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By Ralph Destino
| Ralph Destino, chairman, Gemological Institute of America |
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The structure of the Gemological Institute of America as it stands today is almost unrecognizable from the first lecture Robert M. Shipley gave to a packed auditorium at Los Angeles' University of Southern California in 1930. But the basic premise remains the same: to convey sound, scientific gemological information to the gem and jewelry industry and the public.
Over the last 75 years, the Institute has grown to include 14 international campuses, a research team able to keep pace with the latest treatments and synthetics, and public outreach programs, such as the Richard T. Liddicoat Gemological Library and Information Center and the GIA Museum collections, which continue to expand.
It also created, through Richard T. Liddicoat, the 4Cs of diamonds and the grading metrics that have made GIA reports the "gold standard" everywhere in the world.
Much of this phenomenal growth occurred under Bill Boyajian's leadership during the last 20 years. He nurtured and guided the Institute through a period of extraordinary growth and established many of the programs and services that make GIA the foremost authority on gemology it is known as today. He has changed the face of GIA and the industry forever and we salute him as he retires (see page 14).
This issue of The Loupe highlights some of the major initiatives the Institute has launched in the last few months, starting with enhancements to GIA Education as reflected in the cover story (see page 24). This overview of Education offerings outlines the broad variety of choices available for students and focuses on specific career paths they can take. The goal of Education programs will always be to maximize students' potential.
There are many people who dream of a career in the gem and jewelry industry, but don't have the means to get the education they need to do so. The Institute has committed to building a strong scholarship program. To date, GIA will offer 56 scholarships valued at $240,000 in 2007.
The Institute also wants to stay in touch with graduates and continue to help them develop their careers. The Alumni Association structure will evolve to include a no-dues membership and a continuing education program, starting in early 2007.
GIA also plays an important role in informing the industry and public about gemological news and information. Don't miss the special insert designed to help retailers talk about diamond cut or Gems & Gemology's new book on colored diamonds.
Everyone at GIA is excited about creating and moving forward with more programs and services that will enhance the Institute's mission for the industry and the public. Please don't hesitate to let us know what more we can do.
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