GIA enhances offerings at Tucson shows

Carlsbad, Calif.--The Gemological Institute of America has announced that it will offer special laboratory services, gem and jewelry seminars and classes during the annual gem shows next month.

The GIA’s services and seminars will take place at Tucson Convention Center during the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) GemFair from Feb. 4 to 9, and at the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show from Feb. 13 to 16.

Two free seminars will explore recent gemological discoveries and research, and the Museum of London’s Cheapside Hoard exhibit.

The GIA also will offer two lab classes--colored stone grading and pearl grading--as well as two fee-based seminars--identifying synthetic diamonds and identifying diamond treatment.

The GIA Alumni Association will sponsor its annual dinner, auction and dance event, “Party at the GIA Gem Mine,” at the Marriott University Park Hotel on Feb. 7.

Details about the offerings at the Tucson show are as follows:

GIA Museum Exhibit
Attendees of the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show will have the opportunity to take a look at pieces from GIA’s spring exhibit in Carlsbad, “Gems & Gemology 80th Anniversary.” Pieces on display will include those featured on three different covers of the institute’s scientific journal, along with their covers.

GIA Show Service Laboratory
Attendees of AGTA’s GemFair will have 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.

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 talk about photographing and documenting the treasures of the Museum of London’s Cheapside Hoard.

The Latest News from GIA Research
Friday, Feb. 7, 9 to 10 a.m.
GIA’s Distinguished Research Fellow James Shigley will provide an update on the institute’s latest research developments on diamonds, colored stones and other topics.

GIA Classes
GIA will offer two lab classes and two seminars during the AGTA’s 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. 4-6, 9 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 and learn the