Independents

Gemstone Passports: Colored Stone Origin Determination

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Gemstone Passports: Colored Stone Origin Determination

Navigate origin determination with Continuing Education seminars offered by the GIA Alumni Collective™.

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Brought To You By GIA Alumni Collective


Origin has long been a factor in determining the value of colored stones, but new demands from within the industry and increased interest from consumers have escalated the importance of origin even further. Traceability and the sourcing pipeline are no longer considered add-on factors but are now central to the storytelling aspect of fine jewelry. Accurate, authoritative origin determination is now considered of equal importance to quality factors such as color, size, and shape. The value of high-end colored stones can increase dramatically depending on their origins, making 'country of origin' a critical value factor.

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Knowledge of stone origin and how it is evaluated provides essential knowledge for sellers and confidence to buyers. It can also be a connection point for consumers who are demonstrably more interested in the stories behind the finished product. The characteristics of a region – its geology, geography, and even human history – provide a colorful backdrop to each gemstone’s unique origin story. This valuable insight expands not only our understanding of how gemstones formed, but how they travel through the supply chain before ultimately reaching their new home as a cherished memento. 

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Protect Your Customers with Advanced Science

As identification techniques and instruments become increasingly sophisticated, more expertise is required to navigate new data and present it effectively. This is especially true for retailers who must respond to customer questions accurately while focusing on the many other important attributes of a gemstone. Wholesalers also need a strong command of the complex sourcing pipeline in order to answer questions concerning origin reports and how they might impact availability, value, and quality perception.

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Continued Education Opportunities with GIA Alumni Collective

The Country of Origin Determination seminars available through Continuing Education will help you navigate the critical findings from GIA field research on ruby, sapphire, emerald, and other important gemstone origins. These self-paced online seminars introduce topics such as global colored stone deposits, advanced analysis techniques, and new methods for detection and reliable determination. With digital reference materials and a thoughtfully-designed, engaging structure, learners will review case studies and high-res images that demonstrate the technical aspects of accurate origin determination. 

Understanding the complexities of country of origin determination is a challenging yet crucial aspect of the gemstone trade. By participating in these comprehensive seminars, attendees can gain critical insights into the value and provenance of gemstones to make more informed decisions in this rapidly-evolving industry.

Visit collective.gia.edu/continuing-education to explore the seminars.

 

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