Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.
GIA Now Accepting Applications for Liddicoat Fellowships
Those with a Ph.D. in a relevant field can apply for fellowships at the GIA’s Carlsbad or New York locations.

Carlsbad, Calif.—Scientists in geology, minerology, geochemistry and other related fields have from now through the end of July to apply for a fellowship at the Gemological Institute of America.
GIA’s Richard T. Liddicoat Postdoctoral Research Fellowships give early-career scientists who are focused on problems related to mineralogy, crystallography, geochemistry and the gemology of diamonds, colored gemstones and pearls “unrivalled” access to gemstones, said Tom Moses, executive vice president and chief laboratory and research officer.
“GIA’s research deepens the world’s understanding of gemstones, building knowledge about Earth’s formation and development, and also contributes to GIA’s deeply held mission to protect all who cherish and value gems and their mineral origins,” he said.
RELATED CONTENT: Going Deep—What GIA Learned About Blue Diamonds
Research fellows will be able to work with both rough and polished natural, laboratory-grown and treated gemstones as well as in-house research tools including:
— FTIR;
— UV-Vis-NIR absorption;
— Raman, photoluminescence and EPR spectrometers;
— SEM microscope equipped with EDS and CL spectroscopy and imaging;
— Laser ablation ICP-MS; and
— A CVD diamond growth lab with laser cutting and polishing capabilities.
GIA also facilitates access to outside research facilities.
Created in 2014 and named to honor former GIA President Liddicoat, the “Father of Gemology,” the fellowships can be done at GIA’s Carlsbad or New York campuses.
There are two openings for 2021.
The start date of each fellowship is flexible, though applicants do have to have their Ph.D. in a relevant field by the start date, preferably within the last three years.
GIA said the fellowship includes a “competitive” annual stipend, research funding and travel subsidies for approved off-site research. Benefits include full health, dental and vision insurance and, potentially, reimbursement for relocation expenses.
Appointments are generally for one year, though they could be extended to two based on mutual agreement.
Applications are due by July 31.
For more information and to apply, go to the GIA website.
The Latest

In her newly expanded role, she will continue to oversee the jewelry category, as well as watches, home, and accessories.

“The Godfather II” watch plays two melodies from the mob film’s score, “The Godfather’s Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.”

You deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.

Organizers have also introduced the new JCK Talks Signature Series, as well as an offering of watch-focused workshops and lectures.


The Alan Hodgkinson Medal recognizes gemologists who are consistently generous with their time and expertise.

The Swiss watchmaker is changing up its executive leadership team as part of a restructuring.

Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.

The “What’s Your Signature?” campaign invites women to think about how they see themselves.

The big diamond’s sale added to the company’s revenue though the market remains “challenging” overall, particularly for smaller goods.

Rob Bates of The Jewelry Wire will also moderate a panel on the state of the jewelry industry during the virtual event.

The Jewelry Symposium will honor two industry veterans with lifetime achievement awards at its upcoming May event.

With their durability, brilliance, and beauty, diamonds are the perfect stone for everyday birthstone jewelry.

The retailer failed to file its annual report on time and said it may issue a going concern warning.

Smith recounts a recent trip to the post office that included an uncomfortable, embarrassing, and public exchange between two employees.

Founder Erica Silverglide has designed 35 colorful pieces set with fluorescing gemstones for the brand's first finished jewelry offering.

“Ukrainian Jewelry | Contemporary Jewelry and Art Jewelry from Ukraine” features 33 contemporary Ukrainian designers and studios.

“The Golden Now” campaign celebrates the here and now with the brand’s signature styles and a selection of its new pieces.

Signet confirmed that Caffie, president of Zales and Banter, and Bentzen, who headed Blue Nile, have left the company.

The antique jewelry dealer talks about the importance of including Black Americans in jewelry history and preserving their stories.

Both its mines faced challenges last year, from operational issues to disruptions in the market.

Iconic pieces, like the Mike Todd Diamond Tiara, appear in the superstar’s new music video for her song inspired by the actress.

The luxury retailer, which went Chapter 11 in January, announced Thursday that it has secured $500 million in exit financing.

The NouvelleBox ballroom will feature independent jewelry designers, including Lene Vibe, Wyld Box Jewelry, and Kiaia Limited.

The one-of-a-kind locket, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal three hidden images to keep close to your heart.

The new facility was also designed to better serve its growing customer base in Canada.

The campaign is a tribute to the year 1893, when Kokichi Mikimoto created the world’s first cultured pearl.



























