Events & Awards

6 Things the GIA is Doing in Las Vegas

Events & AwardsMay 30, 2018

6 Things the GIA is Doing in Las Vegas

The Gemological Institute of America has a robust line-up of education and lab services happening at JCK Las Vegas.

2016-GIA-logo.jpg

Las Vegas--The Gemological Institute of America has a robust line-up of education and lab services happening at the JCK Las Vegas jewelry trade show this year.

Here are some highlights of what the GIA has to offer show-goers.

Colored Gemstone Lab Services
GIA will offer on-site reports for colored gemstones: the GIA Colored Stone Identification Report for any colored gemstones, or the GIA Colored Stone Identification and Origin Report for rubies, sapphires, emeralds, Paraíba tourmaline and red spinel.

Drop off your gemstones at room Palm G, Level 3 at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino beginning today.

Identifying Synthetic Diamonds Seminar
An interactive discussion and hands-on lab will help industry professionals learn more about HPHT and CVD-grown diamonds and how to separate them from natural diamonds.

The course costs $225 and is happening Friday, June 1, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Tradewinds E/F, pool level at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. Participants should have prior gemology experience.

Celebrate 100 Years of Richard T. Liddicoat
In honor of what would have been Richard T. Liddicoat’s 100th birthday, the GIA museum has designed a special exhibition outlining the contributions and achievements of the “father of modern gemology.”

Find it at GIA Booth L99.

Powerful Symbols: The Unique World of Colored Diamonds
There will be several talks on colored diamonds from GIA at the show, including two separate 20-minute “in-booth briefings” on pink and blue diamonds, but “Powerful Symbols” looks to be the most extensive conversation on the subject.

John King, the GIA’s chief quality officer, will present “Powerful Symbols: The Unique World of Colored Diamonds” on Friday, June 1 at 9:30am at the Showcase Stage, Bayside, Level 1. He’ll address the opportunities that exist with colored diamonds beyond the mega-stones, as well as market availability, among other topics.

GIA Research Update
On Sunday, June 3 at Tradewinds F, GIA Vice President of Research and Development Wuyi Wang will talk about the latest research in synthetic diamonds, gem testing services and screening services.

GIA research scientist Dr. Evan Smith will weigh in on what the association has discovered about the formation of the world’s largest and most valuable diamonds.

The presentation will happen from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. 

Ruby Origin Seminar

On Friday, June 1, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Tradewinds E/F, pool level, Mandalay Bay Convention Center, participants in the “Ruby: Country of Origin Determination” lab and seminar will

examine specimens from the GIA library to determine their provenance.

The session costs $225 and is recommended for those with previous gemology experience.

To see the full slate of events the GIA has planned in Las Vegas, visit their website.
Ashley Davisis the senior editor, fashion at National Jeweler, covering all things related to design, style and trends.

The Latest

Stock image of a gavel and books
CrimeApr 22, 2026
New Mexico Couple Pleads Guilty to Selling Fake Native American Jewelry

The pair falsely claimed their jewelry was made by Navajo artists, but it was imported from Vietnam.

Roberta Flack: Style, Art, & Music Auction Bulgari Collar
AuctionsApr 22, 2026
Roberta Flack’s Jewelry Is Going Up for Auction

Julien’s Auctions is selling the musician’s fine and fashion jewelry alongside her clothing, gold records, and other memorabilia.

Rachel King and The Tudor Heart book cover
CollectionsApr 22, 2026
British Museum Curator Pens Book on ‘The Tudor Heart’

Rachel King’s book dives into the history of the pendant believed to have belonged to Henry VIII and his first wife, Katherine of Aragon.

Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las Vegas

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Chanel Coco Game Haute Horlogerie Chessboard
WatchesApr 21, 2026
Coco Chanel Enters the Game with New Watch Collection

Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel is a character in the “Coco Game” collection of watches and the queen in its first haute horlogerie chessboard.

Weekly QuizApr 16, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Jewelers of America 20 Under 40 winners collage
IndependentsApr 21, 2026
Meet Jewelers of America’s 2026 ‘20 Under 40’ Class

The annual list honors rising professionals on the retail and supply sides of the jewelry industry.

Fake Fendi bangle
CrimeApr 21, 2026
Customs Nabs 1,500 Pieces of Counterfeit Jewelry Bound for NYC

Seized in Kentucky, the packages include fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Chanel, and Fendi jewelry.

lvajws image 1.jpg
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the Globe

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Stock image of a judge’s gavel
CrimeApr 20, 2026
Queens Man Convicted in Bludgeoning Death of Pawn Shop Owner

Rodolfo Lopez-Portillo faces 25 years to life in prison after being found guilty in the March 2022 beating death of Arasb Shoughi.

Jewelry Creators: Dynamic Duos and Generational Gems Book Cover
TrendsApr 20, 2026
Beth Bernstein, Sonia Esther Soltani Pen New Jewelry Book

“Jewelry Creators: Dynamic Duos and Generational Gems” highlights the relationships among 22 influential designers, brands, and gem dealers.

Mike McMullen and Adrienne Gernand
MajorsApr 20, 2026
Kendra Scott Names New CFO, Chief Business Officer

The jewelry retailer plans to open 20 new stores this year and expand into new product categories.

Oscar Heyman Multi-Colored Tourmaline and Diamond Flower Necklace
TrendsApr 17, 2026
New (Groundbreaking) Floral Jewelry for Spring 2026

Flower motifs are the jewelry trend blooming amongst the new collections that debuted this spring.

QVC Group logo
MajorsApr 17, 2026
QVC Group Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

The retailer reported an 8 percent decline in annual sales as it struggles under the weight of billions of dollars of debt.

Edina Kiss Devil Drop Earrings
CollectionsApr 17, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Earrings Are the Devil on Your Shoulder

The “Devil” drop earrings, our Piece of the Week, are part of designer Edina Kiss’ new namesake jewelry line that she will show at Couture.

Stock image of gold bars
CrimeApr 17, 2026
FBI Issues Warning to Refineries, Retailers Due to High Price of Gold

The alert states that burglary crews are targeting jewelry businesses and details how jewelers and refineries can protect themselves.

Cartier Roadster
WatchesApr 16, 2026
Cartier Brings Back the Roadster

The “watchmaker of shapes” debuted the reworked version of the vintage sports car-inspired timepiece at Watches & Wonders.

Edge Retail Academy Ellen Gardner, Jennifer Motes, Mona Lisa Shaffer, Cindi Haddad Drew
IndependentsApr 16, 2026
Edge Retail Academy Updates Leadership Team

As demand for jewelry retail coaching grows, the company has established a dedicated business coaching leadership team.

Stuller Mountings 2026-2027 Catalog
MajorsApr 16, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Mountings Catalog Is Out Now

The “Mountings 2026-2027” catalog showcases Stuller’s largest and most diverse assortment to date with more than 400 new mounting styles.

Screenshots of Episode 4 of the “My Next Question” podcast
PodcastsApr 15, 2026
Episode 4: The Natural Diamond Dilemma

Sally Morrison and Mark Klein discuss De Beers’ first beacon in 16 years and the mistake the industry made with lab-grown diamonds.

Randy McKenzie of Spark Creations
MajorsApr 15, 2026
Spark Creations’ Randy McKenzie Dies at 72

McKenzie spent 45 years with Spark Creations and is remembered for being kind, dedicated, and hardworking.

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Watch
WatchesApr 15, 2026
These Are the New Rolex Watches for 2026

Rolex focused exclusively on the Oyster Perpetual this year, as the model is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

Pomellato Nudo blue topaz necklaces
FinancialsApr 15, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Shines in Q1, Gucci’s Struggle Continues

The luxury giant discussed the Middle East conflict and its transformation plans, hinting at a stronger jewelry presence in North America.

Kalpesh Jhaveri
SourcingApr 15, 2026
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2026 Board

Kalpesh Jhaveri was re-elected as president for a third year.

Diamond Divas
TechnologyApr 15, 2026
This Jewelry Brand’s Video Series Is Up for a Webby Award

“Diamond Divas,” a social media reality series by Shahla Karimi Jewelry, is nominated in the “Best Social: Fashion & Beauty” category.

De Beers Desert Diamonds Bridal Campaign Imagery
SourcingApr 14, 2026
De Beers Expands ‘Desert Diamonds’ Beacon Into Bridal

The campaign seeks to reignite desire for natural diamond engagement rings by highlighting the “distinct character” of warm-toned diamonds.

Model wearing Bulgari Vimini necklace and earrings
FinancialsApr 14, 2026
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Sink 6% Amid Middle East Conflict

Plus, how Saks Global’s bankruptcy affected the luxury giant’s first quarter.

International Jade Summit
SourcingApr 14, 2026
International Jade Summit to Return to Monterey

Presented by Mason-Kay Jade, the summit, in its second year, will again be held during the Monterey Bay Jade Festival.

×

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