Washington D.C. Chapter: Natural vs. Enhanced Lapidary Gem Materials

The Washington D.C. chapter is pleased to present "Natural vs. Enhanced Lapidary Gem Materials" by Helen Serras-Herman, FGA.

Many gem materials on the market today are created or enhanced to look like other natural gems. These simulants, or “look-a-likes,” often provide an inexpensive alternative to the natural gems.

The problem surrounding these stones is disclosure, or the lack of it. Even though many times the original wholesaler or lapidary may have disclosed that the stones were simulants, oftentimes the information gets buried or blurred down the line.

Helen Serras-Herman will compare natural lapidary gem materials to simulants and discuss the importance of disclosure – for honesty and transparency purposes, and also so customers know how to take care of the finished stones. Her presentation was published in Rock & Gem magazine in the December 2015 and January 2016 issues. 

Serras-Herman is an acclaimed gem sculptor with more than 33 years of experience in unique gem sculpture and jewelry art. Her award-winning artwork has been exhibited worldwide and published in more than 170 trade magazines and books. For more information, please visit her website at http://www.gemartcenter.com.

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