SourcingOct 05, 2026
De Beers to Take Full Ownership of Gahcho KuéIt is the last fully operational diamond mine in Canada following the recent closures of Ekati and Diavik.
Events & AwardsJan 26, 2017
What the GIA Has Going On in Tucson
Lessons on lab-grown diamonds and on-site laboratory services are just two of the activities the GIA has planned for the upcoming gem shows.
The Gemological Institute of America will have 13 of the finest minerals from the Joel and Barbara Hauser Mineral Collection on display in Tucson.
Carlsbad, Calif.--The Gemological Institute of America has a number of activities planned for attendees of the upcoming Tucson gem shows.
The GIA will be present at the American Gem Trade Association GemFair (Jan. 31 to Feb. 5) and the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show (Feb. 9 to 12), both of which take place at the Tucson Convention Center.
Highlights of its schedule for its time out in the desert is as follows.
GIA Show Service Laboratory
GIA will offer access to gem identification and country-of-origin services during the show. They will accept gemstones on-site at the AGTA GemFair, Monday, Jan. 30 to Sunday, Feb. 5.
Free GIA Seminars
“Rediscovering the Chivor Emerald Mine--In the Footsteps of Peter W. Rainier”
Wednesday, Feb. 1 from 1 to 2 p.m.
Manager of Photography and Visual Communications Robert Weldon will tell the tale of Peter W. Rainier, a South African who ran Colombia’s Chivor emerald mine in the 1920s.
“The Latest News from GIA Research”
Friday, Feb. 3 from 9 to 10 a.m.
Distinguished Research Fellow James Shigley will provide an update on its latest research on diamonds, colored stones and other timely topics of interest.
“Russia’s Treasure of Diamonds and Precious Stones”
Friday, Feb. 10 from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Librarian Rose Tozer will talk about the significance of this rare 1925 catalog of Romanov jewels, as well as the library’s digitization project involving its rarest and most historically important works.
Education
The GIA will offer one fee-based lab class and two fee-based lecture/labs during AGTA GemFair. 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.
In this class, students will practice the same procedures and identification skills that the GIA’s gem experts use. They will use gemological instruments to practice identifying natural gemstones, imitations, assembled stones and lab-grown stones through hands-on training.
“Identifying Inclusions in Corundum and Emerald”
Saturday, Feb. 4, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
In this seminar, students will delve into the inclusions of specially chosen rubies, sapphires and emeralds. Through both a lecture and hands-on practice, they will look up close at gems from new sources, learn how to recognize certain types of inclusions, and understand how they help laboratory gemologists determine geologic origin, country of origin and potential treatments.
“Identifying Synthetic and Imitation Colored Stones”
Saturday, Feb. 4, 1 to 3 p.m.
This session is designed to
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
sharpen gem identification skills. Through both a lecture and hands-on practice with a microscope and a selection of “unusual synthetics and challenging new imitations,” students will learn the key identifying features to be able to detect these materials.
Museum and Library Exhibits
1. Synthetic Diamonds at AGTA GemFair
The GIA will display a variety of samples of diamonds grown by the HPHT and CVD methods, putting 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.
2. 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 that were seized during the Russian Revolution. The library will have a special display at TGMS for the catalog, including a historical figure of Catherine the Great and replicas of notable diamonds the Orlov and the Shah.
http://www.nationaljeweler.com/independents/ecommerce/4642-gia-library-digitizes-rare-jewelry-books
3. Highlights of the Hauser Collection at TGMS
GIA’s museum recently acquired a collection of ornamental minerals of exceptional size and quality from the Joel and Barbara Hauser Mineral Collection, many of which are from localities that either have restricted access or no longer are producing. At TGMS, attendees will be able to view 13 of the more than 60 specimens in the collection.
More information on the GIA’s Tucson schedule can be found on GIA.edu.
Museum and Library Exhibits
1. Synthetic Diamonds at AGTA GemFair
The GIA will display a variety of samples of diamonds grown by the HPHT and CVD methods, putting 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.
2. 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 that were seized during the Russian Revolution. The library will have a special display at TGMS for the catalog, including a historical figure of Catherine the Great and replicas of notable diamonds the Orlov and the Shah.
http://www.nationaljeweler.com/independents/ecommerce/4642-gia-library-digitizes-rare-jewelry-books
3. Highlights of the Hauser Collection at TGMS
GIA’s museum recently acquired a collection of ornamental minerals of exceptional size and quality from the Joel and Barbara Hauser Mineral Collection, many of which are from localities that either have restricted access or no longer are producing. At TGMS, attendees will be able to view 13 of the more than 60 specimens in the collection.
More information on the GIA’s Tucson schedule can be found on GIA.edu.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
AuctionsOct 05, 2026
The Star Cats of the Sandy Lerner AuctionThese jewels stood out at Bonhams’ sale of the cat-loving tech entrepreneur’s collection of objects depicting the feline form.
CollectionsOct 05, 2026
Sorellina Writes Another Love Letter for ‘Postscript’ CollectionThe fine jewelry brand has expanded the collection that debuted at Couture with four new designs based on its most popular styles.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
SourcingOct 05, 2026
Bruce Bridges Joins CIBJO BoardThe AGTA president was elected for a two-year term on the board of directors.
Weekly QuizOct 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingOct 02, 2026
De Beers, National Geographic Society Renew Okavango Eternal Partnership The partnership, a pledge to protect Africa’s Okavango River Basin, has been extended for an additional five years.
MajorsOct 02, 2026
Pandora Opens New $150M Manufacturing Facility in VietnamThe new facility, its first outside of Thailand, will boost its manufacturing capacity by 50 percent.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
TrendsOct 02, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30th Anniversary With Heart PendantThe special-edition “Dream” pendant, our Piece of the Week, was created to mark Hearts On Fire’s 30-year milestone with 30 diamonds.
CrimeOct 01, 2026
Police Looking for 4 Suspects in $600K Smash-and-Grab RobberyDubai Jewelers in Springfield, Virginia, was once again the target of an armed robbery.
SurveysOct 01, 2026
Rolex Ranks Among Most Recommended Brands in US, Survey Says YouGov’s 2026 U.S. Most Recommended Brands report’s out, and a fast-fashion giant is sitting at No. 1 while Rolex is just shy of the top 5.
SourcingOct 01, 2026
Columbia Gem House Opens ‘Cutting Toward Change’ FundraiserProceeds from its jewelry raffle will benefit an organization working in India to combat silicosis, a lung disease affecting stone cutters.
TrendsOct 01, 2026
Carolina Hurricanes’ Championship Ring Reveals Hidden Hockey Puck PendantThe rings, crafted by Jason of Beverly Hills, celebrate the hockey team’s Stanley Cup win with design elements that honor its traditions.
TrendsOct 01, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: October’s Color Range This roundup of birthstone jewelry for October features vibrant tourmalines and opals with personality.
SourcingSep 30, 2026
Botswana’s President, De Beers CEO Say Diamond Demand Is RecoveringPresident Duma Boko spoke at back-to-back events in the city last week, touting Botswana’s stability and the diamond “bounceback.”
CollectionsSep 30, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Holiday Book Is ‘A Living Archive’ The catalog showcases 112 new, one-of-a-kind pieces amid highlights from the jeweler’s historic archive.
SourcingSep 30, 2026
Gemfields Posts $98.5M Loss, Writes Down Value of Ruby MineIts Montepuez Ruby Mining operation in Mozambique, which is not yielding enough high-quality rubies, has taken a $125 million hit.
SurveysSep 30, 2026
Consumer Confidence Falls to 12-Year Low in SeptemberThose surveyed were worried about the present and the future, with write-in responses mentioning high oil and gas prices.
IndependentsSep 29, 2026
Christy Bromberg, Longtime Gift Buyer for Underwood Jewelers, Dies at 68She is remembered for her joie de vivre, upbeat personality, genuine interest in other people, and love of the Alabama Crimson Tide.
AuctionsSep 29, 2026
Dionne Warwick’s Jewelry Goes Up for AuctionOnline bidding is open now for Julien’s sale of items owned by the “Walk On By” singer, whose final album comes out this fall.
ColumnistsSep 29, 2026
Your Holiday Marketing Has a Bridal Blind SpotDecember is the most popular month to propose, and jewelers need to keep that in mind when planning their holiday marketing.
AuctionsSep 29, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction Wednesday.
CollectionsSep 28, 2026
De Beers London Drops Water-Inspired High Jewelry Collection“Vibrations” features several firsts for De Beers’ high jewelry, including the use of chalcedony and diamonds sourced from artisanal miners.
CollectionsSep 28, 2026
Jessica McCormack Turns to Classic Motif for New CollectionThe “Bows” collection features three interpretations of the bow motif designed with Georgian and Victorian influences.
Events & AwardsSep 28, 2026
Guy Borenstein, Troy Underwood Among the Professionals Honored at AGS Conclave 2026The American Gem Society recognized industry members, one Guild, and a law enforcement official for their contributions to jewelry.
FinancialsSep 28, 2026
Instappraise, Jewelers Mutual Look to Simplify Jewelry InsuranceThrough a new system integration, customers can now receive instant personal jewelry insurance quotes at the time of appraisal.
WatchesSep 25, 2026
Smaller Rolex Watches Showing Strength on Secondary Market, Data ShowsFive of the 10 fastest-appreciating Rolex models on Bob’s Watches were Datejust 31 or Lady Datejust watches.
