Carlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in the 2024 murder of Hussein “Sam” Murray.
GIA Offers Jewelry Forensics Seminar At Carlsbad HQ
The two and a half-day session will teach students to determine how jewelry is made using forensic methodology.

Carlsbad, Calif.—GIA will host its first seminar on jewelry forensics this August at its California headquarters.
The two and a half-day seminar, led by GIA instructors, will take students through the 12-step forensic methodology process to determine how jewelry is made, using GIA’s “Quality Assurance Benchmarks” as a guide to assess the workmanship.
“Participants leave with usable information and practical techniques for assessing the quality of new or vintage jewelry and how to effectively communicate their assessment of the jewelry’s engineering and workmanship,” said Elizabeth Brehmer, GIA technical advisor of jewelry manufacturing arts, in a statement.
Students will learn how to identify common manufacturing methods and how to discuss jewelry design, engineering, and workmanship using jewelry terminology.
Other seminar topics include the characteristics of precious metals and their compatibility with jewelry manufacturing, and how to pinpoint the factors that can affect jewelry quality and lead to jewelry failure, such as design and engineering.
Participants will receive a guidebook and a thumb drive with supplemental reference and jewelry case study information.
The first seminar session will be held August 5 to 7 followed by another session October 21 to 23, then another from November 4 to 6.
The cost of the seminar is $1,195.
For more information and to register, visit GIA’s website.
The Carlsbad campus is also offering two lab classes this summer on jewelry repair and setting.
A “Basic Repair and Setting Lab Class” will be offered August 12 to 26 and an “Intermediate Repair and Setting Lab Class” will be available from August 19 to 23.
The Latest

Yood will serve alongside Eduard Stefanescu, the sustainability manager for C.Hafner, a precious metals refiner in Germany.

The New Orleans jeweler is also hosting pop-up jewelry boutiques in New York City and Dallas.

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

Set in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.


The jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.

Take luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

This year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”

In its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.

The 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.

The new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.

The filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.

The new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.

Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.

“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.

Silas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.

The sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.

Most customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.

The collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.

MatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.

The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.

Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.

Billed as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.

Don’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.

The new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.

A choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.





















