GIA Gemstone Gathering to Offer Insight into Tucson Gem Show News

Lecture by GIA’s Garry Du Toit scheduled for Feb. 23 in Bangkok

CARLSBAD, Calif. – Feb. 17, 2011 – GIA (Gemological Institute of America) announced today that Garry Du Toit, manager of gemstone identification, GIA Laboratory Bangkok, will address the 43rd Gemstone Gathering on Feb. 23 in Bangkok. The lecture, titled “Tales from Tucson,” will take place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

The presentation will feature information on the latest industry developments emerging from the numerous exciting Gem Shows that occurred in Tucson, Az. U.S., which were all held earlier this month.

With a gem industry career that spans 21 years, Du Toit has extensive knowledge of instruments, techniques and testing. He is a published author and has given numerous presentations in Thailand and other countries regarding treatments, synthetic stones and Raman microscopy.

“Garry’s Raman knowledge and experience have made him one of the premier authorities in this field of gemology today, and a respected figure within the Southeast Asian jewelry industry as well,” said Kenneth Scarratt, managing director of GIA Southeast Asia and director of the GIA Laboratory in Bangkok. “We are delighted to have Garry share the most important news from Tucson and offer his expert insight into how these latest developments will shape the year ahead in our industry.”

GIA Thailand’s Gemstone Gathering is a free event that begins at 6 p.m. on Feb. 23 in Crowne Room 1-3 on the 21st floor of the Crowne Plaza Hotel (formerly known as the Pan Pacific), Lumpini Park, Bangkok.

Due to limited seating, please RSVP by Feb. 21 to attend. To RSVP, contact the GIA Laboratory Bangkok at 02 632 4090; or call the GIA Thailand Campus on 02 237-9575; or visit www.giathai.net.