Charles & Colvard, Ltd. became an innovator in the industry when it developed the process to create synthetic moissanite in the late 1980s and began to produce it for jewelry in 1995. It continues that tradition today as the sole source and distributor of gem-quality created moissanite. Now it's taken its leadership role a step further with a $100,000 gift to support GIA's first Gemological Research Conference.

"People in our industry need to have a better understanding of how far technology has advanced and what the future holds so they can be prepared for it," said Robert S. Thomas, chairman, president and CEO of the company.

"We think it's important that scientists have a forum to come together to become aware of all the treatments and synthetics that are out there. Our gift supports this effort and also helps to demonstrate Charles & Colvard's place in the industry."

The conference will be held Aug. 26-27, 2006 in conjunction with the GIA's International Gemological Symposium, which extends to the 29th. It will highlight innovations and developments in gemology through a series of oral presentations and a poster session that will focus on six themes: geology of gem deposits, new gem occurrences, gem characterization techniques, diamond and corundum treatments, laboratory-grown gem materials and general gemology.

GIA will invite two guest speakers for each theme and provide the opportunity for others to share cutting-edge research findings during oral presentations, said James Shigley, Ph.D., director of GIA Research and event co-chair. Those who would like to present at the event are asked to send an abstract of their research for consideration by March 1, 2006.

"We expect about 60 people to give presentations that explore the most recent technical developments in gemology," Shigley said. "Opening the conference to scientists from various disciplines provides a wider range of perspectives."

Charles & Colvard, Ltd. will be inducted into the League of Honor in 2006 for its support of the conference. The gift to GIA is not the first for the company. It previously donated more than $40,000 worth of synthetic moissanite to Education in 2003. The donation included more than 1,200 pieces.

"As we educate the trade and consumers about moissanite, we're creating a whole new category in the jewelry industry," Thomas said. "We're excited to be part of this industry and we hope to make moissanite as ubiquitous as ruby, emerald and diamond."

For more information on GIA's first Gemological Research Conference, go to www.gia.edu. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Jane Lynch, director of Institute Relations, at (760) 603-4114 or e-mail jane.lynch@gia.edu.