Carlsbad, Calif. – Nov. 12, 2007 – The Fall 2007 issue of GIA’s Gems & Gemology (G&G), which mails to subscribers Nov. 12, offers a revealing look at today's cultured pearl industry, as well as a study of inclusions associated with synthetic materials that have also been seen in natural gems.

The issue leads with the feature, "From Single Source to Global Free Market: The Transformation of the Cultured Pearl Industry," by GIA Senior Industry Analyst Russell Shor. Once dominated by a single product − the round white Japanese akoya − the cultured pearl industry has diversified since 1990 to include a wide range of goods from throughout the Pacific region. High-profile marketing campaigns and improved culturing practices have brought South Sea and Tahitian cultured pearls to the forefront of the fashion scene, while the enormous quantities of Chinese freshwater goods have had an impact at every level of the industry.

"Russ Shor's article provides an insightful look at the many forces that are shaping today's cultured pearls sector," said Alice Keller, G&G's editor in chief. "It is a must-read for anyone who deals with these products."

Another article is "A Study of Nail-head Spicule Inclusions in Natural Gemstones," by Gagan Choudhary and Chaman Golecha of the Gem Testing Laboratory in Jaipur, India. Nail-head spicules have long been associated with hydrothermal synthetic quartz and emerald. In this study, however, the authors examined natural gems that contained true nail-head spicules or inclusions that strongly resembled spicules.

The journal's new Rapid Communications section contains a pair of brief, timely features. GIA's Wuyi Wang and co-authors provide the first report of nickel-related defects in a type Ia natural diamond with a strong green component. The second article, on two new copper-bearing tourmaline deposits found in Brazil's Paraíba State, is by Masashi Furuya of the Japan Germany Gemmological Laboratory. Sadly, Mr. Furuya passed away on Oct. 23, following a brief illness.

The Lab Notes section presents recent discoveries from the GIA Laboratory, such as a large cat's-eye aquamarine, a glass-filled synthetic ruby, and an unsuccessful attempt at diamond deception. Highlights from Gem News International include the development of a large diamond mine in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan, new sources of marble-hosted rubies in South Asia, and a new locality for blue-green opal in Iran.

The issue also features the names of those who scored 100 percent on the 2007 G&G Challenge, as well as book reviews and 38 abstracts of articles on topics related to gems and jewelry from publications around the world.

To purchase a copy of the Fall issue or to subscribe to Gems & Gemology, contact Circulation Coordinator Debbie Ortiz by calling toll-free (800) 421-7250, ext. 7142. People calling from outside the U.S. and Canada should dial (760) 603-4000, ext. 7142.