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GIA enhances offerings at Tucson shows
The Gemological Institute of America has announced that it will offer special laboratory services, gem and jewelry seminars and classes during the annual gem shows next month.
Attendees of the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show will get to preview pieces from the GIA’s spring exhibit in Carlsbad, Calif., “Gems&Gemology 80th Anniversary,” including these intense rubellites from the Queen Mine in San Diego County.
Carlsbad, Calif.--The Gemological Institute of America has announced that it will offer special laboratory services, gem and jewelry seminars and classes during the annual gem shows next month.
The GIA’s services and seminars will take place at Tucson Convention Center during the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) GemFair from Feb. 4 to 9, and at the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show from Feb. 13 to 16.
Two free seminars will explore recent gemological discoveries and research, and the Museum of London’s Cheapside Hoard exhibit.
The GIA also will offer two lab classes--colored stone grading and pearl grading--as well as two fee-based seminars--identifying synthetic diamonds and identifying diamond treatment.
The GIA Alumni Association will sponsor its annual dinner, auction and dance event, “Party at the GIA Gem Mine,” at the Marriott University Park Hotel on Feb. 7.
Details about the offerings at the Tucson show are as follows:
GIA Museum Exhibit
Attendees of the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show will have the opportunity to take a look at pieces from GIA’s spring exhibit in Carlsbad, “Gems & Gemology 80th Anniversary.” Pieces on display will include those featured on three different covers of the institute’s scientific journal, along with their covers.
GIA Show Service Laboratory
Attendees of AGTA’s GemFair will have access to gem identification and country-of-origin services through the GIA Show Service Laboratory. Seasoned GIA gemologists will accept gemstones onsite at the AGTA GemFair in the Onyx Suite.
Free GIA Seminars
Magnificent Jewels of Cheapside Hoard
Wednesday, Feb. 5, 1 to 2 p.m.
Robert Weldon, GIA’s manager of photography and visual communications and a noted expert on colored gems, will talk about photographing and documenting the treasures of the Museum of London’s Cheapside Hoard.
The Latest News from GIA Research
Friday, Feb. 7, 9 to 10 a.m.
GIA’s Distinguished Research Fellow James Shigley will provide an update on the institute’s latest research developments on diamonds, colored stones and other topics.
GIA Classes
GIA will offer two lab classes and two seminars during the AGTA’s GemFair. Pre-registration is required. Call GIA Admissions at 800-421-7250, ext. 4001 to register for the seminars, and visit GIA’s website to register for the lab classes.
Colored Stone Grading Lab Class
Tuesday through Thursday, Feb. 4-6, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Students will develop skills in grading the color, clarity and cut quality of a wide range of colored stones and learn the
GIA Colored Stone Grading System and how to describe color by hue, tone and saturation, among other things.
Pearl Grading Lab Class
Friday, Feb. 7, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Students will discover how experts determine the quality of akoya, freshwater, South Sea and Tahitian pearls, learn GIA’s 7 Pearl Value Factors and learn how to evaluate freshwater and cultured pearls in order to increase sales and promote the relationship between beauty, value and quality in merchandise.
Identifying Synthetic Diamonds
Saturday, Feb. 8, 9 to 11 a.m.
Through both lecture and a hands-on lab, students will learn how to identify high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) grown synthetic diamonds and separate them from natural diamonds, as well as gain insight into the identification of diamonds grown using the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process.
Identifying Diamond Treatments
Saturday, Feb. 8, 1 to 3 p.m.
Students will learn about the most important diamond treatment processes currently used in the gemstone market. The class covers the nature and treatment identification of diamonds, including laser-drilled, fracture-filled, HPHT, irradiation, and multiple treatment processes.
Throughout GemFair, GIA experts also will answer questions and discuss a variety of relevant topics at booth #450 in the CAD Design Studio, located in the Gem Hall.
More details about the institute’s offerings at the AGTA GemFair can be found on the GIA website.
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