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Lucky Number Seven: GIA Offerings at JCK Las Vegas

Pond Scum Necklace at JCK Las Vegas
Copyright GIA
The “Pond Scum” Necklace features malachite, citrine, emerald, peridot and 18K gold. Courtesy of a Private Collector & Mona Lee Nesseth, Custom Estate Jewelry.

Exclusive preview of Tony Duquette & Hutton Wilkinson jewelry exhibit and more

CARLSBAD, Calif. – May 22, 2013 – Attendees at the JCK gem and jewelry show May 31 – June 3 at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas have seven good reasons to visit GIA (Gemological Institute of America) at its booth L99 and at other show locations this year. From free in-booth presentations to education seminars to alumni networking opportunities, GIA is a not-to-miss destination at the 2013 JCK Las Vegas show. A countdown of the Institute’s top activities:
 
1. MORE is MORE: Museum Displays
In an exclusive sneak peek at the Institute’s fall 2013 exhibit “MORE is MORE: Tony Duquette - Hutton Wilkinson Jewelry” in Carlsbad, the GIA museum will feature three displays – and 10 pieces – showcasing the jewelry of Hollywood design legend Tony Duquette and his longtime business partner and design collaborator, Hutton Wilkinson, at its booth L99, May 31 – June 3. This is the first exhibit of their designs to focus solely on jewelry. All images are copyright © GIA:
 
The “Pond Scum” Necklace (image 1) features malachite, citrine, emerald, peridot and 18K gold. Courtesy of a Private Collector & Mona Lee Nesseth, Custom Estate Jewelry.
 
The “Petal Dance” (image 2) earrings feature tourmaline and peridot, while the “Starry Lagoon” ring features emerald and diamond. Both pieces, circa the 1990s, are set in 18K gold. Courtesy of a Private Collector & Mona Lee Nesseth, Custom Estate Jewelry.
 
The “Fantastic Cicada” and “Phoenix Spider” brooches circa the 1970s feature malachite, cultured pearl, enamel and are set in 18K gold. Courtesy of The Anthony & Elizabeth Duquette Foundation for the Living Arts.
 
Five brooches set in 18K gold circa the 1970’s. “Sunburst Monstrance” (image 3) features rhodochrosite, cultured pearl and enamel. “Russian Cross” features malachite, mabé pearl, cultured pearl and enamel. “Neptune’s Cross” features turquoise, malachite and cultured black pearl. “Fantastic Cross” features turquoise, cultured pearl, variscite, chrysocolla, shark’s teeth and enamel. “Solar Motive” features Baltic amber, citrine, garnet, cultured pearl and seed pearl. Pieces courtesy of The Anthony & Elizabeth Duquette Foundation for the Living Arts.
 
2. GIA In-Booth Briefings
Due to the success of last year’s inaugural in-booth briefings, GIA will host a series of free 20-minute expert talks on the industry’s hottest topics at GIA’s booth L99. Topics include Treated-Color Diamonds; Diamond Cutting from 1750 to 1950; Colored Stone Challenges in the GIA Laboratory; The Whys of Record Prices for Major Diamonds; and The Magnificence and History of Natural and Cultured Pearls.

3. Show Service Laboratory
A great opportunity to use GIA GemPasses™: Show attendees will have convenient access to gem identification and country-of-origin services through the GIA Show Service Laboratory. Expert GIA gemologists will accept gemstones at Palm G (Level 3 of Mandalay Bay Convention Center) Thursday through Sunday, May 30 – June 2 from 9 a.m. to 5p.m.; and Monday, June 3 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
 
4. Education Seminars
Andy Lucas, GIA’s manager of field gemology and course development, will teach two seminars – including lectures and hands-on labs – at Banyan B. Tuition for each is $160. Previous gemological training and/or experience is recommended and pre-enrollment is required. To enroll, call 800-421-7250, ext. 4001 or contact us.
 
Country Origin of Corundums
Thursday, May 30, 9 to 11 a.m.
Attendees will learn about the characteristics of corundum that indicate the country where the stone originated. The lab portion will cover how to identify internal characteristics using a microscope, and what the characteristics reveal about the stone.
 
Synthetic Diamonds
Thursday, May 30, 1 to 3 p.m.
Attendees will learn to identify HPHT-grown synthetic diamonds and how to separate them from natural diamond. They will also gain greater insight into the identification of CVD-grown synthetic diamond, and how to easily separate synthetic moissanite and synthetic cubic zirconia from diamond.
 
5. Free Ruby Treatment Identification Seminar
Thursday, May 30, 10 to 11 a.m.
On the heels of the ruby-focused Sinkankas Symposium, GIA’s Director of Identification Services Shane McClure will present a free seminar on “Ruby Treatment Identification” at Tradewinds B (Lower Beach Level of the Mandalay Bay Convention Center).
 
6. Alumni Hour
Saturday, June 1, 4 to 5 p.m.
GIA “Alumni Hour” at booth L99 is an excellent networking opportunity for Institute alumni from around the globe. At 4:45 p.m., one lucky alumni in attendance will win a copy of GIA’s new book “Splendour and Science of Pearls” during a special drawing.
 
7. Alumni Bungalow at “JCK Rocks the Beach”
Sunday, June 2, 9 to 11 p.m.
The GIA Alumni Association is hosting a bungalow at the “JCK Rocks the Beach” reception, featuring headlining entertainment Maroon 5, at Bungalow 2 at The Beach at Mandalay Bay. The event is open to all JCK badge holders and Jewelers for Children Facets of Hope Dinner guests. Entrance is based on a first-come, first-serve basis.
 
For more information about GIA in Las Vegas, visit the website.
 

About GIA.

An independent nonprofit organization, GIA (Gemological Institute of America), established in 1931, is recognized as the world’s foremost authority in gemology. GIA invented the famous 4Cs of Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat Weight in the early 1950s and in 1953, created the International Diamond Grading System™ which, today, is recognized by virtually every professional jeweler in the world.
 
Through research, education, gemological laboratory services, and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science, and professionalism.