As Conclave’s official Education Sponsor, GIA is offering six sessions that will give your gemological know-how a boost!
Please note GIA’s COVID-19 guidelines for hands-on classes: All participants must be fully vaccinated, including a booster if eligible. Masks will be required.
Official Education and Early Bird Sponsor
Country of Origin Determination: Ruby
Monday, April 25 / 9:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. / Automobile Ally B
Tuesday, April 26 / 3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. / Automobile Ally B
Track: Hands-on Class
In addition to color, size, clarity, and carat weight, country of origin is another important value factor for colored gemstones. This is especially true for the high-end colored stones trade since certain origins can dramatically increase the value of the stones while others do not.
Ruby, as the king of colored stones, fetches some of the highest prices of all gems. Just about a century ago, rubies were mined only in a handful of sources. Over the past half a century, more ruby sources were discovered. Among all sources, some carry more legends, romance, and even high quality as their status quo. Therefore, a reliable and science-based country of origin determination call became more important than ever before. State-of-the-art gem laboratories use traceable sample collection and advanced testing in combination with decades of accumulated experience from well-trained gemologists to make the calls.
This seminar will be led by a senior GIA research scientist with hands-on experience. After taking this seminar, you will be able to identify the main ruby sources around the globe and the microscopic features that are characteristic of each. You will also familiarize yourself with the advanced testing modern gem laboratories use to help determine country of origin for ruby. At the same time, the instructor will address the complications and challenges involved in ruby’s country of origin determination.
Identifying Laboratory-Grown Diamonds
Monday, April 25 / 9:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. / Automobile Ally C
Tuesday, April 26 / 3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. / Automobile Ally C
Track: Hands-on Class
Laboratory-grown diamonds are developed in laboratories and factories over short periods of time. A rapid increase in this technology over the past decade has added to the availability of laboratory-grown diamonds in the jewelry marketplace. Now, more than ever, full disclosure and confidence in knowing what you are buying are critical.
Through interactive, guided discussion and a hands-on lab, this seminar will cover HPHT and CVD laboratory-grown diamonds and how to separate them from natural diamonds.
Country of Origin Determination: Sapphire
Monday, April 25 / 2:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. / Automobile Ally B
Wednesday, April 27 / 10:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m. / Automobile Ally B
Track: Hands-on Class
Country of origin is the most important value factor for colored gemstones in addition to the quality factors of the stones themselves. This is especially true for the high-end colored stones trade since certain origins can dramatically increase the value of the stones while others do not.
The pressing issue of country origin determination is especially challenging for blue sapphire. This seminar will introduce to you the main sapphire sources around the globe and their status in the market. Due to the significant overlap of the inclusion scenes for sapphire from multiple sources, trace element analyses, and spectroscopic tests are applied to facilitate the country of origin determination.
This seminar will be led by a senior GIA research scientist with hands-on experience. After taking this seminar, you will be able to identify the main sapphire sources around the globe and the microscopic features that are characteristic for each. You will also familiarize yourself with the advanced testing modern gem laboratories use to help determine country of origin for sapphire. The instructor will also address the complications and challenges involved in sapphire’s country of origin determination.
Introduction to Jewelry Forensics
Monday, April 25 / 2:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. / Automobile Ally C
Tuesday, April 26 / 10:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m. / Automobile Ally C
Track: Hands-on Class
While jewelry appraisers, those who take in jewelry for repair and buyers of used jewelry go through a process to identify, analyze, and assess the quality and nature of an item, is it comprehensive and systematic? Many know only certain aspects of manufacturing and are only able to recognize a narrow range of certain specific make traces. GIA has a framework that will guide you in identifying areas where you need to gain more exposure.
Through this lecture and hands-on seminar, you will learn “jewelry forensics” basics, including identifying hand-fabricated components, cast components, CAD/CAM manufactured components, and cast-in-in-place gemstones. Attendees will understand and learn a systematic process and recognize basic traces of manufacturing processes.
Exploration of Inclusions in Gems
Tuesday, April 26 / 10:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m. / Automobile Ally B
Wednesday, April 27 / 10:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m. / Automobile Ally C
Track: Hands-on Class
While inclusions may often be regarded as flaws in gems, this class will showcase the remarkable beauty that can often be revealed with a gemological microscope. Participants of this class will learn a variety of lighting methods to best highlight interesting inclusions in many types of gems and bring out their natural beauty, offering a positive perspective on what may have previously been perceived as a defect.
Research Update
Tuesday, April 26 / 3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. / Route 66
Track: Gemology
Dr. James Shigley, GIA distinguished research fellow and a member of GIA’s research team, will share insights on important industry developments. His talk will include an update on the GIA laboratory, research efforts at the Institute and other timely topics, which may include the state of the diamond industry, an update on Laboratory Grown Diamond identification and trends in colored stones.
