Ronnie is an acknowledged industry leader and Trusted Adviser with over 40 years in the Gemstones and jewellery industry. He is the 5th generation custodian of one of Melbourne's oldest antique jewellery firms which was established in Vienna, Austria in 1889. He is the Founder of Bauer Gemmological Laboratories (BGL) and developed the breakthrough technology for laser inscription for Gemstones (other than diamonds) which transformed security and identification of precious stones for the global market.Ronnie has been awarded an Honorary Fellowship of the British Gemmological Association (Gem A) for his services to Gemmology. He is a published Expert on antique jewellery and Australia's leading expert on jade. He is also one of only five jewellery and gemstone valuers for the Australian Government's Cultural Gift Program. Together with his family business, Ronnie is engaged in international business development, jewellery standards and trade. He is also active on numerous Boards and community projects and has contributed as an MC, Speaker, Panel Guest and Adviser for many conferences including the recent World Jewellery Congress (CIBJO), JP Morgan Global Services and Hong Kong Asia Gemstones Institute and Laboratory (AGIL). He is the youngest Honorary Life member of the Gemmological Association of Australia (GAA), has held the position of Chairman and President for over nine (9) years and is the current State Secretary. As an industry advocate, Ronnie is passionate about global best practice, sustainable mining of gems, industry branding, security and consumer confidence. He is highly regarded for his management leadership, representation of the interests of global traders, gemmologists and valuers using industry best practice. He is a champion of education and mentorship of future generations together with representation of business owners and retail trade. He is currently on the Board of the Jewellers Association of Australia and the State Board of the National Council of Jewellery Valuers. Since 2009, he has been the Senior Australian representatives to the World Jewellery Congress (CIBJO). Ronnie has also served on the International Coloured Stone Steering Commission of CIBJO and served on the Jade and Opal Nomenclature Committees and on the Steering Committee for the Introduction of a Uniform Pearl Grading System. He holds numerous industry and tertiary qualifications including a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts (Communications and Media) and Diplomas in Diamond Technology, Gemmology and Valuation.