GIA Offers Latest Information, Products, Services, and Networking During 2009 Tucson Trade Shows

CARLSBAD, Calif. – Jan. 29, 2009 – The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) will present a number of different opportunities during the upcoming gem shows in Tucson, Ariz. GIA will give attendees a chance to get acquainted with the latest gemological equipment, attend seminars, receive special offers on GIA Instruments, and more.

GIA “Show Service Laboratory”
Show participants can take advantage of the GIA Show Service Laboratory at Tucson, which will provide clients with quick, convenient access to GIA colored stone services during the show. This service will be located in booth 3205 at the GJX Show and will begin on Feb. 3 (for GJX exhibitors only). It will also be available from Feb. 4-9 during the GJX show hours and by appointment. GIA Laboratory specialists will be on hand to provide gemstone identification; ruby, sapphire, emerald, alexandrite, and tourmaline reports; and country-of-origin reports.

For more information or to make an appointment, call (800) 421-7250, ext. 4517 or (760) 603-4517. You can also e-mail mailto:events@gia.edu.

GIA Diamond Grading Class
Show attendees can take a GIA Diamond Grading Lab Class in Tucson to learn how to judge and grade clarity, color, and cut quality factors of round brilliant diamonds. The class will give students a better understanding of the GIA International Diamond Grading System and how to read a GIA Laboratory Diamond Grading Report. The session will be held in the Gila Room at the Tucson Convention Center on Feb. 2-6 from 8 a.m.­4 p.m. Tuition and books for this class are $1,395.

For more information or to enroll, call (800) 421-7250, ext. 4001.

GIA Seminars
Take on the Microscope Challenge with John Koivula, GIA chief gemologist, West Coast Identification Services: Put your gem identification skills to the test in this fast-paced clinic. Journey into the beautiful world of microscopic inclusions and gain a deeper appreciation of the connection between nature, gemology, and jewelry in the process. This will be on Feb. 7 from 9-10 a.m. in the Gila Room at the Tucson Convention Center. Tuition for this seminar is $95.

Identifying Synthetics and Imitations with Andy Lucas, GIA product manager, Gemology Course  Development: Explore synthetic and imitation gem material through a blend of classroom instruction, hands-on practice, and the guidance of Andy Lucas. You’ll study synthetic and imitation gem material in the marketplace, including production methods. Then you’ll work with a variety of materials as you practice your identification skills with standard gemological equipment. This class is scheduled for Feb. 7 from 1-3 p.m. in the Gila Room at the Tucson Convention Center. Tuition for this seminar is $145.

For more information or to register, call (800) 421-7250, ext. 4001.

GIA Education Enrollment Offer
Enroll in any of the following GIA Distance Education courses between now and March 31, and you will receive a free professional jeweler's loupe with your course material:

Diamonds and Diamond Grading
Colored Stones
Gem Identification

For more information or to register, visit the GIA booth at the AGTA GemFair. You may also contact a GIA Admissions representative at (800) 421-7250, ext. 4001.

GIA Retailer Support Kit
Show attendees can find out about GIA's free Retailer Support Kit and a host of other items designed to help better educate customers about the 4Cs and the GIA International Diamond Grading System. Tools include effective in-store displays, signage and a variety of marketing materials, including GIA's 4Cs brochures and diamond detail pocket cards, which let your customers know you carry diamonds graded by GIA.

Visit the GIA booth at the AGTA GemFair or visit, www.retailer.gia.edu to learn more and order your free kit — a $97 value (shipping and handling extra, quantities are limited).

Free GIA Research Presentation
The Latest News from GIA Research with Dr. James Shigley, GIA distinguished research fellow

This free research presentation will focus on how the GIA Laboratory makes country-of-origin determinations for ruby and sapphires. This presentation will be on Feb. 8 from 9-10 a.m. in the Maricopa Room at the Tucson Convention Center. There is no pre-registration for the seminar, therefore it’s recommended to arrive early to secure seating.

GIA Alumni Auction and Dance Party
The annual GIA Alumni Auction and Dance Party will be held Feb. 6 at the Marriott University Park Hotel in Tucson. This year’s theme is “Sunset in the Desert.” The evening will include the official presentation of the Richard T. Liddicoat Scholarship, the GIA Alumni International Awards, silent and live auctions, and dinner and dancing. Tickets are $50 for GIA Alumni and industry association members until Feb. 2 and $75 for others. After Feb. 2, tickets are $75 for everyone.

To make reservations, call (760) 603-4204 or e-mail events@gia.edu.

GIA’s Gems & Gemology
The publication is offering several exciting Tucson specials for both the award-winning print and its new PDF versions. The Tucson bonus package includes a one-year subscription (print, PDF, or a combination of both), plus all four 2008 issues for special prices. The PDF bonus package includes a free Gems & Gemology flash drive containing all four 2008 issues in electronic format, plus the complete subject and author index 1981-2008.

Show attendees can also get all three Gems & Gemology in Review books—Synthetic Diamonds, Colored Diamonds, and Treated Diamonds—at a special discount and meet the series editor Dr. James Shigley at the Gems & Gemology booth to have copies of their books signed. This is scheduled on Feb. 7 from 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. and on Feb. 8 from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

GIA Instruments
Participants should make sure they check out the great deals on microscopes and accessories – available only during the AGTA GemFair. The location for GIA Instruments will be on the Galleria Level of the Tucson Convention Center.

For show attendees, there will be savings of up to $800 on GIA Instruments’ professional line of GIA Digital Microscopes. Also, they can save $890 on a GIA DLScope Trinocular Microscope and CCD Color Digital Video Camera combination offer. Total package value is $6,785 and will be offered at the special show price of $5,895. The GIA Gem Identification Student Package will be available at a savings of $289. The GIA FacetScan will be offered at a savings of $995.

For more information, call (800) 421-8161 from 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday or by e-mailing gemteam@gia.edu. From outside the U.S. and Canada, call (760) 603-4200.