GIA lines up seminars, services for gem fairs

The GIA (Gemological Institute of America) has planned offering a host of services at the various trade fairs that are to unfold in Tucson, Ariz., this year.

It has lined up: GIA Show Service Laboratory at AGTA GemFair™ : Gem identification and country-of-origin services will be offered wherein gemstones can be dropped off at the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) GemFair show. GIA GemPasses are redeemable for one service per stone, regardless of gemstone weight - one pass for an identification service while two passes are for identification and origin services. The GIA GemPassbook™ can be purchased at the Show Service Laboratory. GIA Education: This will be onsite at the Tucson Convention Center, offering classes, including a skill-building Colored Stone Grading Lab; a Pearl Grading Lab, two seminars -- one on identifying rubies and sapphires, and one on identifying emeralds. GIA Instruments Deals: Microscope and accessories deals will be offered at AGTA GemFair, located at the GIA booth on the Galleria level of the Tucson Convention Center.

Gems & Gemology: Special Offers: will be at the AGTA GemFair for G&G subscriptions, current and back issues, G&G In Review books and reference charts and the latest G&G reference chart, Major World Gem Producing Regions, completely updated for 2010. Register in Tucson for GIA Symposium 2011: Registration for Symposium 2011: Advancing the Science and Business of Gems will be available at the GIA booths at AGTA and the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show (TGMS). Symposium 2011, slated for May 29-30, offers insight into technological advances, and practical solutions to problems faced by jewellers and gemologists. Latest Pearls eLearning Course: A tour through GIA’s newest Pearls eLearning course will be showcased at the GIA booths at both AGTA GemFair and TGMS. It will inform on the latest research on pearls and their sources through images, videos, and interviews with trade experts. GIA Tucson Seminars: Two free seminars will be offered at the Tucson Convention Center: one conducted by Dr. James Shigley, distinguished research fellow and a member of GIA’s Research staff in Carlsbad. The second seminar ‘Doing Business in a Global Village’ will be presented by GIA’s Vice President of Education and Chief Learning Officer, Bev Hori. Exhibits and Displays: GIA will display exhibits for its 80th anniversary at AGTA and at TGMS. GIA will also have a presence at the Centurion Jewelry Show that showcases the Institute’s latest offerings in education, research and programs.

The GIA Alumni Association will mark the Institute’s 80th anniversary with a celebration at its annual auction and dinner on February 4, 2011.