Director of Research James Shigley, Ph.D., visited GIA India and provided an overview of the Institute's latest research activities and next year's International Gemological Symposium. The students enjoyed the opportunity to ask one-on-one questions. Akiva Caspi, director of research and development for GIA Instruments, also visited the branch to talk about his division and to discuss the proper use of microscopes. Contact GIA India by calling 91-22-22870846, 91-22-22870847, or 91-22-22870848.

-     Deepak Bagai

      Director, GIA India

Asia

Thomas M. Moses, vice president of Identification and Research for the GIA Gem Laboratory, toured Japan and Korea to present the "Research Update on the GIA Diamond Cut Grading System." Important members of the trade were exclusively invited to the seminars, which were held in Tokyo and Seoul on June 15 and 16 respectively. Nearly 350 trade members attended the seminar in Tokyo, whereas a capacity crowd of 100 attended the presentation in Seoul.

"The presentations marked the first time for such intensive reviews of the update on the Diamond Cut Grading System, so the response was overwhelming," said Seung-Hae Moon, GIA's director of Global Education. "It shows how many people in the trade are seriously interested in GIA's research in this area." 

-     Seung-Hae Moon                     

      Director, GIA Global Education

Italy

GIA Florence will open its doors for classes Sept. 26 when the newly relocated branch will offer the Graduate Gemologist (G.G.) diploma program in English. The official opening will take place Oct. 13 during a ribbon-cutting ceremony with GIA President William E. Boyajian and other Institute officials and Italian dignitaries from the jewelry and fashion industries. 

GIA Florence - occupying two floors on more than 10,000 square feet - is located next to the Ufizzi Gallery, where some of the world's most renowned Renaissance paintings and sculptures are housed for display.

Fred Stocco, director of GIA Italy, said the Institute decided to move the school from Vicenza to Florence to be near one of the world's centers for arts and culture. The school is near the Ponte Vecchio, which is lined with gold and silver shops and has a tradition that goes back for centuries.

"GIA Florence will have a unique opportunity to create synergies between the gem and jewelry industry and the Florence fashion industry," Stocco said. "With many famous jewelry brands in Florence, the Institute will help to service the education needs of the luxury products sector and enhance career opportunities for our graduates."

-  Fred Stocco                                    

    Director, GIA Italy

London

Former De Beers executive Robin Walker was the guest of honor at GIA London's Graduate Diamonds graduation reception in May. He spoke passionately about his "eight words" that helped guide him through his career in the diamond business: respect, curiosity, knowledge, think 360 degrees, commitment, integrity, love and passion. He developed this personal code after a 41-year career with De Beers.

Jung-Ji Kim, an accomplished jeweler, was among the graduates who also completed the G.G. program with a partial sponsorship through the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust. The program provides funds for men and women who want to improve their craft or trade skills.

- Edward Johnson 

   Director, GIA London

Korea

Two GIA Korea graduates and a current student won fourth place in the 30th International Pearl Design Contest organized by the Japan Pearl Promotion Society. Sung Woo Hong, G.G. and Design graduate; Eugene Song, Design graduate; and Rim Chae, student, placed in the competition out of entries from 16 different countries.

Vilma Vallillee, assistant professor of the GIA School of Business, presented a seminar titled "The Strategy to Become Successful in Jewelry Business" to an audience of 120 students and members of the trade during the 2005 Jewel Fair Korea July 1. Her presentation focused on factors needed to maintain a winning jewelry business, said Seung-Hae Moon, director of GIA's Global Education.

"The old generation of jewelers thinks their existing business practices are successful, while the younger generation looks forward to an era of change to remain competitive in today's jewelry market," she said. "Many young people attended the seminar and really enjoyed what they learned from it."

GIA Korea had a booth at the trade show and distributed more than 1,000 education catalogs. The GIA Designers Association also had a booth to exhibit their designs.

"The design booth was a hit. People were very interested in seeing the displays of artistic jewelry that are very different from the usual commercial pieces at the show," Moon said.

-     Seung-Hae Moon                     

      Director, GIA Global Education