Grading

GIA Now Accepting Applications for Liddicoat Fellowships

GradingFeb 11, 2021

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.

2016-GIA-logo.jpg

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.

Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

GIA pink CVD diamond
Lab-GrownNov 10, 2026
GIA Examines Pink Lab-Grown Diamond Made to Look Natural

The 6-carat CVD-grown pink diamond was “deliberately modified” to mimic the appearance of a natural rough diamond, the lab said.

Screenshot of Botswana President Duma Boko during 2026 State of Nation address
SourcingNov 10, 2026
Botswana in Line to Take Controlling Stake in De Beers, President Says

If the Global Diamond Consortium emerges as the top bidder for De Beers, Botswana’s stake will double to 30 percent, Duma Boko said Monday.

Emmanuel Raheb, CEO of Smart Age Solutions
ColumnistsNov 10, 2026
Who Checks the Facts When AI Writes Your Jewelry Copy?

An incorrect AI-generated ad or product description can cost your store valuable consumer trust.

dsf antique jewelry ceylon intaglio sapphire .jpg
Brought to you by
DSF Antique Jewelry: Fine Jewelry, Signed Designers, and a World of Rare Discoveries

With over 50 years experience in the trade, DSF Antique Jewelry offers quality, craftsmanship, condition, and remarkable variety.

Gem Awards Gala 2026
Events & AwardsNov 09, 2026
Here Are the 2027 Gem Award Nominees

These nine individuals and brands are up for a Gem Award in the Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation categories.

Weekly QuizNov 05, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Stock image of crime scene tape
CrimeNov 09, 2026
Jeweler Pistol-Whipped, $900K in Jewelry Stolen During Home Invasion

The incident, which happened in Miami-Dade County, serves as a reminder to jewelers of the dangers of selling and storing jewelry at home.

 Bibi van der Velden Eclipse Campaign Imagery
CollectionsNov 09, 2026
Bibi van der Velden’s Alligators Become High Jewelry

The “Eclipse” collection, the brand’s first high jewelry line, centers its alligator motif in diamond and spinel jewels.

overnight btyb 1026.png
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to Sell

With customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.

Daughters of the Deep indicolite earrings
EditorsNov 06, 2026
The Spectrum Pieces I Can’t Stop Thinking About

From a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.

Pat Pruitt Dragonfly Earrings
TrendsNov 06, 2026
Pat Pruitt’s DragonFly Earrings Take Flight on Election Night

Groundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.

Colin Jost in Kay Jewelers holiday ad
MajorsNov 06, 2026
SNL’s Colin Jost Finds the Perfect Gift in Kay Jewelers’ Holiday Ad

Jost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.

GCAL 8X_NJSB_1.jpg
Supplier BulletinNov 05, 2026
Winning With GCAL 8X®: What’s Working at the Counter

Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine

Wrapped holiday gift boxes
SurveysNov 05, 2026
What Retailers Should Know About Holiday Shoppers This Year

From shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.

Little Pet Portrait Pendants by Russell Jones & Judi Powers
CollectionsNov 05, 2026
Judi Powers, Russell Jones Unleash Joy With New Collaboration

The designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.

Brilliant Earth Elizabeth Taylor jewelry
FinancialsNov 05, 2026
Brilliant Earth Continued to Resonate With High-Income Shoppers in Q3

Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.

Swarovski Joy: The Swarovski Musical Campaign with Ariana Grande
MajorsNov 05, 2026
Ariana Grande Stars In Swarovski’s Holiday Campaign

“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.

Cartier bracelet and ring
CrimeNov 04, 2026
$250K+ in Undeclared Cartier Jewelry Seized at Philadelphia Airport

A Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.

Pandora celestial chandelier earrings
FinancialsNov 04, 2026
Pandora’s Q3 Sales Up 7% Amid Focus on Design

New collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.

NYC Jewelry Week Biolgems Jewelry Exhibition
Events & AwardsNov 04, 2026
NYC Jewelry Week 2026 Is the Largest Edition Yet

The citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.

Lanessa Elrod
MajorsNov 04, 2026
Bergdorf Goodman Names New President

Lanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.

Replica of Infinity Gauntlet
AuctionsNov 03, 2026
Infinity Gauntlet Set With 170+ Carats of Colored Gemstones Up for Auction

A replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.

Arthur Klein
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Longtime Jewelry Marketer Arthur Klein Dies at 89

Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.

Zadok Jewelers
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Zadok Jewelers Toasts To 50 Years With Diamond Bracelet Giveaway

To enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.

David Yurman Gem Awards Grant 2027 Graphic
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
David Yurman Gem Awards Grant Opens 2027 Applications

The grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.

Kirstin Viland, Joanna Kovacs, Shari Lukacs
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Name 2026 Scholarship Winners

The winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.

Sothebys Romanov sapphire
AuctionsNov 02, 2026
197-Carat ‘Romanov Sapphire’ Heads to Sotheby’s Geneva

The rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.

Fake Audemars Piguet watch
CrimeNov 02, 2026
Customs Seizes More Than 400 Fake Audemars Piguet Watches

It is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.

×

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