International Jade Summit Returns to Monterey, Focusing on Origin and Artistry

The International Jade Summit is set to return to Monterey, California, on Saturday, June 13, 2026. This one-day educational event will coincide with the Monterey Bay Jade Festival, held from June 12-14. Presented by Mason-Kay Jade, the summit aims to provide gemologists, jewelry appraisers, retail sales staff, and jade enthusiasts with in-depth knowledge of the jade market, from mining and sourcing to identification and artistic application.

Expert Lineup Explores Jade's Facets

The summit's program is structured to offer a comprehensive view of jade. It begins with jade artist and sculptor Georg Schmerholz, who will present on 'Jade as a Sculptural Medium.' Schmerholz, a recognized Western jade artist with numerous awards, co-founded the Monterey Bay Jade Festival in 2018. His session will explore jade not just as a material but as a medium for artistic expression, focusing on structure, movement, and balance.

Following the artistic perspective, William Ralston-Saul, COO of Jade Resources Ltd., will discuss the journey 'From Mine to Marketplace.' Ralston-Saul will highlight the Itmurundy jadeite deposit in Kazakhstan, recognized as the world's largest known jadeite deposit. His presentation will cover efforts to establish a legally traceable jade pipeline and move material up the value chain through branding and product development, aiming to expand the market beyond traditional rough trading.

The summit concludes with Dr. Aaron Palke, Senior Manager of Colored Stone Research at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Dr. Palke's session will focus on 'Jadeite Origin and Research,' addressing the growing importance of geographic origin determination and treatment identification. This is particularly relevant as buyers increasingly seek transparency and confidence in the marketplace.

A Unique Gathering for Jade Professionals and Enthusiasts

The International Jade Summit is billed as the only jade-centric conference in the United States. It offers a unique opportunity for professionals and enthusiasts to deepen their understanding of jade and the international market. The event is specifically designed for those seeking to expand their knowledge, whether they are gemologists, appraisers, or simply passionate about jade.

The summit will take place at the Monterey History and Art Museum, located at 5 Custom House Plaza. The event runs from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., with time allocated for professional networking. Tickets, priced at $108.54 after fees, include access to all three seminars and lunch. Attendees are also encouraged to explore the museum's exhibits and the wider Monterey Bay Jade Festival, which features over 45 vendors and the Georg Schmerholz Jade Carving Exhibition.

Monterey: A Natural Fit for a Jade Celebration

Monterey's coastal setting, with its rugged shoreline and historical connection to jade—particularly nephrite jade found along the nearby Big Sur Coast—provides a fitting backdrop for the festival and summit. The Monterey Bay Jade Festival itself is dedicated solely to jade, showcasing everything from rough stone to finished carvings, jewelry, and sculptures, offering attendees a rare glimpse into the material's full spectrum.