The Dimexon-Eurostar group of companies and Hearts On Fire have joined forces for a combined $150,000 sponsorship in support of GIA's fourth International Gemological Symposium in 2006.

"Together we are supporting GIA Symposium with one vision - to help provide a forum for open and intimate discussion on the critical issues challenging our business environment today," said Glenn Rothman, CEO of Hearts On Fire. "Symposium is an opportunity to gather the best minds and most creative innovators to share their vision of our future."

Their joint gift will sponsor a cocktail party at the Manchester Grand Hyatt Aug. 28, 2006. It is one of three evening social events planned for Symposium, which will run Aug. 27-29.

"More than 1,400 industry leaders and professionals from around the world will gather at this forum to exchange views, ideas and best practices to ultimately take this industry to a higher level," said Vishal Mehta, vice president of Dimexon Diamonds, Ltd. "This is what truly excited us to be a part of Symposium."

The theme of the 2006 International Gemological Symposium is "Navigating the Challenges Ahead." It will feature keynote speakers, presentations and panels from industry leaders and outside business executives who will provide marketing and economic forecasts. Attendees will also have an opportunity to share their opinions and expertise during the event's daily debate centers.

"I had the opportunity to participate as a panel member in the War Room on branding [at the 1999 Symposium], which I found challenging, as well as stimulating," Rothman said. "My overall experience included several business epiphanies and networking opportunities that made my participation extremely valuable."

Both Dimexon-Eurostar and Hearts On Fire have been inducted into GIA's League of Honor multiple times for gifts of more than $100,000. Dimexon-Eurostar is also a member of the Institute's elite Million Dollar Roundtable for their $1 million donation in support of GIA India.

"Dimexon-Eurostar has tried to elevate the importance of the future, especially the future of the industry, over the last several years," Mehta said. "As a Founding Benefactor of the GIA's educational facility in India, we could not miss this opportunity to be part of Symposium, one of the industry's most important milestones of the decade."

For more information on GIA's fourth International Gemological Symposium, visit GIA's Web site at www.gia.edu. To learn about other sponsorship opportunities, contact Jane Lynch, director of Institute Relations, at (760) 603-4114 or e-mail: jane.lynch@gia.edu.