Africa Chapter: Diamond-Beauty and Beyond

Join the Africa chapter for a presentation by Ric Taylor to learn more about diamond – what makes it so valuable and its formation, mining and durability.

Taylor will review the 4Cs of diamonds and how each factor affects the value of the gem. He will also describe diamond treatments, including laser drilling, coating, irradiation, high pressure high temperature (HPHT) and the use of a combination of these treatments together. Taylor will also discuss the care and cleaning of diamond, including the possible problems with the most common cleaning methods and the safest method to clean diamonds and other jewelry.

Taylor is a GIA Graduate Gemologist who has traveled the world teaching gemology. After earning his GG in 1994, he worked as a lapidary on a large gemological art project. Following the one and a half year project, he faceted colored stones and sold them at gem shows and on the road. Taylor joined GIA in 1997 as a distance education instructor and was with the Institute for nearly 20 years. In his most recent role as manager of global education quality assurance, he traveled to all of GIA’s campuses to interview instructor candidates, train new instructors, and help ensure that the quality of education is the same at all campuses around the world.

All are welcome to attend, whether you're a graduate, student, industry associate, hobbyist or guest. Please share this invitation with any others you feel would be interested.