CARLSBAD, Calif. – Jan. 17, 2012 – GIA (Gemological Institute of America) will feature laboratory services, free seminars, classes and other offerings from Jan. 30 through Feb. 12 at the Tucson Convention Center during the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) GemFair™ and the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show.
Esteemed GIA researchers Dr. James Shigley and John Koivula will present free seminars on recent gemological discoveries and research, while the Institute will offer the Diamond Grading Lab Class. The GIA Alumni Association will also sponsor the annual dinner, auction and dance event, “Party at the GIA Gem Mine,” on Feb. 3 at the Marriott University Park Hotel. More details about GIA at the 2012 Tucson shows include:
GIA Show Service Laboratory at AGTA GemFair
Show attendees will be able to take advantage of convenient access to gem identification and country-of-origin services through the Show Service Laboratory. Seasoned GIA gemologists will accept gemstones onsite at the AGTA GemFair show Monday through Friday, Jan. 30 – Feb. 4 from 9 a.m. to 5p.m.; and Sunday, Feb. 5 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Two Free GIA Seminars
The first seminar will be presented from 9 to 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 3 by Dr. James Shigley, GIA distinguished research fellow. Dr. Shigley will provide an overview of the latest lab developments including diamonds, colored stones and other timely topics of interest.
The second seminar will be from 1 to 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 3 with John Koivula, GIA chief research gemologist. He will discuss recent inclusion discoveries, which in turn provide clues to the genesis of gem materials in their discovered state.
GIA Education
Diamond Grading Lab Class
Monday through Friday, Jan. 30 – Feb. 3, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Through a combination of hands-on training, one-on-one coaching, and multimedia presentations, students will learn to grade diamonds using a modern gem microscope and jeweler’s loupe. Students will become proficient in GIA’s Diamond Grading System, discover time-saving shortcuts on a variety of grading factors, and learn to read a GIA Diamond Grading Report. The class includes 18-plus hours of practicing grading techniques on diamonds that were carefully selected and graded by GIA. Students must pass a two-stone practical test to complete the class.
Field Gemology
Saturday, Feb. 4, 9 to 11 a.m.
Students will learn how to utilize pocket-size instruments to make identifications in the field. Instruments such as a loupe, hand-held spectroscope, and dichroscope, allow gemologists to make identifications at trade shows, buyer’s offices, swap meets, garage sales, and even mines.
Identifying Ruby Treatments
Saturday, Feb. 4, 1 to 3 p.m.
In this lecture and hands-on lab, students learn what treatments they can identify with standard gemological equipment and how to detect their identifying characteristics. Treatments covered in this seminar include heat-treatment, glass filling, composite rubies, flux-assisted healed fractures, and beryllium diffusion.
Party at the GIA Gem Mine
The GIA Alumni Association’s annual auction, dinner and dance event is on Friday, Feb. 3 from 6:30 to 11 p.m. at the Marriott University Park Hotel. Ticket prices are $50 prior to Jan. 20; $65 after and at the door. Register here http://www.gia.edu/educational-programs/alumni/gia-alumni-tucson.html
GIA Museum Exhibits
GIA will showcase two exhibits at the 2012 Tucson Gem & Mineral Show, Feb. 9-12. One will feature the southwest-inspired jewelry of Pierre Touraine to complement this year’s show theme of “Minerals of Arizona.” The Richard T. Liddicoat Gemological Library and Information Center, in collaboration with the Geo-Literary Society, will also highlight the work of scientist and author Dr. Kurt Nassau. Dr. Nassau grew gem crystals and wrote numerous books on crystal growth and the causes of color in gems and minerals.
GIA Special Offers on Instruments and Publications
GIA is offering a number of instruments including microscope and accessories deals that will only be available during AGTA GemFair. Several exclusive offers will be available at GIA’s booth at the AGTA GemFair for G&G subscriptions, current and back issues, G&G In Review books, a selection of various books and reference charts.
For more information about GIA in Tucson, visit gia.edu/about-gia/events-calendar/tucson/index.html
