Quebec Chapter Brushes Up on Gemological Skills

The Quebec Chapter took the opportunity to brush up on their gemological skills with two presentations this summer.

The chapter welcomed Dr. James Shigley, director of GIA Research, for an update in May. He spoke about synthetic and treated diamonds, treated corundum and presented the latest findings on GIA’s diamond cut research project before 75 attendees, a record number for the chapter.

“After having our many questions answered, we realized how important it is to be up-to-date on issues affecting our industry,” said Chapter President Christiane Beauregard, G.G. “We came away with a better understanding of the difficulty GIA’s researchers go through and an appreciation for their diligence in providing research for our industry.”

The chapter later participated in an “Advanced Diamond Grading Lab” with GIA instructors Marisa Zachovay and Ric Taylor in July. Members had the opportunity to practice their grading skills – as many diamonds as they could view in the two-hour period – and have their questions answered by the instructors.

“This was a good practice lab where we looked at GIA graded diamonds and identification challenges, such as fracture filled and synthetic yellow diamonds,” Beauregard said. “Following a question from one participant, Ric Taylor showed us the difference between a low color grade diamond (U-V color) and a light fancy color yellow diamond.”

Washington D.C. Chapter Hosts Trio of Lectures

The Washington D.C. Chapter held a trio of summer meetings covering different areas of the industry.

Gail Brett Levine, G.G., publisher of Auction Market Resource, wove auction and global events together to explain how they affect the gem and jewelry auction market, when she visited in May. Her presentation included a discussion of recent well-known auction house scandals that resulted in large fines. The chapter also learned the correct way to read an auction catalog, the value of certification in the auction market and how certification affects sales.

“Ms. Levine gave us concrete and useful information, and all attendees seemed to enjoy themselves,” said Chapter Secretary Coni Gasch-Grady. “Do you know which countries are forecast to have the greatest auction growth and where jewelry auctions place in the auction world as a revenue producer? We do!”  

The June meeting welcomed Jurgen Maerz, of Platinum Guild International, who presented a lecture on the history, mining and alloying of platinum. The chapter learned that platinum is relatively expensive compared to other metals because it is 30 times rarer than gold. Maerz explained that to extract one ounce of platinum requires moving 10 tons of ore from two kilometers underground. He also answered the common question, “Why does platinum scratch so easily?” by explaining that various alloys used with platinum achieve different levels of hardness and color.

Joseph Tenhagen, an appraiser and owner of the Tenhagen Gemological Laboratory in Miami, Florida, visited in July and spoke to the chapter about his passion for Colombian emeralds.

“His stories of trips to Colombian mines, and the danger and diplomacy involved, kept us spellbound, while the conditions he faced kept us alternately appalled and amused,” Gasch-Grady said.