The largest colored stone and mineral shows are back in Tucson this year and there is something for every gem enthusiast to enjoy. GIA offers an array of educational programs, from one-day continuing education courses to engaging talks where GIA expert gemologists and researchers will share (some for the first time) the latest news and spend time exploring historical marvels. This is all in addition to the Institute’s presence at AGTA GemFair™Tucson.
Free educational discussion at the Alfie Museum – register here.
Sapphires from Montana: Gemology, Geology, and History
Saturday, February 4, 2023. 10am – 10:45am
Turquoise Room at the Alfie Museum
Hear from Dr. Aaron Palke, GIA senior research manager, as he goes over the history and gemological properties of what makes Montana sapphires different and their rising popularity, especially at shows like Tucson.
Mozambican Rubies: News from the Lab and Field
Saturday, February 4, 2023. 2pm – 2:45pm
Turquoise Room at the Alfie Museum
GIA Manager of Field Gemology Wim Vertriest will discuss how Mozambican rubies became one the most important gems in the world since their discovery, a little over a decade ago. You’ll discover the short but dynamic history of the Montepuez ruby deposit and see how it developed into such a superpower. GIA visited the deposit in August 2022 and the observations made by the team of field gemologists will be shared for the first time.
Rediscovering the Chivor Emerald Mine: In the Footsteps of Peter Rainier
Saturday, February 4, 2023. 4pm – 4:45pm
Alfie Museum
Hear from Robert Weldon, GIA library director, as he shares archives from the library that include historic photos that showcase Peter W. Rainier, a South African engineer, who ran the legendary Chivor emerald mine while fighting bandits, chasing elusive emerald veins and riding his horse through the Andes. Discover how Rainier coaxed the mine into peak production, bringing to market some of the finest emeralds the world has ever seen.
For those who want to dive deeper into gemology topics, there will be numerous continuing education courses where no prior experience is necessary. Register here.
Dig Deeper on the Origin of Colored Stones
Thursday, February 2, 2023. 9am – 4pm.
Cost: $625 (10% GIA Alumni Discount)
Led by: Dr. Aaron Palke and Wim Vertriest in the downstairs training room.
Low Temperature Heat Treatment in Corundum
Friday, February 3, 2023. 1pm – 3pm
Cost: $225 (10% GIA Alumni Discount).
Led by: Wim Vertriest in the downstairs training room.
Introduction to Jewelry Forensics
Saturday, February 4, 2023. 9am – 11am
Cost: $225 (10% GIA Alumni Discount)
Led by GIA Instructor Carson Lee in the downstairs training room
The 7 Value Factors of Pearls
Saturday, February 4, 2023. 2pm – 4pm
Cost: $225 (10% GIA Alumni Discount)
Led by GIA Instructor Shelly Verwymeren in the downstairs training room.
