6 Things the GIA is Doing in Las Vegas

Las Vegas--The Gemological Institute of America has a robust line-up of education and lab services happening at the JCK Las Vegas jewelry trade show this year.

Here are some highlights of what the GIA has to offer show-goers.

Colored Gemstone Lab Services
GIA will offer on-site reports for colored gemstones: the GIA Colored Stone Identification Report for any colored gemstones, or the GIA Colored Stone Identification and Origin Report for rubies, sapphires, emeralds, Paraíba tourmaline and red spinel.

Drop off your gemstones at room Palm G, Level 3 at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino beginning today.

Identifying Synthetic Diamonds Seminar
An interactive discussion and hands-on lab will help industry professionals learn more about HPHT and CVD-grown diamonds and how to separate them from natural diamonds.

The course costs $225 and is happening Friday, June 1, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Tradewinds E/F, pool level at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. Participants should have prior gemology experience.

Celebrate 100 Years of Richard T. Liddicoat
In honor of what would have been Richard T. Liddicoat’s 100th birthday, the GIA museum has designed a special exhibition outlining the contributions and achievements of the “father of modern gemology.”

Find it at GIA Booth L99.

Powerful Symbols: The Unique World of Colored Diamonds
There will be several talks on colored diamonds from GIA at the show, including two separate 20-minute “in-booth briefings” on pink and blue diamonds, but “Powerful Symbols” looks to be the most extensive conversation on the subject.

John King, the GIA’s chief quality officer, will present “Powerful Symbols: The Unique World of Colored Diamonds” on Friday, June 1 at 9:30am at the Showcase Stage, Bayside, Level 1. He’ll address the opportunities that exist with colored diamonds beyond the mega-stones, as well as market availability, among other topics.

GIA Research Update
On Sunday, June 3 at Tradewinds F, GIA Vice President of Research and Development Wuyi Wang will talk about the latest research in synthetic diamonds, gem testing services and screening services.

GIA research scientist Dr. Evan Smith will weigh in on what the association has discovered about the formation of the world’s largest and most valuable diamonds.

The presentation will happen from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. 

Ruby Origin Seminar
On Friday, June 1, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Tradewinds E/F, pool level, Mandalay Bay Convention Center, participants in the “Ruby: Country of Origin Determination” lab and seminar will