Press Release

Ruby & Sapphire Expert to Discuss Gemological Heresies

GIA’s next Gemstone Gathering is Sept. 24 in Bangkok

BANGKOK – Sept. 17, 2014 – GIA’s (Gemological Institute of America) monthly Gemstone Gatherings in Bangkok offer an opportunity to exchange information and discuss diverse interests related to gemstones. Richard W. Hughes, a leading expert in gemology, will discuss different gemological heresies, or topics contrary to conventional thinking, at the Institute’s gathering on Sept. 24.
 
A widely recognized expert in ruby and sapphire, Hughes will delve into varied beliefs related to gemology and geology. He will take the audience on a journey to the center of the earth and into outer space to discover the relationship between the origins of gems and life on earth.
 
Hughes, director of Lotus Gemology in Bangkok, is the author of several books and more than 150 articles. He has received numerous industry awards including Gems & Gemology’s Edward J. Gübelin Most Valuable Article Award, the Richard T. Liddicoat Journalism Award from the American Gem Society, Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology from the Accredited Gemologists Association, and in 2013 he was named one of the 50 most important figures that have shaped the history of gems since antiquity by the Association Française de Gemmologie.
 
GIA’s Gemstone Gathering, a free event, begins at 6 p.m. on Sept. 24 in the “Crowne Room 1-3” on the 21st floor of the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Lumpini Park in Bangkok.

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.