Become a gem hunter !
If you want to live a unique and exceptional experience, look no further and join us on our gemology trips around the world.
Our gemology field trips are aimed at both amateurs and professionals in the field of jewelry and gemology and are focused on the transmission of the knowledge of the gemological profession, from theory to practice.
A complete program is proposed to you. Visit the different types of mines, the heating of stones, the workshops, the markets of stones as well as some surprises.
Give yourself a precious break !
Imagine discovering the fascinating world of gemstones accompanied by professionals on the field, sharing their secrets and techniques for recognizing stones.
At every stage of your stay, we will be at your side.
You can even buy your stones on the spot at unbeatable prices.
Explore the mines and markets !
Mines around the world are alluvial, underground or open air. We suggest that you visit the three types of mines present in your chosen destination for a full appreciation of the techniques of gemstones extraction and learn about the different ways they are extracted.
Thailand is the hub of the world for exceptional gemstones, but produces very few gems.
Sri Lanka naturally produces sapphires, rubies, spinels, alexandrites, tourmalines, zircons, peridots, citrines, topazes, garnets, quartz, moonstones among the most famous gemstones.
We invite you to learn about the different ways of extracting gems, and you will be able to learn how to pan, and to go down into the underground mines during your stay with us, in the best safety conditions.
Sapphire remains the most extracted gemstone on the island, especially between Kolonné and Ratnapura. The production remains very rudimentary, the alluviums locally called "illam" are extracted in wells of a maximum depth of 15 meters before being filtered in wicker bins.
India is known worldwide for its trade in fine and ornamental gemstones, which are cut in Jaipur from all over the world.
Pakistan produces magnificent gems such as spinels, sapphires, rubies, peridots, aquamarines, tourmalines, topaz, emeralds and many others. What makes Pakistan so special is that the gems it produces are of the highest quality. They are often very pure, with intense colours and a beautiful lustre. The Namak Mandi market in Peshawar is the hub of the country's gem trade, and this is where we will be concentrating our research.
Portrait
Benoît Charbonneau
Trained as a jeweler and gemologist at GIA, Benoît invites you to discover his passion for gemstones. Fascinated by stones since his childhood, he never ceases to carry you away in his world of colors and unique journeys.
With more than 20 years of experience in jewelry and gemology, as a trader for the most exclusives jewelers at Place Vendôme in Paris and with artisan jewelers between Asia and France, he puts all of his trading experience and expertise at your service
Vision
Gemology was an integral part of Benoît Charbonneau’s education, at the end of 6 years of jewellery studies. After obtaining his graduation and winning several awards in jewellery, the young gemologist first worked as a jeweller in the prestigious workshops of the Place Vendôme in Paris, then for the famous jeweller "Chopard" in St Barths during 6 years. Before its return to France, he spent 6 months at the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) in the United States to perfect his technical expertise in gemology.
After his experience in St Barths with an elite clientele, this jeweller-gemologist settled in France, and several positions in the jewellery business, Benoît Charbonneau's experience, knowledge and personality found an effective way to express itself by specialising in the trade and opening his company GEM SELECTION in 2015 in France.
Your hotels
Because we believe that your gemology experience should be unique and unforgettable, we have personally selected each of your hotels with the utmost care.
Partners
