NDC filed a complaint against Skydiamond for use of phrases like “diamonds made entirely from the sky.”
AGA announces Tucson conference speakers
The Accredited Gemologists Association (AGA) will bring together a number of experts to address opportunities and issues related to the colored gemstone and diamond markets during its upcoming Tucson Conference.
San Diego--The Accredited Gemologists Association (AGA) will bring together a number of experts to address opportunities and issues related to the colored gemstone and diamond markets during its upcoming Tucson Conference.
Titled “Gems: Fabulous, Fake, and Nefarious,” the conference will take place Feb. 5, 2014, at the Marriott University Park Hotel. This year’s lineup includes presentations on the health hazards of green diamonds, the changing world of sapphires, and separation techniques using luminescence for diamonds, among other topics.
Research gemologist Franck Notari, co-founder of the GGTL Lab in Geneva, will speak on the Hazards of Green Diamonds, where he will present recent research findings concerning radiation the can be associated with them.
Treated green diamonds can at times show extremely high, residual radioactivity, generally due to irradiation through direct contact with radium salts, a treatment that is said to be no longer in use. Diamonds treated to turn green by creating color-centers with radioactive energy are rare, but can have serious health risks for consumers and gemologists alike when exposed to it. Notari will address these effects, as well as the idea that current gemological courses don’t adequately highlight the risks of that method.
Lore Kiefert, chief gemologist at Gübelin Gem Lab, will give a presentation titled “In the Footsteps of Dr. Edward Gübelin: Old and New Mogok Mining Methods for Sapphires,” in which she will talk about the increased activities at the mines in the Mogok Valley in Myanmar, formerly Burma, as well as the gemological characteristics and differences of sapphires collected from classic and newer productions.
Shane McClure will speak about sapphires, giving a speech on the unusual characteristics in diffused synthetic sapphires and how to spot them.
Olivier Segura will address the opportunities, limits and challenges of pearl analysis that gemological laboratories studying natural pearl analysis currently face, including the rise of new and deceptive ways to nucleate cultured pearls leading to incorrect identification as natural pearls, as well as more sophisticated treatments to alter the color of natural pearls, among other things.
The all-day conference takes place in conjunction with the February Tucson gem shows, including the American Gem Trade Association’s GemFair, which runs from Feb. 4 to 9 at the Tucson Convention Center.
The conference sessions at the AGA Conference & Gala will run from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Continental breakfast, light lunch and gala tickets are included with the
The evening will conclude with a dinner and awards ceremony, honoring the 2014 winner of the Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology. Those not interested in attending the conference can purchase tickets just for the gala.
More information about the event and speakers, as well as registration and ticket prices, can be found on the AGA’s website.
The Latest
John Carter received the AGS’s highest honor Tuesday afternoon at Conclave in Austin, Texas.
LVMH said the company performed well despite an uncertain geopolitical and economic environment.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
B&D Sales and Service held a ribbon-cutting event for its new location in Cranston, Rhode Island.
It’s ultra-feminine and filled with gold, pearls, and soft pastels.
Emily Highet Morgan and Emily Bennett have joined the agency’s team.
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
Its updated book for mountings is also now available.
She has been with the organization since 2010, most recently serving as its chief officer of PR and industry relations.
Joyce’s Jewelry sued the bank after cybercriminals drained its accounts of nearly $1.6 million through a series of wire transfers.
He is remembered by loved ones for his loyalty, integrity, and kindness.
Hosted by Freeman’s | Hindman, the sale will take place May 7-8.
The auction house said all 24 timepieces offered in its underground sale of rare and avant-garde watches quickly found buyers.
From lab-grown diamonds and AI to the inevitable Taylor Swift mention, here are some of Conclave’s most intriguing educational offerings.
From cybersecurity liability to trade show coverage, insurance experts share tips on how to build the right policy.
The charm is a modern rendition of the evil eye amulet that has been worn for thousands of years.
Ahead of its trade show next month, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to one jewelry professional and three students.
By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.
Members can still sell lab-grown stones, it said, but only natural gems are allowed on the show floor.
He is remembered for his charisma, passion, integrity, kindness, and wit.
The retailer also appointed two new board members, avoiding a proxy fight from a potential buyer.
The bridal collection consists of 35 engagement rings and seven wedding bands.
The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
The family-owned jeweler has a new education section on its website dedicated to the history of diamond cutting.
The limited-edition men’s rings can be customized with one of 12 team logos.
There is a willingness to comply with new government-mandated regulations, with an insistence that they should be practical and realistic.