WatchesOct 04, 2024
Watches of Switzerland Clocks Another Acquisition—HodinkeeThe company said Benjamin Clymer will return to his role as head of the watch news website, which will maintain editorial independence.
SourcingSep 20, 2019
Meet the New Member of the Beryl Family, Johnkoivulaite
The new mineral species has been named in honor of renowned microscopist and researcher John Koivula.
This new mineral, dubbed johnkoivulaite after microscopist and GIA researcher John Koivula, shows strong pleochroism, going violet to near-colorless when examined with polarized light.
Carlsbad, Calif.—Researchers from the Gemological Institute of America, along with scientists from the California Institute of Technology, have confirmed a new mineral species and named it in honor of a well-known and respected gemologist.
A 1.16-carat crystal of the mineral now known as johnkoivulaite, named for renowned microscopist and GIA researcher John Koivula, was found in Myanmar’s Mogok Valley by local gemologist Nay Myo.
Koivula has more than 40 years of industry experience in research and photomicrography.
In 1986, he co-authored “Photoatlas of Inclusions in Gemstones” with Edward J. Gübelin, which followed with two more volumes.
Koivula also wrote “The Microworld of Diamonds” and co-authored “Geologica” with Robert Coenraads.
His contributions to gemology have earned him several industry awards and honors, including the American Gem Society’s Robert M. Shipley Award, the Accredited Gemologists Association’s Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology and GIA’s Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement.
He also won first place in Nikon’s Small World Photomicrographic competition in 1984.
“We are privileged to be able to name this mineral after John Koivula who has contributed so much to science and the gem and jewelry industry as a prominent gemologist and innovator in photomicrography,” said Tom Moses, executive vice president and chief laboratory and research officer at GIA.
“Discoveries such as this remind us of the importance of our mission-based research and of the numerous important contributions John has made in his more than four decades of scientific work.”
A 1.16-carat crystal of the mineral now known as johnkoivulaite, named for renowned microscopist and GIA researcher John Koivula, was found in Myanmar’s Mogok Valley by local gemologist Nay Myo.
Koivula has more than 40 years of industry experience in research and photomicrography.
In 1986, he co-authored “Photoatlas of Inclusions in Gemstones” with Edward J. Gübelin, which followed with two more volumes.
Koivula also wrote “The Microworld of Diamonds” and co-authored “Geologica” with Robert Coenraads.
His contributions to gemology have earned him several industry awards and honors, including the American Gem Society’s Robert M. Shipley Award, the Accredited Gemologists Association’s Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology and GIA’s Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement.
He also won first place in Nikon’s Small World Photomicrographic competition in 1984.
“We are privileged to be able to name this mineral after John Koivula who has contributed so much to science and the gem and jewelry industry as a prominent gemologist and innovator in photomicrography,” said Tom Moses, executive vice president and chief laboratory and research officer at GIA.
“Discoveries such as this remind us of the importance of our mission-based research and of the numerous important contributions John has made in his more than four decades of scientific work.”
John Koivula
Johnkoivulaite has been accepted by the International Mineralogical Association as a new mineral species.
According to GIA, it has a hexagonal crystal structure similar to beryl and other members of the beryl group.
Standard gemological testing gave the mineral an RI of 1.608, with a birefringence too small to accurately measure, and a hardness of 7.5.
It has a strong pleochroism from deep violet to nearly colorless when observed with polarized light, GIA added.
The institute has a specimen of johnkoivulaite in its museum collection at its headquarters in Carlsbad, California, and GIA Senior Research Scientist Aaron Palke will present the new mineral at the Geological Society of America conference later this month in Phoenix.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
MajorsOct 04, 2024
Hearts On Fire Names Gabrielle Grazi VP of Sales, North AmericaThe industry veteran is also the president-elect of the Women’s Jewelry Association.
CollectionsOct 04, 2024
Piece of the Week: Ray Griffiths’ ‘Double Headed Snake’ RingSlither into spooky season with this scary snake ring that boasts two heads with tsavorite eyes.
Brought to you by
Enhance Your Expertise with IGI’s In-Person Courses in NYCThis fall, sharpen your skills in jewelry grading, quality control and diamond assessment.
Policies & IssuesOct 03, 2024
RJO, CERF+ Join Those Offering Hurricane Helene Relief to Affected JewelersPlus, how to apply for emergency funds and donate to recovery efforts.
Weekly QuizOct 03, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeOct 03, 2024
Man Who Shared Spoils of $2.7M Smash-and-Grab on Social Media Pleads Guilty to Robbery ChargeLadell Tharpe, 39, took part in a 2022 jewelry store robbery and then posted pictures of cash on Instagram with the text “Robbery Gang.”
MajorsOct 03, 2024
JA Appoints New Board DirectorThe trade organization welcomed Sheryl Jones to its board of directors for a three-year term.
Brought to you by
Why You Can't Miss JA New York This FallDon't miss this one-stop-shop in October, curated with buyers’ needs in mind.
MajorsOct 03, 2024
Pandora Names 3rd CMO in Past 5 YearsNew Chief Marketing Officer Berta de Pablos-Barbier has worked for LVMH’s champagne brands and Kering-owned Boucheron.
TrendsOct 03, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: October’s ArrivalTransition to fall with this month’s birthstones of opal and tourmaline.
AuctionsOct 03, 2024
Dame Shirley Bassey’s Diamonds Are Ready for Their EncoreSotheby’s will auction jewelry belonging to the “Diamonds Are Forever” singer Oct. 10 in Paris.
Lab-GrownOct 02, 2024
Lightbox Continues as a Brand, While Supplies Last?The De Beers-owned lab-grown diamond company is rebranding and creating new collections, though its long-term future remains unclear.
CollectionsOct 02, 2024
Brilliant Earth Debuts Jane Goodall CollectionThe collection is part of the retailer’s new “Rethink Everything You Know About Diamonds” campaign.
AuctionsOct 02, 2024
The GOAT’s Stash: Watches Owned by Tom Brady Going Up for Auction The sale includes the custom-made, diamond-set Audemars Piguet watch the QB wore for Netflix’s “The Roast of Tom Brady.”
Events & AwardsOct 02, 2024
AJA’s Design Competition Now Accepting EntriesThe Armenian Jewellers Association is hosting its design competition for the second year, with winners showcasing at GemGenève in May 2025.
MajorsOct 01, 2024
Signet Jewelers CEO Gina Drosos to RetireThe jewelry retailer has named her successor and also will expand the role of Chief Financial Officer Joan Hilson.
MajorsOct 01, 2024
Kay Jewelers to Revamp BrandThe Signet Jewelers-owned banner has a new campaign and plans for store redesigns.
CollectionsOct 01, 2024
JV Insardi Inspires Curiosity in New CollectionCreative Director Jen Insardi brings a new take on classic gold bead designs to her “Solar” collection.
IndependentsOct 01, 2024
Oklahoma Jewelers Association Grants Lifetime Achievement AwardThe recipient, Glenn Douglass, also was inducted into the OJA Hall of Fame.
MajorsOct 01, 2024
Stuller Celebrates Long-Serving EmployeesThe manufacturer recognized several team members at its 2024 Milestone Anniversary Banquet.
AuctionsSep 30, 2024
Oscar Heyman Jewels, Paraíba Pieces Shine at Bonhams Auction The single-owner collection sale, which took place in New York last week, achieved $4.8 million, with almost every lot finding a buyer.
TrendsSep 30, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: Dainty DelightsWhile statement pieces always shine, it’s time for everyday staples to be the star of the show.
Policies & IssuesSep 30, 2024
JA Fly-In to DC Focuses on Russian Diamonds, Retail CrimeJewelers of America leadership and members recently headed to D.C. to share the industry’s top concerns with lawmakers.
Recorded WebinarsSep 27, 2024
Watch: Prepare to Shine This Holiday SeasonThree members of JA's 2024 "20 Under 40" class join Amanda Gizzi and Lauren McLemore to share their tips for seasonal retail success.
CollectionsSep 27, 2024
Piece of the Week: Lalaounis’ Necklace is an Archaeological RevivalThe necklace, inspired by ancient artifacts, celebrates strength, endurance, and the natural world.
MajorsSep 27, 2024
Signet-Owned E-Tailer Rocksbox to Launch on AmazonRocksbox is the first banner owned by Signet to sell its jewelry through the retail giant.
EditorsSep 26, 2024
This New Bulova Documentary Is Perfect for History Buffs Like Me “America Telling Time: 150 Years of Bulova” dives into the watchmaker’s storied past, from its ad campaigns to the first women’s wristwatch.
