GIA Offers Lab Services, Educational Opportunities, Specials and Seminars
Alumni Association marks Institute’s 80th anniversary with celebration in Tucson
CARLSBAD, Calif. – Jan. 24, 2011 – GIA (Gemological Institute of America) has announced that a number of laboratory services, classes, specials and free seminars will be available at the upcoming gem shows in Tucson, Ariz. In addition, the GIA Alumni Association will mark the Institute’s 80th anniversary with a celebration at its annual auction and dinner dance on Feb. 4. Complete details on all GIA Tucson activities are available on the GIA website.GIA Show Service Laboratory at AGTA GemFair™
Show attendees will be able to take advantage of quick, convenient access to gem identification and country-of-origin services offered by GIA during the shows. Gemstones can be dropped off at the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) GemFair show in the Onyx Suite of the Tucson Convention Center. The laboratory will be available 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 31 to Feb. 5, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb. 6.
GIA GemPasses can be redeemed for identification and country-of-origin services. GemPasses are priced at US$50 each and are available in booklets of 50 passes. The GIA GemPassbook™ will be available for purchase at the Show Service Laboratory. GIA GemPasses are redeemable for one service per stone, regardless of gemstone weight. One pass is redeemable for an identification service while two passes are needed for identification and origin services. For more information, call 800 421 7250, ext. 4517 or 760 603 4517, or contact us.
GIA Education
GIA Education will be on site at the Tucson Convention Center with a variety of classes, including a skill-building Colored Stone Grading Lab; a Pearl Grading Lab that features insight into how the world’s foremost experts determine the quality of akoya, freshwater, South Sea and Tahitian pearls; and two seminars -- one on identifying rubies and sapphires, and one on identifying emeralds.
To enroll in the above classes, call 800 421 7250, ext. 4001 or 760 603 4001, or contact us.
GIA Instruments Deals
GIA is offering a number of microscope and accessories deals that will only be available during AGTA GemFair. The instruments will be located at the GIA booth on the Galleria level of the Tucson Convention Center.
Gems & Gemology: Special Offers
GIA will make several exclusive offers available at AGTA GemFair for G&G subscriptions, current and back issues, G&G In Review books and reference charts. Also available for sale at the show will be the newest G&G reference chart, Major World Gem Producing Regions, which has been completely updated for 2010.
Register in Tucson for GIA Symposium 2011
Registration for Symposium 2011: Advancing the Science and Business of Gems is available at the GIA booths at AGTA and the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show (TGMS). Symposium 2011, slated for May 29-30, offers insight into technological advances along with practical solutions to problems that jewelers and gemologists face every day. It is recognized as the premier event in gemology, and offers the knowledge that industry professionals need to keep pace with rapid and radical changes in the field. Registration is open, but capacity is limited.
Latest Pearls eLearning Course
GIA’s newest Pearls eLearning course contains the latest research on pearls and their sources, and was designed in response to the recent surge in popularity that these organic gemstones have enjoyed. A tour through this new educational offering will be showcased at the GIA booths at both AGTA GemFair and TGMS. The eight-assignment course, now available, is highlighted by images and videos that demonstrate how pearl culturing is performed, along with interviews with trade experts who provide firsthand industry perspectives.
GIA Tucson Seminars
GIA plans to offer two free seminars at the Tucson Convention Center. The first seminar will be presented at 9 a.m. Feb. 4 by Dr. James Shigley, distinguished research fellow and a member of GIA’s Research staff in Carlsbad. Dr. Shigley will answer questions and review the latest developments in the lab, including gem identification and other topics of interest.
The second seminar, scheduled for 9 a.m. Feb. 5, is titled “Doing Business in a Global Village” and will address the need to create, maintain and communicate global standards of quality across the international gem and jewelry industry. GIA’s Vice President of Education and Chief Learning Officer, Bev Hori, is the featured speaker.
Seating is limited: please arrive early to secure a spot.
Exhibits and Displays
Exhibits that commemorate GIA’s 80th anniversary will be on display Feb. 1-6 at AGTA and Feb. 10-13 at TGMS. The AGTA exhibit, located next to the GIA booth on the show’s Galleria level, will include historical pieces, books and other items. The TGMS display, located in the center walkway, will focus on California gems and minerals. GIA will also have a presence at the Centurion Jewelry Show that showcases the Institute’s latest offerings in education, research and programs at Table AB8 in the Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa.
