An exciting trade show season kicks off in the next few days, and GIA will participate in the JA New York International Jewelry Show, the JCK Orlando Show, and the AGTA and GJX Shows in Tucson. This Special Issue of the Insider provides detailed information on GIA booth locations, show specials, classes taught by GIA’s renowned gemology instructors, plus special presentations by GIA’s experts.

See GIA at the JA International Jewelry Show in New York
GIA will be at the JA International Jewelry New York Show in the Jacob Javits Center from Feb. 3 -5. Be sure to stop by GIA’s booth #1146.You'll find great educational offerings, very valuable show specials, and an exciting line of GIA GEM Instruments on display.

Visit GIA at the JCK Show in Orlando
Be sure to also visit GIA in Orlando at the JCK show, which occurs this year from Feb. 3-5 in the Orange County Convention Center. GIA’s booth number is 22002, so be sure to take advantage of GIA’s popular Master the Essentials course, prized specials and outstanding discounts from GIA GEM Instruments.

GIA in Tucson
Be sure to visit GIA at the Tucson AGTA Show Feb 6-11 in the Tucson Convention Center. GIA will be located on the Galleria level, near the main entrance, and you’ll find the GIA Treasured Gift Council at booth 1701 in the GemHall. Show specials, publication offers, free giveaways, and GIA’s classes and seminars are just a few of the offerings available to Tucson attendees who want to stay current in gemology. Many more details can be seen at GIA’s Tucson micro-site.You’ll find the same specials and great savings on GIA products at the GJX (booths 218/318) Show as well.

Get helpful tips for training your staff in basic product knowledge and instrument skills with the popular Master the Essentials course, being held Saturday, Feb. 2 from 3:30-4:30. This interactive seminar is aimed at retail owners, managers and sales staff. Teams of participants compete to survive a challenge that tests knowledge of diamonds, colored gemstones, synthetics, gemstone treatments, precious metals, and jewelry manufacturing methods. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early!

Since this seminar is a forum for cutting-edge ideas and information, GIA Alumni who attend will receive four carat points for the seminar when they return their carat card to GIA.

Beginning on February 5, GIA will offer classes and presentations in the Tucson Convention Center, including a three-day class in Colored Stone Grading, a one-day Pearl Grading class, and a one-day class in Advanced Gemology: Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald. Click here for complete details, prices, and enrollment information. Space is limited, so sign up early.

GIA Education has a free gift for everyone who visits the GIA Education booth at any time during the AGTA show.

Since these classes provide a forum for cutting-edge ideas and information, GIA Alumni who attend will receive four carat points per class when they return their carat card to GIA.

At the Tucson show, Gems & Gemology will offer a special “starter kit” that includes a 2002 subscription to G&G, all 2001 issues of G&G, and the renowned G&G 20-Year Index, all for just $99.95 ($109.95 for international addresses). For all other new subscriptions placed in Tucson, as well as in New York and Orlando, Gems & Gemology will offer an at-show special that includes the popular laminated wall chart depicting key gem localities worldwide.

Look for great savings on a substantial selection of microscopes, instruments, and popular books from GIA GEM Instruments and Bookstore at these shows. As a show special, get an overhead light source valued at $295.00 free when you purchase either the GemoLite Ultima “B” Mark X Microscope or the GemoLite Super 60 Zoom Mark X. Coupled with the at-show discount, you can save up to $1150.00 on your microscope purchase. There are additional at-show specials, which can be reviewed in detail by clicking here.

Don’t miss the opportunity to learn first-hand about the latest findings of the GIA Gem Trade Laboratory during the annual gem and jewelry shows in Tucson.  Presented by Shane McClure, Director of West Coast Identification Services for the GIA Gem Trade Laboratory, along with GIA Gem Trade Laboratory Chief Research Gemologist John Koivula, the free “GIA Gem Trade Laboratory Update” will be held Sunday, February 10, 10:30 – 11:30 am, in the Coconino Room at the Tucson Convention Center.

Presentation topics will include the new treatment of pink sapphire out of Madagascar to “padparadscha” colors; the effects of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) irradiation process on certain gem materials; an update on diamond laser drilling techniques; and a fascinating description of some of the unusual and challenging items recently submitted for identification to the GIA Gem Trade Laboratory.

Since this seminar is a forum for cutting-edge ideas and information, GIA Alumni who attend will receive four carat points for the seminar when they return their carat card to GIA.

No advance registration is required, however seating is limited

GIA’s Director of Marketing, Armando de Peralta, will present an educational session at this year’s Tucson Show, “Marketing to Generations X & Y: The New Rules.” According to de Peralta, who was recently promoted to director of marketing for GIA, Generations X and Y are buying jewelry. In fact, together they represent greater spending potential than any market segment of the last 100 years. They dislike hype, overstatement, self-importance and traditional status symbols. Armando de Peralta will shed light on how corporate leaders are selling to the New Consumer – by breaking some of the most coveted rules in marketing. Attend it Sunday, February 10, 9:00-10:00 a.m. at the Tucson Convention Center, Coconino Room.

Since this seminar is a forum for cutting-edge ideas and information, GIA Alumni who attend will receive four carat points for the seminar when they return their carat card to GIA.

No advanced registration is required, however seating is limited

Don’t miss out on the GIA Alumni Association’s Dance Party 2002.  It’s your chance to relax, reminisce and dance the night away! Tucson Gem and Mineral Show attendees are invited to participate in the festivities at the Marriott University Park Hotel Feb. 8.The annual event begins with the Association’s first-ever Silent Auction, which is followed by the GIA Industry Awards Presentation. Dance Party 2002, an Island-themed celebration, live auction and buffet, will cap off the evening.

Among the many attractions in Tucson during the annual gem and jewelry shows in February, there will be a rare opportunity for qualified individuals to participate in a GIA Research study. The Institute is seeking retailers to volunteer to take part in “brilliance” perception testing as part of GIA’s ongoing study of “brilliance” as a function of diamond cut.

According to Al Gilbertson, who serves as a GIA Research Associate, and is among the most respected industry authorities on cut, “We are searching for individuals who will be at the show in Tucson and have 40 minutes they can spare for this important study.” In accordance with GIA’s criteria for this study, each participant must work in the retail sector of the jewelry industry and be a decision-maker in the purchase of diamonds for stock in the retail business.

Time slots are available from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Thurs., Feb. 7 through Sat., Feb. 9, in the Apache room of the Tucson Convention Center. Appointments are being accepted, and can be made by contacting GIA’s Al Gilbertson at 760-603-4000, ext 7561, or by e-mail at al.gilbertson@gia.edu.

James Enos, director of operations for GIA Research noted, “We are not testing people, we are actually testing diamonds. We want to better understand what levels of brilliance can be discerned readily by skilled observers in a controlled lighting environment. Our Research team has completed a large number of tests in a variety of lighting environments with several sectors of the trade, and this is a continuation of tests to validate and support research to date for our study into diamond cut.”