Alumni party, colored stone services, unique exhibits, expert talks and more
(CARLSBAD, Calif.) – GIA’s not-to-miss activities and services will enrich the visitor experience at the 2017 Tucson Shows, including an out-of-this-world alumni event, show service laboratory, fascinating exhibits, expert talks and much more. The Institute will have a presence at the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) GemFair™, Jan. 31 – Feb. 5, 2017, and the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show (TGMS), Feb. 9-12, both taking place at the Tucson Convention Center.
More information is available on the GIA website at https://www.gia.edu/gem-fair-agta-gemfair-tucson-2017. GIA highlights at the 2017 Tucson shows include:
Party at the GIA Gem Mine: Cosmic Blast – The GIA Alumni Association’s “Cosmic Blast” auction, dinner and dance party in Tucson promises to be out of this world. The annual event will take place Friday, Feb. 3 from 6:30 to 11 p.m. at the Marriott University Park Hotel. Ticket prices are $65 at the door.
Museum and Library Exhibits
Synthetic Diamonds at AGTA – Synthetic diamonds grown by the HPHT and CVD methods have become more prevalent in the jewelry trade. The Institute – which can identify all known types of synthetic diamonds – will display a variety of samples including large colorless and colored rough HPHT, large colorless and colored faceted HPHT, rough CVD, faceted CVD, rough HPHT melee, and faceted HPHT melee diamonds side-by-side with natural diamonds at its booth on the Galleria level.
The Fersman Catalog at TGMS – The GIA library’s copy of Russia’s Treasure of Diamonds and Precious Stones by A.E. Fersman is one of the few surviving examples of a Bolshevik-era catalog of royal jewels seized during the Russian Revolution. The library will feature a special display at TGMS dedicated to the catalog, including an historical figure of Catherine the Great by George Stuart (on loan from the Ventura County Museum of Art) and replicas of notable diamonds the Orlov and the Shah.
Highlights of the Hauser Collection at TGMS – GIA’s museum recently acquired a collection of ornamental minerals of exceptional size and quality, made possible through a generous donation by the family of Joel and Barbara Hauser. Many of the pieces are from localities with restricted access or that are no longer producing. Attendees of TGMS will have the opportunity to view 13 of the finest pieces from the Hauser collection as part of a special exhibit.
 Rhodochrosite measuring 42 x 23 x 1.5 cm is part of the GIA museum exhibit “Highlights of the Hauser Collection.” Photo by Orasa Weldon; © GIA |
 Malachite measuring 34 x 32 x 1.5 cm is part of the GIA museum exhibit “Highlights of the Hauser Collection.” Photo by Orasa Weldon; © GIA |
 Turquoise measuring 39.5 x 24 x 10 cm is part of the GIA museum exhibit “Highlights of the Hauser Collection.” Photo by Orasa Weldon; © GIA |
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GIA Show Service Laboratory at AGTA GemFair
Show attendees and exhibitors will have convenient access to gem identification and country-of-origin services through the GIA Show Service Laboratory. GIA will accept gemstones onsite at the AGTA GemFair in the Onyx Suite Monday through Saturday, Jan. 30 to Feb. 4 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m..; and Sunday, Feb. 5 from 9 a.m. to noon. Click here (https://www.gia.edu/gem-lab-service/show-service) for details on how to submit a stone for GIA’s Show Service Laboratory.
Free GIA Seminars
Rediscovering the Chivor Emerald Mine – In the Footsteps of Peter W. Rainier – On Wednesday, Feb. 1 from 1 to 2 p.m. in the Mojave Room, GIA’s Manager of Photography and Visual Communications Robert Weldon will tell an epic tale of triumph over adversity about Peter W. Rainier, a South African who ran Colombia’s Chivor emerald mine in the 1920s.
The Latest News from GIA Research – On Friday, Feb. 3 from 9 to 10 a.m. in the Mojave Room, GIA’s Distinguished Research Fellow Dr. James Shigley will provide an update on the Institute’s latest research on diamonds, colored stones and other timely topics of interest.
Russia’s Treasure of Diamonds and Precious Stones – On Friday, Feb. 10 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in the Crystal Ballroom, GIA Librarian Rose Tozer will discuss the significance of this rare 1925 catalog of Romanov jewels, as well as the GIA library’s extensive digitization project of its rarest and most historically important works.
GIA Education
GIA will offer one fee-based lab class and two fee-based lecture/labs in the Greenlee Room during AGTA. Pre-registration is required; call GIA admissions at 800-421-7250 ext. 4001 or 760-603-4001 to sign up.
GEM 240L Gem Identification Lab Class – Monday through Friday, Jan. 30 to Feb. 3, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Students practice the same time-tested procedures and identification skills used by the Institute’s renowned gemological experts in this lab class. Students use gemological instruments to practice identifying natural gemstones, imitations, assembled stones and synthetics. Along with hands-on training, GIA instructors demonstrate key tests and coach students in quick, effective testing procedures.
Identifying Inclusions in Corundum and Emerald – Saturday, Feb. 4, 9 to 11 a.m.
In this seminar, students explore the interiors of specially chosen rubies, sapphires and emeralds. Through lecture and hands-on practice, students get an up-close look at gems from new sources, learn to recognize specific types of inclusions, and understand how they help laboratory gemologists determine geologic origin, possible country of origin and potential treatments.
Identifying Synthetic and Imitation Colored Stones – Saturday, Feb. 4, 1 to 3 p.m.
This new GIA seminar is designed to sharpen gem identification skills. Through a lecture and hands-on practice with a microscope and a selection of unusual synthetics and challenging new imitations, students learn key identifying features to help detect these materials and gain valuable experience.
For more details about the Institute’s offerings at the AGTA GemFair™, visit GIA’s website here https://www.gia.edu/gem-fair-agta-gemfair-tucson-2017.
