Asia

Students and alumni from four GIA learning centers in Asia received a laboratory update from Dr. Wuyi Wang, research scientist of Identification and Research for the GIA Gem Laboratory in November. He covered diamond treatments and synthetics, and treatments to blue sapphire during his lecture to standing-room-only crowds in  Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong.

Dr. Wang discussed how the GIA Gem Laboratory previously suspected blue sapphires were subjected to a new form of diffusion treatment, but detailed analysis later confirmed none was involved. The Laboratory used LA-ICP-MS and SIMS analyses to confirm this by taking detailed measurements of the chemical composition of the sample stones.

“The lecture was very useful, as it brings to our attention the current developments in research by the GIA Gem Laboratory, and the results that were obtained,” said GIA Hong Kong alumni Khai Yeow, G.G. “It was also informative to be kept up to date with all the new developments in treatments and synthetics and gives us a better understanding of the new challenges faced by research laboratories and scientists all over the world.”

London

Douglas Kennedy, senior GIA instructor, and Edward Johnson, director of GIA London, had the opportunity to join a small group of industry leaders on a visit to the Tower
of London for a private viewing of the British Crown Jewels last September.

The hosts for the evening, David V. Thomas, crown jeweller, and Keith Hanson, chief exhibitor of the Jewel House, made the evening memorable by sharing their personal experiences and behind the scene stories of the Crown Jewels, Kennedy said.

They spent most of evening in the main exhibit area, which showcases many important gems including the 530.20 carat Cullinan I diamond set in the Sovereign’s Scepter in Cross and the 317.40 carat Cullinan II diamond mounted in the imperial state crown.

“The freedom to view the jewels without the typically large crowds and electric ramps that keep you moving along during the public viewing contributed to the feeling of privilege that I and others felt,” Kennedy said.