(IDEX Online) - The International Gemological Institute (IGI) recently held its first alumni meeting for its Italy association since the launch of the program in 2017. Designed to foster continuing education and promote professional collaboration, the meeting spotlighted achievements made by the association during its first year in market - as well as reinforced its objectives and membership benefits. Attendees were also updated on IGI's worldwide activities, accompanied by a call to act with fairness and a sense of responsibility within the industry. The program included a presentation from Michele Macr??, an internationally-known mineralogist and curator of the Rome La Sapienza University Museums of Natural Sciences. Macr?? delivered a speech on the controversial issue of how gemstones shape their market value across the production chain up to the public. Alberto Scarani, an international expert in gemological advanced technological research, presented on the outlook of the main applications of spectroscopy, Raman, UV-VIS-NIR, FTIR and luminescence. His discussion focused specifically on the diagnostic acquisitions made possible by each technique. He also held a session devoted to Raman and related photoluminescence investigations to identify gems and their treatments. "We are honored to provide expert commentary and unique learning opportunities through our alumni association meeting," said Paolo Minieri, president of the Italy Alumni Association. "Through this avenue, we hope to empower students, graduate gemologists and alumni to stay informed on industry news, trends and new technologies. We look forward to continuing to be a gemological resource for the Italian community." Of note, the Association is open to not only IGI graduate gemologists, present and past students, gem cutters, gem lovers and gemstones dealers, but to all those bearing an interest in gems, gemology and related subjects. "This is our first IGI Alumni Association and we plan to extend the model to many other countries in the near future," said Roland Lorie, IGI CEO. "Since 1980, our students have followed IGI closely. Through the expansion of the Alumni Associations, IGI will enable tens of thousands of students from all parts of the world to exchange similar learnings and experiences." A ceremony was also held for 10 IGI gemology school graduates. The students received their diplomas for their successful completion of required gemological courses and a final examination.