Events & Awards

What the GIA Has Going On in Tucson

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.

20161114_Malachite.jpg
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

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.
Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

Image of Winona Ryder and Iman from Pandora’s Be Love marketing campaign
FinancialsAug 15, 2025
In Q2 Results, Pandora Talks Tariffs, Q4 Plans

The company had a solid second quarter, with sales of non-charm jewelry outpacing sales of pieces in its core collections.

Taylor Swift Etho Maria ruby earrings The Life of a Showgirl TS12
EditorsAug 15, 2025
Piece of the Week: Etho Maria’s Showgirl-Approved Ruby Drop Earrings

Taylor Swift dons the vibrant pair in new promotional imagery for her upcoming album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” set to release in October.

Audemars Piguet Starwheel Watch
WatchesAug 15, 2025
Audemars Piguet Acquires Majority Stake in Manufacturer

Its investment in micromechanics expert Inhotec will preserve skills essential to the watchmaking industry as a whole, said the company.

rio-article photo-diamond.jpg
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine Jewelry

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

Nicolette Bianchi
MajorsAug 15, 2025
Rio Grande Names New Marketing Director

Nicolette Bianchi joins the wholesale provider with more than 15 years of cross-industry experience in marketing and product development.

Weekly QuizAug 15, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Pippa Small Myanmar Fish Cluster
CollectionsAug 14, 2025
In Midst of ‘Sardine Girl Summer,’ Pippa Small Looks to ‘Flounder Fall’

Her new “Ocean” collection was inspired by Myanmar’s traditional articulated fish jewelry, with depictions of flounder, catfish, and more.

Casio America CEO Yusuke Suzuki
MajorsAug 14, 2025
Casio America Names New CEO

Longtime Casio executive Yusuke Suzuki is the new president and CEO of Casio’s U.S. subsidiary.

an instructor and a student in a bench jewelry classroom
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

LA Trading Day
SourcingAug 14, 2025
West Coast Orgs to Host Trading Event, Mixer in LA

The full-day sourcing and networking event, slated for Aug. 18, will be followed by the fifth annual Mega Mixer Summer Soirée.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Stephanie Gottlieb Ring
TrendsAug 13, 2025
Cristiano Ronaldo Proposes With Gigantic Oval-Cut Diamond

Model Georgina Rodríguez received a rock of an engagement ring, with her diamond estimated to be 35 carats, experts say.

International Colored Gemstone Association logo
SourcingAug 13, 2025
ICA Names 2025 Board of Directors

The board elected 9 new directors at its recent ICA Congress in Brazil.

Whiskey Barrel Ring
TrendsAug 13, 2025
Colorado Jeweler, Whiskey Maker Collab on Ring Giveaway

Three winners will receive a custom ring from Honest Hands Ring Co. inlaid with a piece of history from Denver-based distillery Stranahan’s.

People shopping in a mall
SurveysAug 13, 2025
These Are The 25 Hottest Retailers, Says NRF

JD Sports and Wawa were among the fastest-growing retail companies in the U.S. last year.

Columbia Gem House Winza sapphires and rubies
SourcingAug 13, 2025
Columbia Gem House Launches Winza Sapphires, Rubies

The new inventory, all untreated, features vibrant hues and unique bicolor combinations.

Gemfields Faberge
SourcingAug 12, 2025
Gemfields Sells Fabergé for $50M

Acquired by a tech investor, the historic brand will continue to focus on jewelry, accessories, and timepieces.

Shipping containers on a ship
Policies & IssuesAug 12, 2025
Higher Tariff on Chinese Imports Paused for 90 Days, Trump Says

President Donald Trump issued an executive order extending the pause on higher tariffs to November as negotiations with China continue.

Jacquie Aiche Thunderbird Slab Collection Campaign
CollectionsAug 12, 2025
Jacquie Aiche’s New Collection Harnesses the Energy of the Thunderbird

The “Thunderbird Slab” collection features a thunderbird motif as a symbol of power, protection, and boundless possibility.

Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams
ColumnistsAug 12, 2025
Creative Connecting: How to Take a Better Headshot

Columnists Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen share tips on how to elevate your professional image.

Vigil for slain Wheat Ridge, Colorado jeweler Peter Damian Arguello
CrimeAug 11, 2025
Man Convicted of First-Degree Murder in Death of Colorado Jeweler

Peter Damian Arguello, a jeweler in the Denver suburb of Wheat Ridge, was found dead inside his store in November 2023.

Lisa Bridge
IndependentsAug 11, 2025
Lisa Bridge to Depart Ben Bridge Jeweler

The retailer, owned by Berkshire Hathaway, is becoming part of the Berkshire Hathaway Jewelry Group with Helzberg.

Nora Kühner fashion design consulting trend forecast colors 2027
EditorsAug 11, 2025
The Colors Expected to Be On-Trend in a Couple Years

Associate Editor Lauren McLemore recently attended a fabrics trade show where a trend forecaster shared her predictions for summer 2027.

Brilliant Earth Jolie Mosaics engagement ring
FinancialsAug 08, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s Q2 Sales Up 3% as Engagement Ring Sales Rise

The company raised its full-year sales guidance while noting it has not yet assessed the potential impact of the latest tariff news.

Rahaminov Diamonds Emerald-Cut Diamond Bezel Bangle
TrendsAug 08, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rahaminov Diamonds’ Bezel Bangle

The brand’s latest iteration of a bezel-set diamond bangle features clean lines and a timeless design for a new modern silhouette.

Black and white photo of Tony Bennett near a microphone
WatchesAug 07, 2025
Bulova’s New Collection Honors Tony Bennett

The first watch in the series commemorates his participation in the Civil Rights movement, marching from Selma to Montgomery in 1965.

Sapphire page in Chatham’s “Ultimate Lab-Grown Catalog”
Lab-GrownAug 07, 2025
Chatham Releases Catalog for Loose Lab-Grown Gemstones

The catalog contains a complete listing of all the loose gemstones in stock, as well as information about the properties of each stone.

Rembrandt Blue Jay, Hummingbird, Cardinal Bird Charms
TechnologyAug 07, 2025
Rembrandt Charms Debuts New Website, Bird Charms

The company added a retailer dashboard to its site and three new birds to its charm collection, the cardinal, blue jay, and hummingbird.

Shipping containers on a ship
Policies & IssuesAug 06, 2025
Tariff on India to Rise to 50%, Trump Says

An additional 25 percent tariff has been added to the previously announced 25 percent.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy