AGTA GTC Laboratory Update

AGTA GTC Continues Education

Since the AGTA GTC started offering specified and customized classes and seminars for companies as well as individuals, these have been a great success.

Testifyin': Comments from Recent Seminar Participants

"Education is the best weapon against fraud. This class is a must for any gem dealer who wants to know what they are buying."

Barbara Lawrence
President, Boston Gems & Findings

"This comprehensive seminar on the detection of sapphire, ruby and emerald treatments is essential for everyone in the gem trade."

James Alger
President, James Alger Co.


We are now proud to offer you our Advanced Treatment Seminar on two different dates and two different locations:November 16 in Carlsbad at the AGTA GTC
Minimum 4, maximum 6 participants. $800 per person. Classes start at 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, with 1 hour lunch break, and continue from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

December 3 in New York at the AGTA GTC
Minimum 4, maximum 6 participants. $800 per person. Classes start at 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, with 1 hour lunch break, and continue from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Special arrangements can be made for groups of 6 participants.

The AGTA GTC Advanced Treatment Seminar
Today's gem market is literally in flux, as scientific advances produce an ever-changing landscape of gemstone treatments. To help dealers, jewelers and collectors keep pace with these developments, the AGTA GTC has developed an intense one-day educational seminar covering advanced treatments for ruby and sapphire. This seminar features

  • Limited class size
  • Hands-on sessions with actual gem samples
  • Expert instruction from AGTA GTC gemologists
Each section begins with a brief review of the major treatment technologies and the AGTA GTC's Gemstone Report nomenclature for that type of gem. This is followed by an intensive laboratory session, where participants personally examine samples.Each of the following topics are discussed during the one-day program:1. Advanced Ruby Treatments
  • No thermal enhancement (NTE)
  • Thermal enhancement (TE)
  • Minor through significant flux healing (TE1–TE5)
  • Minor through significant glass cavity filling (C1–C3)
  • Minor through significant glass fracture filling (F1–F3)
  • Lab methods for identifying these treatments
  • Chromium diffusion (orange and red)
  • Multiple treatments
2. Advanced Sapphire Treatments
  • No thermal enhancement (NTE)
  • Thermal enhancement (TE)
  • Titanium diffusion (blue)
  • Beryllium diffusion (orange, yellow, red, blue)
  • Synthetic overgrowth
  • Multiple treatments
  • Lab methods for identifying these treatments
To register, or if you are interested in participating in future seminars, please contact Dr. Lore Kiefert at 212-752-1717 or via email at lkiefert@agta-gtc.org.Divider American Gem Trade Association Gemological Testing Center
18 East 48th St., Suite 502
New York, NY 10017, USA
Tel: 212-752-1717; Fax: 212-750-0930
E-Mail: info@agta-gtc.org; Web: www.agta-gtc.org