focus on spinels and sapphires.

We visited the Hong Ngoc Pearl Farm, who have developed innovative culturing techniques with freshwater oysters. It was an invaluable opportunity to witness first-hand the culturing process we learnt so much about in the Gemmology Diploma.

While gems were the main focus of the trip, we made sure to have lots of fun along the way!

From boat rides through the Trang An Caves in Ninh Binh, to a cocktail hour at sunset in Ha Long Bay, or Bich Dong Pagoda, a cooking class, and a beer tour in Hanoi there was something for everyone!!!

Following a week of culture and sightseeing, one of our last stops was in Luc Yen, a small rural town known for its marble and spinel mining. Luc Yen Gem Market was beautiful, horribly tempting and we all came home with many treasures.

The highlight however, was being able to visit with the local miners. We felt very grateful to be invited to see the life of a small family mining set up and how the local spinel and sapphires made the journey from alluvial gravels to market.

Authored by Dorothy Ng (FGAA) and Toby Faux (puppy)