AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
OtherJan 21, 2014
GIA enhances offerings at Tucson shows
The Gemological Institute of America has announced that it will offer special laboratory services, gem and jewelry seminars and classes during the annual gem shows next month.
Attendees of the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show will get to preview pieces from the GIA’s spring exhibit in Carlsbad, Calif., “Gems&Gemology 80th Anniversary,” including these intense rubellites from the Queen Mine in San Diego County.
Carlsbad, Calif.--The Gemological Institute of America has announced that it will offer special laboratory services, gem and jewelry seminars and classes during the annual gem shows next month.
The GIA’s services and seminars will take place at Tucson Convention Center during the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) GemFair from Feb. 4 to 9, and at the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show from Feb. 13 to 16.
Two free seminars will explore recent gemological discoveries and research, and the Museum of London’s Cheapside Hoard exhibit.
The GIA also will offer two lab classes--colored stone grading and pearl grading--as well as two fee-based seminars--identifying synthetic diamonds and identifying diamond treatment.
The GIA Alumni Association will sponsor its annual dinner, auction and dance event, “Party at the GIA Gem Mine,” at the Marriott University Park Hotel on Feb. 7.
Details about the offerings at the Tucson show are as follows:
GIA Museum Exhibit
Attendees of the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show will have the opportunity to take a look at pieces from GIA’s spring exhibit in Carlsbad, “Gems & Gemology 80th Anniversary.” Pieces on display will include those featured on three different covers of the institute’s scientific journal, along with their covers.
GIA Show Service Laboratory
Attendees of AGTA’s GemFair will have access to gem identification and country-of-origin services through the GIA Show Service Laboratory. Seasoned GIA gemologists will accept gemstones onsite at the AGTA GemFair in the Onyx Suite.
Free GIA Seminars
Magnificent Jewels of Cheapside Hoard
Wednesday, Feb. 5, 1 to 2 p.m.
Robert Weldon, GIA’s manager of photography and visual communications and a noted expert on colored gems, will talk about photographing and documenting the treasures of the Museum of London’s Cheapside Hoard.
The Latest News from GIA Research
Friday, Feb. 7, 9 to 10 a.m.
GIA’s Distinguished Research Fellow James Shigley will provide an update on the institute’s latest research developments on diamonds, colored stones and other topics.
GIA Classes
GIA will offer two lab classes and two seminars during the AGTA’s GemFair. Pre-registration is required. Call GIA Admissions at 800-421-7250, ext. 4001 to register for the seminars, and visit GIA’s website to register for the lab classes.
Colored Stone Grading Lab Class
Tuesday through Thursday, Feb. 4-6, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Students will develop skills in grading the color, clarity and cut quality of a wide range of colored stones and learn the
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
GIA Colored Stone Grading System and how to describe color by hue, tone and saturation, among other things.
Pearl Grading Lab Class
Friday, Feb. 7, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Students will discover how experts determine the quality of akoya, freshwater, South Sea and Tahitian pearls, learn GIA’s 7 Pearl Value Factors and learn how to evaluate freshwater and cultured pearls in order to increase sales and promote the relationship between beauty, value and quality in merchandise.
Identifying Synthetic Diamonds
Saturday, Feb. 8, 9 to 11 a.m.
Through both lecture and a hands-on lab, students will learn how to identify high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) grown synthetic diamonds and separate them from natural diamonds, as well as gain insight into the identification of diamonds grown using the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process.
Identifying Diamond Treatments
Saturday, Feb. 8, 1 to 3 p.m.
Students will learn about the most important diamond treatment processes currently used in the gemstone market. The class covers the nature and treatment identification of diamonds, including laser-drilled, fracture-filled, HPHT, irradiation, and multiple treatment processes.
Throughout GemFair, GIA experts also will answer questions and discuss a variety of relevant topics at booth #450 in the CAD Design Studio, located in the Gem Hall.
More details about the institute’s offerings at the AGTA GemFair can be found on the GIA website.
More on Other
The Latest
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix ShowThe group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
Weekly QuizJun 11, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Grandview Klein, London Jewelers Partner To Cut 63-Carat RoughThe big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good BoardIlana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyThe men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.
CollectionsJun 10, 2026
Sylvie Debuts ‘Elevated’ Bridal Collection Inspired By Designer’s RingThe bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.
EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse RetiresThe industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2026
Pride Month Panel to Highlight LGBTQ+ Jewelry VoicesThe panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, LiterallyInspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for SoutheastThe company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone TrioThose born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder PlatformThe platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.
IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 YearsJim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride MonthThe “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.
SourcingJun 05, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
