23/09/2026
Today I had the honor of serving as a master judge for the 5th GUILD Aurora International Gem and Jewelry Competition.
This year’s theme, From Mine to Masterpiece, follows a gemstone from its origin to the finished jewel. The categories reflect that journey: colored gemstones, pearls, gem cutting, jewelry design, finished jewelry, and jade, which joins the competition for the first time in 2026.
Judging asks you to explain, entry by entry, why one color, cut, or piece deserves recognition over another. It is the same reasoning I bring to every stone we source at Caram and every valuation we give.
My thanks to Ruby for the invitation, and to Andy Lucas, for leading such a well-run and rigorous process. Congratulations to every nominee.
— Rahul Jain, Director
GUILD Gem Laboratories
FineJewelry Gemology RareGemstones Emeral