The world of gemstones is filled with adventure, negotiation, and discovery — and this year, Time & Shine Toronto will bring that world directly to the Canadian jewellery community.
We are pleased to announce that The Gem Hunters, led by internationally recognized gem adventurers Ron LeBlanc and Diane Robinson, will be presenting a special seminar during the upcoming Time & Shine Jewellery Trade Show in Toronto, April 26–27.
Known for their appearances on the Travel Channel’s Gem Hunt, the duo travels the globe in search of rare gemstones directly from their source — from the sapphire deposits of Madagascar to the emerald markets of Colombia. Their work combines field exploration, gemstone expertise, and deep knowledge of the global coloured gemstone trade.
During their seminar at Time & Shine, attendees will gain an insider’s look into:
- How gemstones move from remote mines to the jewellery showcase
- The realities of buying gemstones at the source
- Identifying opportunity and risk in the coloured gemstone market
- Stories from decades of gem hunting around the world
- How jewellers can build stronger gemstone narratives for their clients
For retailers, designers, and buyers looking to expand their coloured gemstone knowledge, this seminar offers a rare opportunity to learn directly from professionals who have spent years navigating some of the most fascinating gem regions on earth.
Time & Shine Toronto is not just about discovering new suppliers — it is about discovering the stories behind the stones.
Make sure you are there.
Toronto
April 26–27
Time & Shine Jewellery Trade Show
Register now at timeandshineexpo.com
Diane Robinson:
Diane entered the world of gemstones in the early 1990s, serving as an advisor and head marketer for the precious gemstones sourced by international gem hunter Ron LeBlanc. She was also one of the founders of Madacana Holdings, a gem exploration company established in 2004 in Madagascar.
Diane then completed her MBA with a specialization in Luxury Management at the International University of Monaco in 2011. This academic specialization brought an advanced understanding in luxury branding and marketing.
In 2013 Diane, along with Ron LeBlanc and Bernie Gaboury hosted the reality TV series Gem Hunt. The show followed Diane, Ron and Gaboury as they travel to remote locations around the world, such as Madagascar, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Colombia, Ethiopia, Brazil, and Vietnam in search of rare and valuable gemstones. The team’s expertise in negotiating with miners and traders, authenticating stones, and understanding market value, all while navigating the risks and uncertainties of the gem trade, is unprecedented.
Diane went on to establish the luxury jewellery brand Huntress, specializing in bold statement pieces highlighting the precious gemstones she and Ron sourced in their gem hunting adventures.
In addition to the world of gems, Diane is an award-winning television producer, former journalist, and on-going and ever evolving entrepreneur.
Diane is also known as the ‘Gem Huntress’ reflecting both her role on television and her adventurous career in tracking rare gems around the globe.
Ron LeBlanc:
Ron is the director and founder of The Gem Hunters Guild. He has been an international gem hunter for 46 years and remains highly active in the field. He is also the co-designer of Huntress’s latest jewellery line, Warrior Women.
Ron previously hosted the television series Gem Hunt on the Travel Channel and has since transitioned to video-casting his expeditions through the YouTube channel The Gem Hunters.
He has written for Canada Press, CORE Magazine, City Out Monaco, and Collections Magazine, where he chronicled his experiences working in the field as an international gem hunter.
Ron is a Graduate Gemologist (GG) from GIA, class of 1980, and remains forever on the hunt. When he is not searching for treasure, he writes songs, owns a special events venue, collects art, and hunts for his golf balls in the woods.
