Glenview, Ill.—The World of Gems Conference, co-hosted by Gemworld International Inc. and the American Gem Trade Association Gemological Testing Center (AGTA-GTC), have announced the speaker and session program for the event.

New York—Johnson Matthey NY has revamped its Web site, JMNY.com, to help jewelers increase their platinum and palladium business.

Carlsbad, Calif.—The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is offering more than 65 scholarships for the 2009 school year, collectively valued at more than $370,000.

Las Vegas—The American Gem Society (AGS) has introduced a new custom sales-training program developed exclusively for AGS members that offers opportunities for both classroom and online learning.

New York—What are your peers up to?

London—BHP Billiton announced on Thursday that The U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have essentially cleared the way for its proposed acquisition of Rio Tinto, a deal that would create the world's largest mining conglomerate.

London—BHP Billiton announced on Thursday that The U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have essentially cleared the way for its proposed acquisition of Rio Tinto, a deal that would create the world's largest mining conglomerate.

BHP Billiton said Thursday that the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission have granted early termination of the Hart-Scott-Rodino waiting period for BHP Billiton’s proposed acquisition of Rio Tinto. The mining giant also said that the Antitrust Division of the DoJ has concluded its review without further action.

BHP Billiton said Thursday that the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission have granted early termination of the Hart-Scott-Rodino waiting period for BHP Billiton’s proposed acquisition of Rio Tinto. The mining giant also said that the Antitrust Division of the DoJ has concluded its review without further action.

The Gemological Institute of America is offering more than 65 scholarships valued at over $372,308. This includes $227,778 allotted to the scholarship fund by the GIA’s Board of Governors from interest earned through GIA’s permanently invested endowment fund.