The exhibit of loose cultured pearls and cultured pearl jewelley, attracted much attention for the Gemological Institution of America’s (GIA) Collection’s booth, at the JCK show.
The GIA booth often receives donations by visitors, as a mark of their appreciation for the collections displayed. At the JCK, Robert E. Kane, president and CEO of Fine Gems International in Helena, Mont., donated 54 rough and cut sapphires weighing 21.24 carats, sourced from the renowned Rock Creek deposit in the Sapphire Mountains of Montana. GIA will display these stones in their complete color range, and use them for their Education and Research departments, according to Elise Misiorowski, director of the GIA Museum.

Designer Etienne Perret, of Camden, Maine, offered his Madonna’ ring, designed with a protective arm of diamonds over a Tahitian cultured pearl. It is reminiscent of a mother with a child, which according to him is the image of Madonna with Christ.

An 18K reclaimed gold hoop earrings was donated by Toby Pomeroy, the designer who practices environmentally friendly designs with reclaimed gold or recycled alloys. The three donations according to Misorowski, would enable GIA continue its non-profit mission in educating students and visitors.