The Untold Story of Tajikistan's Kuh-I-Lal Spinel Mine

In this lecture, Dacques Nini will share his experiences as an adventurous field gemologist, taking us on a journey to Tajikistan's Kuh-I-Lal Spinel mine, famed both for its legendary spinels, some of which reside in the British Crown Jewels, and for the myths surrounding its treacherous depths. Through never-before-seen photographs and first-hand accounts, Dacques will provide a rare glimpse into one of the most secretive and historic gemstone deposits in the world. This captivating talk offers an authentic, boots-on-the-ground perspective of the region and the mine.

Dacques's Bio: Dacques Nini, GIA GG, PG, JDT; FCGmA, GB, has over 20 years of fieldwork experience in more than 80 countries, exploring elite gem-producing regions such as Mogok, notable diamond mines, and the Colombian emerald mines. His expertise blends scientific knowledge with strong connections to collectors and trading houses. He serves as the U.S. Ambassador for the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) and has led the GIA Houston Alumni Collective for over 10 years

Host or Publisher Golden Gate GIA Alumni Association