GIA to Host Two GemFests in Japan
Audiences in Tokyo and Osaka to hear from experts on colored stones, pearls and synthetic diamonds
TOKYO – July 19, 2013 – Audiences in Japan, the third largest consumer market for gems and jewelry, will hear from GIA (Gemological Institute of America) experts during two upcoming GemFests, on July 22 in Tokyo and on July 23 in Osaka. The free educational events will feature presentations by noted GIA gemologist Kenneth Scarratt on colored stone and pearl research, and by GIA researcher Ahmadjan Abduriyim on synthetic diamonds. This is the first time GIA has hosted a GemFest in Osaka.
Scarratt, managing director of GIA Southeast Asia and director of the GIA laboratory in Bangkok, Thailand, will discuss GIA’s research focused on colored stones and pearls, as well as identification and reporting procedures. “GIA’s research in the fields of colored stones and pearls contributes not only to the store of knowledge of these gems, it is integral to our public service mission,” Scarratt said.
Abduriyim, senior research scientist and manager of Colored Stone Services, will discuss the latest updates on synthetic gem-quality diamonds. Synthetic diamond techniques, such as CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) and HPHT (High Pressure / High Temperature), have garnered attention in recent years from both the trade and the public. “Understanding developments in synthetic gems and how to reliably detect them are important for the global gem and jewelry industry,” Abduriyim said.
Scarratt, a leader in the field, has extensive experience in the identification of a broad range of gem materials and detection of treatments, as well as expertise on saltwater and freshwater natural pearls. He has authored or co-authored articles in many gemological journals worldwide, and has co-authored two books: “The Crown Jewels” and “The Pearl & the Dragon.”
Abduriyim received his doctorate in mineralogy from the Division of Earth and Planetary Science at Kyoto University in Japan. He has authored numerous gemological articles, including work on geographic origin determination of major gemstones and the applications of LA-ICP-MS in the gemological field, which have been published in major gemological periodicals such as Gems and Gemology.
The GIA GemFest in Tokyo will be held on July 22 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Aurum at 1-26-2 Ueno. The first-ever GIA GemFest in Osaka will take place on July 23 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at the Hotel Nikko Osaka at 1-3-3 Nishishinsaibashi.
To RSVP for GIA’s GemFests, contact us or call +81 03 5812 0315.
