In "Honoring Scruff" Guest Author Christine Ford Talks Moving Richard Fretterd’s 300+lb Smoky

March 7, 2014

This year at Tucson we had the pleasure of meeting some of our favorite “Prospectors” from The Weather Channel program of the same name – Guest Writer Christine Ford writes about the donation and move of Richard Fretterd’s 300 + lb Smoky and in Pa…

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#TucsonGemShow – JCK Tucson – Design Center

February 20, 2014


You would never have known that the JCK Tucson Show was in its FIRST year!  …aside from the expected slow traffic on the opening day for AGTA GemFair Tucson – the show floor was very busy – especially the lower level!

There are several reasons for this but first and foremost it was the quality Brands represented…starting with the stunning Designers featured in the Design Center upstairs…just a few that caught my eye!


Erik Stewart Fine Jewelry

The fabulous award winning Arizona Designer Erik Stewart has definitely settled into a “style” all his own! 
Erik’s design concepts stem from the vivid imagery from his engagements with music, visual and performing arts (wife is a dancer), food, and travel. His strong affinity for geometry within nature, minimalistic elegance, and transforming complexity into simplicity are significant motifs in all of his jewelry. The ESJ brand is innovative, conceptual, and dynamic.
With the objective of challenging and expanding notions of jewelry design by the jewelry industry, retail market, and himself, Erik Stewart welcomes every publishing/educating opportunity. Areas of expertise that he can speak on include: jewelry design, design process, jewelry aesthetics, computer aided design (Matrix), gemology, and the relationship of architecture and jewelry.
“My concepts reflect my lifelong story. The elements are purposeful and intentional expressed as Art for the Body.” -Erik Stewart, G.G.

Vasant Designs – Acclaimed jewelry designer Vasant has been a citizen of the world her entire life, and yet, it wasn’t until her decade long annual visits to India began that her inspirations blossomed in to a lifelong artistic quest for perfection. She soon found herself pouring through trays of precious and semi precious stones in search of perfect adornments for herself, her friends and her clientele.

She loves to see how women “know” exactly which stone and piece is right for them. Whether it is the depth of the color or complementary properties of the corresponding stone, she looks for the exact qualities inherent within the gem and its bearer. “Somehow, it’s always the right fit! I get so much pleasure out of seeing my designs light up a beautiful woman and in turn to see how her natural beauty makes my creations even more stunning to the eye.”   http://www.vasantdesigns.com/

The always amazing ALISHAN!  Alishan Halebian is one of the most original artists creating and pursuing his own vision in jewelry. Being a self-taught goldsmith, his treatment of precious metals is masterly. Using sophisticated techniques, he creates seemingly weightless pieces, capturing metallic beauty in a luxe look with textures set to thrill and inspire.

Alishan’s Armenian heritage brings the philosophies of two world cultures, East and West together, which burst into creative expression of style in his distinctive collections. His discerning clientele are attracted to his designs for their notably individual characteristics and emotions, confronting line and form. 
…jewelry for a sophisticated wearer; strong, accomplished, appreciates graceful beauty and elegance, a person with confidence, style and taste.   http://www.alishanonline.com/ 

GELLNER jewelry is an alliance between the creative power of nature and the formative power of design. Close cooperation with internationally renowned jewelry designers, together with ideas from our own goldsmith studio, are what give the Spirit of Pearls its uniqueness.  http://www.gellner.com/

The gem laden work of Laura Gibson – Laura Gibson is inspired by color. It is the language she uses to create her beautiful pieces. Vibrant, joyful color juxtapositions are her forte. Her pieces speak an elegance that is unique; texture and subtleties of color are combined together in true artistry. Her work is worn by the young and old alike. She is the 2006 winner of the Retailers Award for Color; and a 2007 winner of the “Designers of the 21st Century” award, by JQ magazine. Today, Laura Gibson creations are carried by galleries and fine jewelers across the country. Each necklace bears an “LG” signature clasp, as a guarantee of authenticity.    http://www.lauragibson.com/

  
California Designer David Heston’s Heston Designs – His original works are a daring mix of sterling silver, 18k gold, rubber, diamonds, and colored stones. A former sculpture Heston shares, “Jewelry has endless possibilities of shapes and forms, like sculpture. I’m seduced by the medium.” 

Holding a B.A. degree in Fine Arts from the University of Arizona and a Graduate Gemology Degree from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), Heston’s designs continue to redefine cutting edge style. “I attempt to strike the perfect balance between bold and sculptural.”

“I gather inspiration from all works of art both classical and modern, but my style is truly my own. I hope I will be able to evolve and surprise for the next 50 years.” With lifestyle in mind David’s jewelry is meant to be worn all the time, transitioning from casual to formal wear with ease.  Both men and women’s fashion continues to evolve, I hope to be ahead of that curve. His recently launched line of rubber, sterling and diamonds is indeed doing just that—

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#TucsonGemShow – About these reports….

February 20, 2014

As most of you who have followed my blog know, in years past I posted daily reports from the shows, unfortunately, with the addition of new shows and new night time events, that has proven to be almost impossible.So – I have been Instagramming and drop…

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#TucsonGemShow – Pueblo Gem & Mineral Show – NOW OPEN

February 7, 2014

I have made no secret of the fact that I LOVE THIS SHOW! …and with the 2012 addition of the International Mineral Hall it approaches perfection!I have so many favorites at this show that I could easily bore you to tears! So here are just a few off …

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#TucsonGemShow – Meet The Author – Book Signings at AGTA GemFair

January 30, 2014



Meet the Author for a Book Signing at the Tucson Gem Show


The Author:  Renee Newman
will be available to sign her latest book in the Exotic Gems series


Where: in the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers Booth 
Booth #G – 11 on the Galleria Level at the AGTA GemFair
When:  February 7th at 10:30am


To order or for more information:   http://reneenewman.com/exotic3.htm


Ms. Newman will sign immediately following her Presentation at AGTA GemFair


Friday, February 7th, from 9:00 am – 10:00 am 
Tourmaline: Colors, Names, Nicknames and Cutting Advice
Renée Newman and John Bradshaw, Coast-to-Coast Rarestones Int’l. 
Graham Room – Intermediate – Advanced. 
No other gemstone offers buyers a wider variety of colors than tourmaline. 
In addition to being found in every color of the rainbow as well as brown, black, white and colorless, tourmaline may also be multicolored in one stone. Author and gemologist Renée Newman discusses the different varieties of tourmaline and shows how designers and jewelers are using them to create dazzling jewelry for their customers. She also indicates trade names and addresses nomenclature issues involving rubellite, indicolite, chrome tourmaline and Paraiba tourmaline. Gem cutter John Bradshaw shows the steps involved in transforming a Mt. Mica, Maine tourmaline crystal into an attractive faceted gem, and he provides practical advice on cutting tourmaline and selecting rough.




Meet the Author for a Book Signing during the Tucson Gem Show.


The Author: Vladyslav Yavorskyy
will be available to sign his book Terra Garnet


Where: in the Jewelers Ethics Association Booth 
Booth #14 on the Galleria Level at the AGTA GemFair


When:  February 4-6th from 4pm – 5pm


To order or for more information:
http://www.garnetbook.com



Garnet is at the same time, one of the most common and one of the rarest gems in the world.

Red Garnet is found on almost every continent- but that isn’t the story with the green garnets. 
A set of closely related minerals that form a group, resulting in gemstones in almost every color.

In “Terra Garnet”, Vladyslav Yavorskyy celebrates this humble gem 
with the same reverence he showed Spinel in his last book “Terra Spinel”

Lush, vividly covered, thick pages with a silken hand, this glorious book is filled 
cover to cover with illustration and photographs in full color.

Terra Garnet is available at the author’s website and through the Jewelers Ethics Association.  
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#TucsonGemShow – PREVIEW – JOGS Tucson Gem & Jewelry Show

January 28, 2014

Tucson Gem & Jewelry Show

January 30 – February 10, 2014

SuperStart Pavilion (South Hall)

January 30 – February 3, 2014

Facility Space
Over
Around
Exhibitors From
Parking Cost
155,000 sq. ft.
800 Booths
35,000 Buyers
26 Countries
FREE
The JOGS Tucson show is the premiere red carpet event for Jewelry and Gemstones with over 350 of the world’s leading Manufacturers and Designers. Trendmakers and Trendsetters will be the highlight of this world famous event and a must attend for anyone in the industry.
The 155,000 sq. ft. Tucson Expo Center is once again proud to welcome the 30,000 jewelry professionals to our show, who come to JOGS for it’s famous international pavilions.With Over 1000 free parking spaces and a free limo and shuttle service, the only thing missing is you!

Venue: TUCSON EXPO CENTER

3750 East Irvington Road, Tucson, Arizona 85714

register to attend the Tucson Gem & Jewelry Show follow us on Facebook

RMC Gems - Cut Stones RMC Gems Logo

Booth: S515, S517, S616, S618
At JOGS Tucson Gem & Jewelry Show
RMC Gems - Tanzanite

RMC the market leader for Topaz stones is capable of supplying all kinds of topaz including Swiss Blue, Sky Blue, London Blue, White and Mystic Topaz.
RMC is the authorized dealer of all patented coated topaz. 
RMC is also a big producer of tourmaline beads know all around for there vast variety.
Takat Gems - Fine Jewelry Takat Gems Logo

Booth: C1, C2
At JOGS Tucson Gem & Jewelry Show
Takat Gems - Earrings

TAKAT is focused on providing the highest level of quality and customer service in creating and marketing exceptional jewelry.
The TAKAT signature style incorporates timeless elegance in a wide selection of distinctive jewelry designed with daring combinations of color, precious metals and gemstones, and innovative materials.
AF Designs - Sterling Silver Jewelry AF Designs Logo

Booth: Ballroom W2
At JOGS Tucson Gem & Jewelry Show
AF Designs - Sterling Silver Necklace

Today AF Designs specializes in manufacturing high quality of handcrafted jewelry with their team traveling worldwide in search of the most brilliant and beautiful semi precious stones.
AF Designs specialize in Balinese hand-made Jewelry, High-end Fashion Jewelry, Beaded Jewelry Collection, Marcasite, Cubic Zirconia, Stainless Steel with Semi-Precious Gem stones.
Amberman - Amber manufacturer and wholesaler from Baltic Region Amberman Logo

Booth: W312, W310, W308
At JOGS Tucson Gem & Jewelry Show
Amberman is the biggest manufacturer and wholesaler of amber jewelry from the Baltic region. Amberman has been in this business for more than a decade.

Amberman - Baltic Amber Bracelet

Amberman provides products of excellent quality, and offers unique styles of the best jewelry designers in the world. All amber jewelry is satisfied by the American Amber Association.
Maria Belen Nilson - Sterling Silver from Taxco, Mexico Maria Belen Nilson Logo

Booth: W5
At JOGS Tucson Gem & Jewelry Show
Maria Belen Nilson - Sterling Silver Bracelet

Hola! My name is Maria Belen, and I was born in Rio Cuarto, Argentina, on 25 February 1954. I grew up there, and graduated in Educational Studies. When I was 21, I left my country and moved to Mexico.
All of my designs are inspired by Mexico and Frida Kahlo. I really enjoy doing what I do, it comes from my deep love for Mexico, and for letting me be who I want to be.

Marc Jewelry Booth: S111 (South Hall)

Marc Jewelry USA LogoMarc Jewelry USA JewelryMarc Jewelry USA Jewelry

MARC Jewelry manufactures its own brand of wholesale marcasite jewelry. Our line of marcasite jewelry differs from what is commonly thought of when the stone “marcasite” is mentioned. We have a refreshingly contemporary collection of sterling silver, colored stone and marcasite jewelry, which will enhance your sterling silver jewelry collections. With the popularity of black diamonds, combined with colored stones – marcasite is back with a vengeance.
We are now one of the fastest moving categories in sterling silver jewelry! We have joined with SWAROSVKI as an Ingredient Brand partner. Each piece of our jewelry is specially crafted with only first quality SWAROVSKI marcasite stones. The use of the exclusive “Made with Swarovski Marcasite” tag is your proof of origin and the Swarovski name assures your customers that they are purchasing the highest, premium quality marcasite jewelry available.

FACTORY HIGHLIGHTS:

    Marc Jewelry USA Jewelry

  • We have been producing designer silver and gold jewelry for over 30 years.
  • We employ over 500 skilled workers ensuring on time delivery
  • We manufacture for many designer brands and silver distributors worldwide
  • We have an in house product development team with 20+ designers, using the newest technology and rapid prototyping machines for model making. Exclusivity of styles/collections are offered to qualifying customers.
  • We cut all colored stones in house to maintain our high quality standards and to control costs. Customers can request new and exclusive stone shapes, sizes and cuts. We offer unique colored stones, including doublets and triplets stones.
  • MARC offers prime pricing, as you are working directly with the factory
  • We have many more price points and styles available

For more information visit: www.marcjewelry.com/

Sanchi & Filia P Designs Booth: Ballroom S9

Sanchi & Filia P Designs

  • Every $500 spent you receive a raffle ticket 
  • Raffle will be held last day of pre-show at cocktail party 
  • at end of show.. 
  • 1st prize…….MacBook Air 
  • 2nd prize…..ipad air 
  • 3rd prize..ipad nano ( 3 will be given) 
  • 10 consolation prizes…ipod shuffle 
  • …also – we will give a mini ipad – everyday!

Sanchi and Filia P Designs is based in New York. Our design studio is located in richly cultural Japiur India. Although founded by Suranjan Porwal and Filia Perakis we are actually quite a large family, both in New York and India.

Sanchi & Filia P Designs

We make beautiful jewelry but that is not our greatest asset. It is the complete Love we have for our creations from start to finish. The greatest care is taken in first ,selecting the stones and then, in creating the designs. Our jewelry is Unique, beautiful and affordable but our success comes from the “Love” that is put into every piece. That’s our “secret ingredient”. And our greatest joy is when our customers let us know they also Love our jewelry. Love is contagious so please pass it on….

For more information visit: www.sanchiandfiliapdesigns.com

Didaj Jewelry Booth: W720

My name is Alyona and I am a jewelry designer and founder of DIDAJ Jewelry and Fashion. I’ve been creating my unique designs for many years. It is my passion and gives me a great deal of satisfaction, especially when I see what joy it brings to my clientele, all over the world. Although my customers vary in age and interests, they all share a common love for jewelry and a desire for beautiful things.
My new Collection brings together colorful Italian leather, Silver and Peacock Baroque Pearls, various colors of Coral, Turquoise, Amethyst, Peridot, Citrine, Aquamarine, and Tourmaline. I very proud of this new collection and hope you find it as exciting as I do.
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#TucsonGemShow – AGTA GemFair Ups The Foodie Quotient With Food Trucks

January 28, 2014

   

 EAT GREAT FOOD

Satisfy Your Appetite with the New and Improved Food Options at AGTA GemFair™ Tucson

 

This year make sure to check out our revived food court area featuring the best food trucks that Tucson has to offer! This year’s outdoor eating area sets the perfect ambiance to eat, socialize and relax from all of your shopping!
Take a look at our great options:

GemHall Floor

Aramark Cart Concepts

Sushi

  

Aramark Cart Concepts
Indian – Tikka Masala, Aloo Gobi,
Saag Paneer, etc.
  



5th Street Deli Kosher

Outdoor Food Trucks

 
Cheesy Rider
Gourmet Grilled Cheese


Chef’s Kitchen
Cajun Classics including Étouffée and Po Boys


DC Jumbie
Caribbean favorites including hot pressed Cuban Sandwiches, Roasted Pork, Fried Plantains (sweet and savory), Pigeon Peas with Puerto Rican Rice


Dragoon
Gourmet Burgers: Beef, Chicken and Salmon 
Dragoon Gourmet Burgers
Gema Tacos and Burritos
Mexican: local Tucson favorites including Carne Asada and Sonoran Dogs

Greek Patio
Gyros, Greek Salad and Baklava


Hellfire Pizza Company
Gourmet Pizza

U-Concessions
Napa Valley Noodles, Indian Fry Bread, Italian Sausage, Brats, Chicken Tenders and French Fries


Western Smoke
Santa Anna style TRITIP sandwiches and wraps

 

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#TucsonGemShow – JCK Tucson Part 2 – A Glance At The Goods!

January 26, 2014

In Part One – we discussed JCK Tucson – “the new kid in the desert” and gave all the where, when and even how to get there.  In Part Two it is all about the “WHAT” – what will you see at JCK Tucson?  …lets take a quick look at who is showing and some of the great products being presented…I am going to try to highlight one or two vendors within each of the show areas – there are many more Exhibitors than I have room for in this blog!

So lets take a walk on the showroom floor…if you are familiar with other JCK Events the setup will feel familiar.  There is a LUXURY area, a separate Design Center featuring some very elite up and coming brands and there are rooms that will hold either specific brands or themes…let’s start with one of those rooms.

Peter Schmid for Atelier Zobel
in the San Pedro Room – a definite European flair:


       “The people who wear our jewellery stand out from the crowd, like a great smile.”

– Peter Schmid
Attraction: Passion: Power – On the shores of Lake Constance, Peter Schmid and the renowned Atelier Zobel team explore and extend the Goldsmith’s craft. Our vocation is to create truly distinctive pieces: jewelry for lovers, for friends, for families. We work for discerning individuals and collectors who value the beauty of the contemporary, yet think beyond the present.  

Each piece is unique in its composition of materials and forms. 
Meteorite, ancient ceramics, petrified pinecones; extraordinary gems carefully selected and artfully designed by world-class stone-setters; Sculptural gold and oxidized silver forms created by Peter Schmid. 
See more of Schmid’s work in their online gallery
Gasia in Booth 69:
BA Gold in Booth 114:


EFFY Jewelry in Booth 212:



Supreme Jewelry Group in Booth 220:

The Supreme Jewelry Collection is a key resource for the finest jewelry retailers. Supreme’s collections are impeccably crafted and comprised of an award-winning bridal line, pendants, earrings, necklaces and bracelets, all available in 18K, 14K white, yellow, colored golds, as well as platinum and blackened rhodium. Supreme Jewelry: Contemporary yet timeless.

DABAKAROV in Booth 304:

A family and a business. Two generations involved in the creation and production of beautifully designed and exquisitely made gold and precious stone jewelry.

Henri Daussi in Booth 313:


From rough diamonds to exceptional jewelry, Henri Daussi is proud to be known as one of Europe’s premier diamond cutters and designers of fine jewelry. Cutting the world’s most brilliant diamonds and creating only the finest jewelry has forever been a Loots family tradition.   www.henridaussi.com


ARSLEV in Booth 502:

ARSLEV is a Californian based company established by Danish couple Katja & Kasper Markussen. ARSLEV sell & market Danish Designed Jewelry in North America! Check their website to see the range and artists they are currently showing… http://arslev.com
Check back soon – in Part 3  we will check out the Designers and Artisans that made it into this year’s Design Center at JCK Tucson.
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#TucsonGemShow – Erica Courtney Introduces NEW Gem Division

January 17, 2014
ERICA COURTNEY, INC. LAUNCHES THE COURTNEY COLLECTION, 
A NEW DIVISION FOCUSED ON GEMSTONES
Los Angeles-based luxury jewelry company, Erica Courtney, Inc. today announced the launch of The Courtney Collection®, a new division of the company that will focus on collectible, rare and interesting gemstones. The company will also be the official authorized North American distributor of Csarite™, a rare, natural, color-change gemstone.
Erica Courtney will serve as President and Adam Graham as CEO for both divisions.
“I’ve been collecting fabulous gemstones for my clients and myself for years, so it just seemed like a natural transition to become a colored gemstone dealer,” said Erica Courtney. “I love the magic of colored gemstones, especially the few gems that exhibit a unique personality and beautiful energy.”


The Courtney Collection was recently honored with a 2014 AGTA Spectrum Cutting Edge Award, winning second place in the “Phenomenal Gemstones” category for an 88.49ct. pear shape color-change Csarite. The AGTA Spectrum Awards is considered the world’s premier jewelry and gemstone competition, consisting of a judging panel of highly esteemed experts within the jewelry industry.
The Courtney Collection will be exhibiting at the GJX Gem & Jewelry Show at booth #2206, and the AGTA GemFair at booth #1606, in Tucson, AZ, February 4-9. For more information, please visit our website at www.courtneygemcollection.com.
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#TucsonGemShow – GIA Offers Lab Service, Seminars and Courses Toward Your GG

January 16, 2014

GIA Enhances Visitor Experience at Tucson 2014 Shows
Institute to host classes; offer lab service, seminars and more
GIA (Gemological Institute of America) will offer special laboratory services, gem and jewelry seminars, classes and more during the annual Tucson gem shows. The Institute’s show offerings will be at the Tucson Convention Center during the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) GemFair™, Feb. 4-9, and the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show, Feb. 13-16.
Two free seminars will explore recent gemological discoveries and research, and the Museum of London’s extraordinary Cheapside Hoard exhibit. The Institute will also offer two lab classes – colored stone grading and pearl grading – and two fee-based seminars – identifying synthetic diamonds and identifying diamond treatments. The GIA Alumni Association will sponsor its annual dinner, auction and dance event, “Party at the GIA Gem Mine,” onFeb. 7 at the Marriott University Park Hotel.
More information, including registration, is available on the GIA website at http://www.gia.edu/gem-event-agta-gemfair-020414.  
GIA’s highlights at the 2014 Tucson shows include:
GIA Museum Exhibit
Attendees of the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show, Feb. 13-16, will have the opportunity to preview pieces from the Institute’s spring 2014 Carlsbad exhibit, “Gems & Gemology 80th Anniversary.” Pieces featured on three different covers of the Institute’s award-winning scientific quarterly journal, will be on display along with their cover:
Winter 1988. These intense rubellites (ring 13.8 ct; necklace 18.5 ct) are from the Queen Mine, San Diego County, CA. Designed by Jeanne Larson. Courtesy of The Collector Fallbrook, CA; Photo Harold & Erica Van Pelt.

Summer 2006. Colombian emerald and diamond necklace with matching earrings designed by Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. in the 1950’s. The three large emeralds in the necklace are 6.65-7.41 ct; the emeralds in the earrings are 3.27 and 4.03 ct. Courtesy of a private collector; Photo Harold & Erica Van Pelt.

Summer 2008.  A selection of topaz jewelry and loose faceted stones from the GIA collection. The Belle Époque platinum corsage ornament features a 39.80 ct pink topaz and diamonds. The 9.36 ct blue, 11.39 ct blue and 14.47 ct pink topaz are from the Dr. Edward J. Gübelin Collection. The 11.54 ct blue topaz and sapphire ring set in 18K gold is a gift of Jacques Prades. Gift of Stephen and Eileen Silver, S.H. Silver Co; Photo Harold & Erica Van Pelt.
GIA Show Service Laboratory at AGTA GemFair
Show attendees will have convenient access to gem identification and country-of-origin services through the GIA Show Service Laboratory. Seasoned GIA gemologists will accept gemstones onsite at the AGTA GemFair in the Onyx Suite Monday through Saturday, Feb. 3-8 from 9 a.m. to 5p.m.; andSunday, Feb. 9 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Free GIA Seminars
Magnificent Jewels of Cheapside Hoard
Wednesday, Feb. 5, 1 to 2 p.m.
Robert Weldon, GIA’s manager of photography and visual communications and a noted expert on colored gems, will describe his quest to photograph and document the historically significant treasures of the Museum of London’s Cheapside Hoard. The unrivaled collection of nearly 500 gems and jewelry pieces – believed to have been buried in London in the seventeenth century and undisturbed until 1912 – offer a unique glimpse of Renaissance jewelry.
The Latest News from GIA Research
Friday, Feb. 7, 9 to 10 a.m.
GIA’s Distinguished Research Fellow Dr. James Shigley will provide an update on the Institute’s latest research developments on diamonds, colored stones and other timely topics of interest.
GIA EDUCATION:
GIA will offer two lab classes and two seminars during the AGTA GemFair™. Pre-registration is required; call GIA Admissions at (800) 421 7250 ext. 4001 to register for the seminars, and visit GIA’s website to register for the lab classes.
Colored Stone Grading Lab Class
Tuesday through Thursday, Feb. 4-69 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Students will develop skills in grading the color, clarity and cut quality of a wide range of colored stones. They will also Learn the GIA Colored Stone Grading System and how to describe color by hue, tone and saturation; Judge gem quality factors; Improve the consistency and accuracy of colored stone grading skills; and learn about the relationship between light and color and develop color memory.
Pearl Grading Lab Class
Friday, Feb. 7, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Students will discover how the world’s foremost experts determine the quality of akoya, freshwater, South Sea and Tahitian pearls. They will also learn GIA’s 7 Pearl Value Factors™ by training with a member of the Institute’s internationally respected team of instructors; and learn how to evaluate freshwater and cultured pearls in order to increase sales and promote the relationship between beauty, value and quality in your merchandise.
Identifying Synthetic Diamonds
Saturday, Feb. 8, 9 to 11 a.m.
Through a combination of lecture and hands-on lab using a microscope, students will learn how to identify HPHT-grown synthetic diamonds and separate them from natural diamond. They will also gain greater insight into the identification of CVD-grown synthetic diamond, and learn how to easily separate synthetic moissanite and synthetic cubic zirconia from diamond.
Identifying Diamond Treatments
Saturday, Feb. 8, 1 to 3 p.m.
Students will learn about the most important diamond treatment processes currently used in the gemstone market. Through a combination of lecture and hands-on lab with a microscope, the class covers the nature and treatment identification of diamonds including, laser drilled, fracture filled, HPHT, irradiation, and multiple treatment processes. Students will also learn to separate laser manufacturing remnants from treatments.

GIA at the CAD/CAM Pavilion
GIA’s  Jewelry Manufacturing Arts program is at the forefront of jewelry design education – from 3D printer rapid protoyping and casting to prefinishing, setting and buffing. Throughout the AGTA GemFair Tucson, GIA experts will answer questions and discuss a variety of relevant topics, including CAD/CAM, zero-shrinkage from CAD file to photopolymer models to rough castings, jewelry engineering priorities, jewelry design concepts, 3D scanning of gemstones and importing content into CAD files for use in making jewelry, and Quality Assurance Benchmarking criteria when CAD Modeling. The ongoing series will take place at booth # 450 in the CAD Design Studio, located in the Gem Hall.
Party at the GIA Gem Mine
The GIA Alumni Association’s annual auction, dinner and dance event is on Friday, Feb. 7 from 6:30 to 11 p.m. at the Marriott University Park Hotel. Ticket prices are $50 prior to Jan. 17; $65 after and at the door. Attendees can click here to purchase tickets.
For more details about the Institute’s offerings at the AGTA GemFair™, visit GIA’s 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. Visit www.gia.edu.   
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