EditorsMay 07, 2024
10 On-Theme Looks from the 2024 Met GalaStars adorned themselves in emeralds, platinum, and myriad bird motifs, writes Associate Editor Natalie Francisco.
GradingNov 04, 2013
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
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
conference fee. The annual AGA membership meeting will be held during the lunch break.
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.
More on Grading
The Latest
IndependentsMay 07, 2024
112-Year-Old New Orleans Business Popping Up in Aspen M.S. Rau is set to open a seasonal gallery in the high-end resort town early next month.
MajorsMay 07, 2024
Richemont Acquires Italian Jeweler VhernierThe branded jewelry market is thriving, said Richemont Chairman Johann Rupert.
Brought to you by
From Registration to Return: 10 Tips to Protect You Before, During and After a TradeshowTradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
CollectionsMay 07, 2024
These ‘Luminaries’ Are Set to Light Up CoutureThe six designers, all participants in the show’s Diversity Action Council mentorship program, will exhibit in Salon 634.
Weekly QuizMay 02, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
AuctionsMay 07, 2024
Sotheby’s to Auction Sylvester Stallone’s WatchesThe highlight of his collection is the coveted Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, which could sell for up to $5 million.
CollectionsMay 07, 2024
Phillip Gavriel Pays Tribute to Venice With New CollectionThe “Venetian Link” series modernizes the classic Veneziana box chain in its bracelets and necklaces.
Brought to you by
Rio’s Reimagined Podcast: For the Love of JewelersMeet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2024
JA Now Accepting Applications for New Bench Jeweler ScholarshipThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship will provide tuition assistance to two low-income students.
Policies & IssuesMay 06, 2024
Rolex Files Objection to Hallmark’s New Trademark ApplicationThe Swiss watchmaker said the company’s plans to use a new version of the Hallmark crown on jewelry would confuse consumers.
EditorsMay 06, 2024
Q&A: 8 Questions With Anglo American’s Benny Oeyen The executive talked about the importance of self-purchasers and how fuel cell electric vehicles are going to fuel demand for platinum.
MajorsMay 06, 2024
Malabar Gold & Diamonds Opens 4th U.S. ShowroomThe Indian jeweler’s new store in Naperville, Illinois marks its 350th location, part of its ongoing global expansion plans.
Events & AwardsMay 06, 2024
Ben Bridge Jeweler Accepting Applications for Lonia Tate ScholarshipIt will award a graduating high school student with about $10,000 toward a GIA diploma and an internship with the Seattle-based jeweler.
CrimeMay 03, 2024
Second Suspect Arrested in Murder of Colorado JewelerWheat Ridge, Colorado police took a 50-year-old man into custody Wednesday following a two-month search.
CollectionsMay 03, 2024
A Sneak Peek Into PGI’s Couture Platinum Spotlight ProgramPGI partnered with four new and seven returning designers for its annual platinum capsule collection.
MajorsMay 03, 2024
Kristie Nicolosi Joins WJA Board AgainNicolosi, president and CEO of The Kingswood Company, previously sat on WJA’s board from 2011 to 2018.
CollectionsMay 03, 2024
Piece of the Week: A “Bit of LUV” for the DerbyKarina Brez’s race-ready piece is a sophisticated nod to the horse-rider relationship.
CrimeMay 02, 2024
4 Indicted in Burglary Ring Targeting Indian, South Asian FamiliesThe men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.
CollectionsMay 02, 2024
Foundrae Launches ‘Horizon’ Collection“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.
FinancialsMay 02, 2024
Pandora Raises Guidance After Strong Q1The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.
IndependentsMay 02, 2024
Oklahoma Jeweler Glenn Lewis Dies at 68The co-founder of Lewis Jewelers was also the longtime mayor of the city of Moore.
AuctionsMay 02, 2024
Vintage Baume & Mercier With Ties to Elvis Sells for $7K Elvis Presley gifted this circa 1967 gold and diamond watch to Dodie Marshall, his co-star in “Easy Come, Easy Go.”
SurveysMay 01, 2024
Consumer Confidence Falls in AprilConcerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.
TrendsMay 01, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: All Eyes on EmeraldsMay’s birthstone is beloved for its rich green hue and its versatility.
SourcingMay 01, 2024
Opsydia Names New Sales and Marketing Director Jacqui Larsson joins Opsydia with nearly two decades of experience in the industry.
CrimeMay 01, 2024
Grand Jury to Hear Case Against Jeweler Charged in Fatal Shove Following IJO ShowLast month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
