GIA to host two GemFests in Japan

GIA (Gemological Institute of America), is preparing to host two GemFests in Japan, one in Tokyo, on July 22 and the other in Osaka on July 23, its first in Osaka. The free educational events will feature presentations by noted GIA gemologist Kenneth Scarratt on colored stone and pearl research, and by GIA researcher Ahmadjan Abduriyim on synthetic diamonds. Japan is the third largest consumer market for gems and jewelry.

During the presentation on coloured stone and pearl research, Scarratt, managing director of GIA Southeast Asia and director of the GIA laboratory in Bangkok, Thailand, will discuss GIA’s research focused on colored stones and pearls, and identification and reporting procedures. Scarratt holds extensive experience in the identification of a broad range of gem materials and detection of treatments, and expertise on saltwater and freshwater natural pearls. He has authored or co-authored articles in many gemological journals worldwide, and co-authored two books: “The Crown Jewels” and “The Pearl & the Dragon.”

Abduriyim, senior research scientist and manager of Colored Stone Services, will discuss the latest updates on synthetic gem-quality diamonds. Synthetic diamond techniques, such as CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) and HPHT (High Pressure / High Temperature), have gained attention over the years. “Understanding developments in synthetic gems and how to reliably detect them are important for the global gem and jewelry industry,” Abduriyim said. Abduriyim has authored numerous gemological articles, including work on geographic origin determination of major gemstones and the applications of LA-ICP-MS in the gemological field, which have been published in major gemological periodicals.