Rodolfo Lopez-Portillo faces 25 years to life in prison after being found guilty in the March 2022 beating death of Arasb Shoughi.
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

“Jewelry Creators: Dynamic Duos and Generational Gems” highlights the relationships among 22 influential designers, brands, and gem dealers.

The AJS Spring 2027 show will be held in Savannah, Georgia, with future shows taking place in other Southeast cities.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

The jewelry retailer plans to open 20 new stores this year and expand into new product categories.


Flower motifs are the jewelry trend blooming amongst the new collections that debuted this spring.

The retailer reported an 8 percent decline in annual sales as it struggles under the weight of billions of dollars of debt.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

The “Devil” drop earrings, our Piece of the Week, are part of designer Edina Kiss’ new namesake jewelry line that she will show at Couture.

The alert states that burglary crews are targeting jewelry businesses and details how jewelers and refineries can protect themselves.

The “watchmaker of shapes” debuted the reworked version of the vintage sports car-inspired timepiece at Watches & Wonders.

As demand for jewelry retail coaching grows, the company has established a dedicated business coaching leadership team.

The “Mountings 2026-2027” catalog showcases Stuller’s largest and most diverse assortment to date with more than 400 new mounting styles.

Sally Morrison and Mark Klein discuss De Beers’ first beacon in 16 years and the mistake the industry made with lab-grown diamonds.

McKenzie spent 45 years with Spark Creations and is remembered for being kind, dedicated, and hardworking.

Rolex focused exclusively on the Oyster Perpetual this year, as the model is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

The luxury giant discussed the Middle East conflict and its transformation plans, hinting at a stronger jewelry presence in North America.

Kalpesh Jhaveri was re-elected as president for a third year.

“Diamond Divas,” a social media reality series by Shahla Karimi Jewelry, is nominated in the “Best Social: Fashion & Beauty” category.

The campaign seeks to reignite desire for natural diamond engagement rings by highlighting the “distinct character” of warm-toned diamonds.

Plus, how Saks Global’s bankruptcy affected the luxury giant’s first quarter.

Presented by Mason-Kay Jade, the summit, in its second year, will again be held during the Monterey Bay Jade Festival.

The group has announced its lineup of speakers and a new “Rising Stars” pavilion.

The “Carbon Form” collection explores the contrast between high and low materials, using rubber cord alongside 18-karat gold and gemstones.

The program provides essential funding to organizations for projects that enhance the jewelry industry.

The jewelry trade show is launching its first open-to-the-public event in Coconut Grove this November.

JSA is seeking information about the gunpoint robbery of a Kay Jewelers location in Oregon’s Washington Square Mall.




















