MajorsMay 20, 2025
Annie Doresca to Lead DCA as New CEO, PresidentCurrent Diamond Council of America President and CEO Terry Chandler is set to retire in January 2026.
GradingMar 03, 2015
GIA, De Beers to talk lab-grown diamonds in Basel
Leading research scientists from these two organizations will discuss the latest research on synthetic diamonds as well as the challenges brought on by potential non-disclosure.
GemFest Basel 2015 will include a panel discussion about synthetic diamonds moderated by the GIA’s Tom Moses, pictured at far left, and featuring Simon Lawson of De Beers (center) and Wuyi Wang, also from GIA.
Carlsbad, Calif.--Three leading research scientists from the Gemological Institute of America and De Beers Technologies UK will speak about lab-grown (synthetic) diamonds during GIA GemFest Basel in Switzerland later this month.
Scheduled for Sunday, March 22, the panel will be moderated by the GIA’s Tom Moses and feature Simon Lawson, head of Technologies UK for De Beers, and GIA’s Director of Research and Development Wuyi Wang.
The event will begin at 5 p.m. in the Montreal Auditorium at the Congress Center Basel, followed by a reception at 6.
The panel will cover the latest research on synthetic diamonds and their identification as well as how GIA and De Beers are facing the challenges brought on by potential non-disclosure. A question-and-answer session will immediately follow.
Lawson has 20 years of experience at De Beers, researching the growth and characterization of synthetic diamonds, and also has played a key part developing the company’s verification instruments that are used to identity synthetic diamonds.
Before joining the company, he was awarded a Royal Society Fellowship and spent four years at the National Institute for Research in Inorganic Materials in Japan. He also has a doctorate in optical spectroscopy of diamonds from King’s College in London and a bachelor’s in physics.
Wang joined the GIA in 2000, and now has more than 20 years of experience in diamond geochemistry and the treatments of diamonds and other gems.
He has been published in many gemological and geological journals and has been recognized with a number of honors, including the Richard T. Liddicoat Journalism Award from the American Gem Society, and the Dr. Edward J. Gübelin Most Valuable Article Award for a piece in GIA’s Gems & Gemology scientific journal.
He also holds a doctorate in geology from the University of Tsukuba in Japan and a bachelor’s in geology from Beijing University in China.
Free registration for GemFest Basel 2015 is now open here.
More on Grading
The Latest
FinancialsMay 20, 2025
QVC Group to Voluntarily Delist from NasdaqThe company announced a reverse stock split and, as such, will no longer meet the stock exchange’s listing requirements.
ColumnistsMay 20, 2025
Peter Smith: Leading Through ChangeCommunicating clearly with your staff is key to navigating turbulent times, writes columnist Peter Smith.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
IndependentsMay 20, 2025
Luis Morais Opens Flagship, Launches Collection Celebrating 25 YearsThe “Inner Journey” collection debuted as the brand celebrated its 25th anniversary, with designs inspired by Morais’ journey.
Weekly QuizMay 15, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsMay 20, 2025
Tanishq Opens Seventh U.S. StoreTanishq is expanding its presence in the United States with a new store in Santa Clara, California, which is its largest in the country.
FinancialsMay 19, 2025
Jewelry Sales a Standout for Richemont in 2024Sales for Richemont’s four jewelry brands increased 8 percent, while watch sales picked up toward the end of the year.
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest AdditionSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
Events & AwardsMay 19, 2025
NAJA Opens Scholarship Applications for 2025Two scholarships are available, one for new and non-members and another for NAJA certified members.
IndependentsMay 19, 2025
Day’s Jewelers to Open Ninth LocationThe retailer’s new flagship is set to open in October at the Tuscan Village development in Salem, New Hampshire.
SourcingMay 19, 2025
State of Colored Stones: The Big Three in the Modern WorldSapphires, emeralds, and rubies are finding their place in a U.S. market captivated by the gemstones once referred to as “semi-precious.”
MajorsMay 16, 2025
Saks Fifth Avenue, Amazon Partner on Luxury Online StorefrontPlus, parent company Saks Global announces plans to cut ties with up to 600 vendors.
Recorded WebinarsMay 16, 2025
Watch: Physical Retail Is Not DeadPeter Smith joined Michelle Graff to chat about the state of brick-and-mortar stores and share a few book and podcast recommendations.
CollectionsMay 16, 2025
Piece of the Week: Tejen’s ‘Candy Bowl’ Torque NecklaceThe necklace features a candy-colored Australian white opal in 18-karat Fairmined gold, as the brand was named a Fairmined ambassador.
Supplier BulletinMay 15, 2025
Treasure Hunting at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch ShowSponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show
AuctionsMay 15, 2025
'The Mediterranean Blue' Diamond Sells for $21M at Sotheby’sA private American collector purchased the 10-carat fancy vivid blue diamond.
CollectionsMay 15, 2025
Jessica McCormack’s ‘Fruit Salad’ Collection Is Fresh for SummerThe designer has taken the appeal of freshly picked fruit and channeled it into a capsule collection of earrings, necklaces, and pendants.
SourcingMay 15, 2025
Tariffs Take Toll on India’s Gem and Jewelry Industry in April The country’s gem and jewelry exports fell 5 percent year-over-year last month, while imports declined 18 percent.
Policies & IssuesMay 15, 2025
State of Retail: How to Better Serve Customers With DisabilitiesAround 54 million Americans and counting live with a disability. Here’s how to make your jewelry store and website more accessible.
Events & AwardsMay 15, 2025
Poet Sekou Andrews to Give Closing Keynote at ConvergeThe event is also accepting poster submissions now through June 16.
Policies & IssuesMay 14, 2025
Here’s What Happened to Pope Francis’ RingBefore Pope Leo XIV was elected, a centuries-old procedure regarding the late pontiff’s ring was followed.
AuctionsMay 14, 2025
Custom Rolex Pulled From Sotheby’s SaleThe one-of-a-kind platinum Rolex Cosmograph Daytona was estimated to fetch up to $1.7 million.
Lab-GrownMay 14, 2025
State of Diamonds: What’s Next for Lab-Grown Diamonds?While the product has entrenched itself in the market, retailers and consultants are assessing the next phase of the category’s development.
CrimeMay 14, 2025
Seattle Detectives Seek Public’s Help in Tiffany & Co. Robberies The police are trying to identify the man suspected of robbing two Tiffany & Co. locations in the area.
MajorsMay 14, 2025
Jeff Corey Elected Chair of JBT Board The well-known Maine jeweler takes over for Brian Fleming and will serve a one-year term.
Policies & IssuesMay 14, 2025
Foundrae Donates $11K to Ethical MetalsmithsThe donation was the result of the brand’s annual Earth Day Ingot event.
IndependentsMay 13, 2025
Eiseman Jewels’ Renovated Dallas Store Is Bigger and BetterLocated in NorthPark Center, the revamped store is nearly 2,000 square feet larger and includes the first Tudor boutique in Dallas.
