GIA: Gems & Gemology: 2006 GIA Gemological Research Conference

Click here to order the Proceedings of the 4th International Gemological Symposium and 2006 Gemological Research Conference (Fall 2006 issue of Gems & Gemology). To view a report summarizing some of the GRC presentations, click here.

Sponsored by Charles & Colvard, Ltd.

Cryogenic Raman spectroscopy. Photo by Michael Justice.

The science of gemology is expanding today in many exciting directions that encompass not only mineralogy and geology, but also a variety of other fields such as physics, chemistry, and materials science. This evolution is in response to increasing challenges from new synthetic and treated gem materials, as well as the need to characterize natural gems from numerous traditional and new sources. Most of this research is focused on the nondestructive analysis of gem materials for purposes of documenting their gemological properties and determining means of identification. In addition, geologic field work at known gem localities, and the study of new deposits, continues to yield important insights on the origin of gems.

To explore the most recent technical developments in gemology and related sciences, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) will host a Gemological Research Conference on August 26–27, 2006, in San Diego, California, in conjunction with the 4th International Gemological Symposium. This conference will provide an international forum for scientists and other specialists to exchange information and gain a better understanding of modern gemological research. The conference will be held in subsequent years on a regular basis.

Venue
The 2006 GIA Gemological Research Conference will be held at the Manchester Grand Hyatt, one of the largest convention hotels in Southern California (402-592-6464, view map for this hotel). Since hosting GIA's 3rd International Gemological Symposium in 1999, this hotel has been significantly enlarged and remodeled. It now has 1,625 guest rooms and 125,000 square feet of meeting/banquet space, and is located on the San Diego waterfront just a short distance from the airport as well as Sea World and other attractions. The GRC/IGS registration desk at the Hyatt will be open at the following times: 3–6 pm on August 25 and 7 am–6 pm on August 26–29. All attendees must visit the registration desk to obtain their conference badges and supplementary materials.

The dress code for the conference is business attire during the day and dressy business or cocktail attire during the evening social functions.

Scientific Program

The following six general conference themes (scheduled in two parallel sessions) are planned for Saturday, August 26 (8 am to 5 pm) and for Sunday, August 27 (8 am to 12 pm):

Gem mining at Ilakaka, Madagascar. Photo
by Brendan Laurs.

Geology of Gem Deposits
New Gem Occurrences
Gem Characterization Techniques
Diamond and Corundum Treatments
Laboratory Growth of Gem Materials
General Gemology

A scientific advisory committee consisting of leading experts in the field has been assembled. Together with these committee members, we have developed a list of questions for each theme that we hope will be addressed by conference participants. Each session will feature invited lectures, submitted oral presentations, and opportunities for participant discussions. In addition, a poster session will take place on August 27 (12 pm to 2 pm). During the poster session, there will be facilities for interested presenters (oral or poster) to show their research samples to others, using gemological microscopes if necessary. The primary goal of the conference is to maximize the exchange of information among participants. Poster presenters may leave their posters up for viewing during the International Gemological Symposium (August 27–29) as well. Note that the conference program is subject to change. Click here for a list of oral and poster presentations that have been confirmed for the GRC. Click here for a list of Symposium-only poster presentations.

Language
The official language of the conference will be English.

Important Dates
March 1, 2006             Deadline for travel grant applications
March 31, 2006           Abstracts due for oral and poster sessions
May 1, 2006                Author notification of accepted/rejected abstracts
June 15, 2006             Registration deadline for presenters
August 11, 2006          Early registration deadline for attendees
August 25, 2006          Optional field trip to Pala pegmatite district (limited
                                    to 50 GRC registrants) [SOLD OUT]
August 26–27, 2006    GIA Gemological Research Conference
August 27–29, 2006    4th Int'l Gemological Symposium (a separate
                                    registration fee will apply)
August 30, 2006          Optional field trip to Pala pegmatite district (limited
                                    to 50 GRC/IGS registrants) [SOLD OUT]

Beryl in a variety of colors (9.60–42.68 ct). John A. Banning collection, photo by Robert Weldon.

Call for Abstracts
The deadline to submit abstracts for both the oral and poster sessions was March 31, 2006.

Abstracts will be evaluated for appropriateness and technical merit. Notification of acceptance or rejection of these submitted presentations will be sent by May 1, 2006.

Speakers should plan to give their oral presentations using PowerPoint software either with their own laptop computer or with computer hardware made available for the conference. A projection system and screen will be available for use in each session room. Prospective oral and poster presenters are encouraged to review the suggestions that GIA has prepared to help ensure an effective presentation. To view these suggestions, click here.

Speakers will have 20 minutes, including question time, to deliver their talk (30 minutes for keynote speakers).

Poster Session
Click here to download a PDF brochure on the Poster Session. Or, to have a brochure mailed to you, send an email to library@gia.edu.

The poster session will take place on Sunday 8/27, from 12:00 noon–1:45 pm. Posters will also be available for viewing on Saturday 8/26 from 7:30 am–6:00 pm and on Sunday 8/27 from 7:30 am–1:45 pm. The poster session area will display posters from both the GRC and the International Gemological Symposium (8/27 to 8/29). GRC poster participants are encouraged to leave their presentations on display during the IGS. (If you are not planning to attend the IGS, GIA is willing to ship your poster to you after the conclusion of the IGS.)

Note to poster presenters: Available times for the setup and take-down of your posters are as follows:

Setup:
Friday 8/25 6:00 pm–9:00 pm
Saturday 8/26 6:30 am–9:00 pm
Sunday 8/27 6:30 am–11:00 am

Take-down:
Sunday 8/27 2:00 pm–5:00 pm
Monday 8/28 7:30 am–6:00 pm
Tuesday 8/29 5:30 pm–10:00 pm
Wednesday 8/30 7:00 am–12:00 noon

Publication
Abstracts for both oral and poster presentations that are given at the conference will be published in a proceedings volume (Fall 2006 issue of Gems & Gemology), together with abstracts from the 4th International Gemological Symposium. To order this issue, contact Circulation Coordinator Debbie Ortiz. Call toll-free 800-421-7250, ext. 7142. Outside the U.S. and Canada, call 760-603-4000, ext. 7142. To order online or subscribe to G&G, click here.

Meals and Social Events
The following social events will be provided at no extra charge to all registered participants of the 2006 GIA Gemological Research Conference:

Saturday, August 26:
Continental Breakfast (7:00 am–8:00 am)
Conference Luncheon (12:45 pm–1:45 pm)
Cocktail Party (6:00 pm–8:00 pm)

Sunday, August 27:
Continental Breakfast (7:00 am–8:00 am)
Buffet Lunch in Poster Session Arena (12:00 pm–1:45 pm)
Opening Session for the 4th Int’l Gemological Symposium (2:00 pm–4:00 pm)
Gala “Diamond Jubilee” Party at GIA Headquarters (6:00 pm–10:00 pm)

The portal to the Stewart mine in Pala,
California.

Conference Field Trips
Field trips to the world-famous Pala pegmatite district will take place Friday, August 25 and Wednesday, August 30 (approximately 8 am to 7 pm). Both are now sold out.

Preliminary arrangements have been made for underground tours of three mines that are located in two areas of the Pala district (Stewart mine on Queen Mountain and the Pala Chief and Elizabeth R mines on Chief Mountain). The participants will be divided into two groups, and each group will be given an opportunity to visit both mining areas. Although participants also will be allowed to dig in the mine dumps, the main focus of the mine visits will be on science and education. The field trip fee of $75 will include ground transportation from the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego, a light breakfast, and a boxed lunch. The field trip breakfasts will be held at Pala International/The Collector in Fallbrook, where participants will be treated to a behind-the-scenes tour.

Accommodations
For accommodations at the Manchester Grand Hyatt, please call Hyatt Central Reservations at 800-223-1234 or 402-592-6464. Be sure to reference the “International Gemological Symposium.” Rooms and rates are based on availability. In addition, GIA has arranged for discounted rooms at the following hotel:

Holiday Inn On The Bay
1355 North Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
View map of this hotel
Phone: 619-232-3861 or 800-877-8920
Group Code: GRC
Rate: Approximately $159
Located a couple of blocks from the GRC conference hotel, across from the cruise ship terminal and the Star of India on San Diego Bay. Will provide shuttle to Seaport Village (near the conference hotel) via a hotel van when available. If not available, taxis would be the next best transportation or trolley.

If you are interested in other hotel options, please contact gemconference@gia.edu for suggestions

Financial Assistance
Thanks to the support of its donors, GIA has been able to supply a limited number of travel grants to assist conference presenters in attending GRC. The application period for the grants has now passed. GIA thanks the following individuals and companies for their generosity:

ESTET
Robert Kane and Fine Gems International
Kazanjian Bros.
Alice S. Keller
Alfred A. Levinson
Massoni Gioielli dal 1790
Sundance Diamonds

Health and Insurance
The registration fees do not include insurance. It is strongly recommended that all registrants consult their travel agent and take out their own travel and medical insurance prior to coming to the conference. GIA will not accept any responsibility for any participant failing to have adequate insurance coverage.

Visas
International visitors who wish to attend the GIA Gemological Research Conference will need to contact the U.S. Department of State or the nearest U.S. Embassy for further information about obtaining the necessary visas to enter the United States. Note that GIA cannot determine what visa may be appropriate for a visit to the United States.

About GIA
The Gemological Institute of America (www.gia.edu), founded in 1931, is a nonprofit educational and research institution whose mission is to ensure the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science, and professionalism through education, research, laboratory services, and instrument development. With its international headquarters in Carlsbad, California, and network of schools both within and outside the United States, GIA serves the general public and members of the gem trade throughout the world. The 4th International Gemological Symposium is being held in honor of GIA's 75th anniversary.

Contact Information
To join the 2006 Gemological Research Conference mailing list, click here. For further information, please contact the organizing committee:

Dr. James E. Shigley
GIA Research
5355 Armada Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008-4602 USA
Tel                   760-603-4019
Fax                  760-603-4021
Email                jshigley@gia.edu

Brendan M. Laurs
GIA - Gems & Gemology
The Robert Mouawad Campus
5345 Armada Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008-4602 USA
Tel                   760-603-4503
Fax                  760-603-4595
E-mail              blaurs@gia.edu

For further information on poster sessions at the GIA Gemological Research Conference or the 4th International Gemological Symposium, please contact:

Dona M. Dirlam
GIA Library
The Robert Mouawad Campus
5345 Armada Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008-4602 USA
Tel                   760-603-4154
Fax                  760-603-4256
E-mail              ddirlam@gia.edu