GIA’s “The Passion of Colored Gemstones” book launchesGIA (Gemological Institute of America) kicks off the year at the upcoming 2018 Tucson gem and mineral shows with activities including the GIA Show Service Laboratory, GIA education seminars, presentations and the annual GIA alumni party. The Institute will be at the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) GemFair™, January 30 - February 4, and at the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show (TGMS), February 8-11, both at the Tucson Convention Center. Copies of GIA’s new book “The Passion of Colored Gemstones” will be available as a show gift at AGTA. More information is available on the GIA website at https://www.GIA.edu/gem-fair-agta-gemfair-tucson-2018.
GIA highlights at the 2018 Tucson shows include:
GIA Show Service Laboratory at AGTA GemFair
Show attendees will have convenient access to gem identification and country-of-origin services at the show. GIA will accept colored stones in the AGTA GemFair Onyx Suite from Monday, January 29 through Saturday, February 3 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; and February 4 from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Stones are tested on a first-come, first-served basis. The service time to complete your order can vary depending on when you submit your item. For more information visit https://www.GIA.edu/gem-lab-service/show-service or call +1 800 421 7250 ext 4517 or +1 760 603 4517. Diamond and pearl report services will not be available.
Education
GIA will offer three educational seminars – each a 2-hour lecture and lab. Seminars have limited capacity; to register for the seminars call GIA admissions at +1 800 421 7250 ext. 4001 or +1 760 603 4001, or contact [email protected].
Identifying Synthetic Diamond Seminar with Lab
Friday, Feb. 2, 1-3 p.m., Coconino Room
Through interactive, guided discussion and hands-on lab led by GIA instructor(s), this seminar will present information on HPHT- and CVD-grown synthetic diamonds and how to separate them from natural diamonds.
Ruby: Country of Origin Determination
Saturday, Febryary 3, 9-11 a.m., Coconino Room
Using GIA’s country of origin sample collection, students will learn the fundamentals of determining the country of origin for ruby using visual, inclusion and chemistry factors. Microscopes will be used during the lab session to identify inclusions in the actual samples used by GIA.
Sapphire: Country of Origin Determination
Saturday, February 3, 1-3 p.m., Coconino Room
Using GIA’s country of origin sample collection, students will learn the fundamentals of determining the country of origin for sapphire using visual, inclusion and chemistry factors. Microscopes will be used during the lab session to identify inclusions in the actual samples used by GIA.
Free Seminar - The Latest News From GIA Research
Friday, February 2, 9-10 a.m., Mohave Room
Dr. James Shigley, GIA distinguished research fellow and a member of GIA's research team, will share “The Latest News From GIA Research.” This presentation will cover important industry insights including research on diamonds, colored stones and other timely topics.
Party at the GIA Gem Mine
Friday, February 2, 6:30-11 p.m., Tucson University Park Hotel
GIA Alumni Association’s annual auction and dinner dance will honor the life and legacy of Richard T. Liddicoat, the Father of Modern Gemology, with recognition of the centennial year of his birth. Tickets are $65. Register and purchase tickets at https://www.GIA.edu/party-at-the-gia-gem-mine-event or purchase tickets at the door. For more information contact [email protected].
Retailer Support Program (RSP)
GIA Booth on Galleria Level
The GIA Retailer Support Program includes GIA signage, educational counter displays and brochures to bring GIA information about diamonds, colored stones and pearls into the conversation at the counter. The program also provides free videos, images, logos and interactive downloads that can be used in advertising, and on a retailer’s website and social media pages. In addition, the Retailer Support Program offers training resources, including a series of training modules retailers can use with their staff.
The Passion of Colored Gemstones
This newly published 48-page book covers informative topics like colored stone quality factors, geographical source and treatment information with lore and beautiful images for 18 of the most popular colored stones. Jewelers can use this colorful book as a gift with purchase for favorite customers, or as an in-store reference.
Full book contents: 18 stones (alexandrite, amethyst, aquamarine, citrine, emerald, garnet, jade-jadeite, jade-nephrite, opal, pearl, peridot, ruby, sapphire, spinel, tanzanite, topaz, tourmaline and turquoise), phenomena, treatments, glossary and birthstone chart.
GIA will be giving away a complimentary copy while supplies last, the book will also be available through the Retailer Support Program site http://retailer.GIA.edu.
“The Passion of Colored Gemstones” GIA’s newest book covers quality factors, geographical source and treatment information of 18 popular gemstones.
Through research, education, gemological laboratory services, and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science, and professionalism. Visit GIA.edu
