AGTA GemFair™ Tucson Seminars
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AGTA GemFair™ Tucson offers important educational seminars designed to help industry professionals looking for new and innovative strategies create opportunities for profit and growth in their businesses. Choose from more than 30 seminars geared toward a wide range of interests and needs.
Our exciting line-up of FREE seminars offers education at every level—from basic to advanced. Seating in all free sessions is limited by room capacity, and, in a few cases, by the availability of samples. Plan to arrive early to ensure seating. Speakers are subject to change without notice. Classes last one hour unless otherwise noted.
| Track 1: GROW YOUR BUSINESS |  |
| Increase your visibility, build a better inventory, train more effectively. | |
| Track 2: GROW YOUR KNOWLEDGE |  |
| Understand your products, tools of the trade and new developments affecting the future of your business. | |
| Track 3: GROW YOUR APPRECIATION |  |
| Enjoy classes covering unique trade skills, treks to exotic gem-producing countries and self-improvement. | |
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Best Buys in Tucson
(Mohave Room, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.)
Richard Drucker, Gemworld International, Inc. – The Guide. Intermediate. Take advantage of this information regarding what is available, affordable, and advisable in 2008. New information this year features the effects of origin on pricing of gems. A frequently cited expert on both color and colored gemstone pricing, Richard Drucker provides quality and quantity predictions as well as caveats about what to avoid. Realize better margins from buying well during your Tucson trip and thereafter. PowerPoint includes gems and pricing information.
Own the Color Brand in Your Marketplace
(Maricopa Room, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.)
Douglas K. Hucker, AGTA. Intermediate-Advanced. Owning the color brand in your marketplace means owning one of the most potentially profitable segments of the industry. As your clients experience the pleasure of owning and wearing colored gemstones, they’ll look to you for in-depth color offerings to satisfy their wish for a variety of hues and tones, for expanding their jewelry wardrobe both for classic and timeliness looks and for fashions of the moment, perhaps even for building their own gemstone collection.
Aspirational Luxury Clients Can Afford Estate: What and How to Sell Them
(Greenlee Room, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.)
Gail Brett Levine, National Association of Jewelry Appraisers. Intermediate-Advanced. As the jewelry industry sees continued movement out of the middle range of jewelry price points into lower and upper levels, estate jewelry offers affordable luxury to aspirational luxury clients. When such a client turns to you and your staff, you must be ready with information. In this session, Gail Brett Levine turns a practiced eye to help you see what you must communicate to the estate customer – how colored gemstones used in estate pieces help determine their provenance, their legitimacy, and their value.
Supply Chain Issues: The Industry as Leader
(Graham Room, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.)
Moderator Peggy Jo Donahue; Panelists: Eric Braunwart, Columbia Gem House; David Federman, Colored Stone; Richard Hughes, AGTA GTC; Douglas K. Hucker, AGTA; Tom Cushman, Allerton Cushman & Co. Basic-Advanced. Diverse opinions prevail in the colored gemstone industry when supply chain issues present themselves worldwide. Peggy Jo Donahue, Director of Public Affairs for Jewelers of America, leads this conversation centered on issues calling for industry leadership and the implications of such issues. On the table, publicizing and expanding positive projects that help small-scale miners derive more benefit from their gemstones; understanding and complying with NRC regulations for irradiated gemstones; and gaining more detailed knowledge about colored gem supply channels.
Yoga for Jewelers
(Greenlee Room, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.)
Judith Whitehead. Basic-Advanced. Feel your best to present your best. Come to this class to receive tips and pointers on how to relieve stress from your shoulders and neck. Learn how to give some relief to your feet and to properly stretch the legs to give health to the back and spine. Simple yoga poses, all levels welcome. These postures will help you improve your show experience and will give you a few strategies for good health in your day-to-day work. Come with an empty stomach and wear sweats, footless tights or shorts. Bring a hand towel. Judith is a Certified Iyengar yoga teacher and has had over 30 years’ yoga experience.
Friday, February 8, 2008
NRC: What You Need to Know About Irradiated Gemstones
(Leo Rich Theatre, 8:30 a.m.)
Joseph E. DeCicco, NRC Official, Senior Health Physicist, Division of Materials Safety and State Agreements, Office of Federal and State Materials and Environmental Management. Basic-Intermediate. AGTA and JVC are joining to present an important seminar entitled "What You Need to Know About Irradiated Gemstones From the NRC." This seminar will review the rules for distributing irradiated gemstones in the U.S. and regulatory requirements for trading in irradiated gemstones. Also participating in the discussion will be Douglas K. Hucker, CEO of the American Gem Trade Association and Cecilia Gardner, President and CEO of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee. Everyone is welcome.
Tanzanite Foundation and AGTA present the Tanzanite Quality Scale™
(Mohave Room, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.)
Dr. Lore Kiefert, AGTA GTC; Gabriella Endlin, Hayley Henning, Tanzanite Foundation. Basic-Advanced. Since its discovery in 1967, tanzanite has become one of the world's most cherished and sought-after gemstones. AGTA GTC and the Tanzanite Foundation announce their partnership on the first tanzanite specific grading system - The Tanzanite Quality Scale™. The Tanzanite Quality Scale™ was established for quality comparability, price and quality consistency and ensuring consumer confidence. In this session, you'll learn the benchmarks of the scale and how the AGTA GTC applies the scale in laboratory reports which you can use with your customers.
Attitude and the Art of Advertising: You Can't Bore People
(Maricopa Room, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.)
Kurt Jacobson, JayRay; Steph Farber & Phyllis Harrison, LeRoy Jewelers. Intermediate. If you read Instore magazine, you might remember a top-rated ad "Tired of Men Staring at your Breasts?" Meet the guy behind the ad and learn how his Leroy Jewelers' ads have made prospective customers call to tell the jewelers that co-workers were talking about their ads for days. See samples of effective pieces and learn the strategies of communication that helped achieve them. This seminar is designed for independent jewelers who don’t have a huge ad budget but who want to make a huge impact. You will laugh. Maybe all the way to the bank.
Luxurious Personal Jewelry Design
(Greenlee Room, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.)
Cynthia Renée Zava, Cynthia Renée Company. Intermediate-Advanced. Experience is the luxury keystone. Many jewelers offer custom design. Few spend hours and days with one client in order to draw design strategies from the truly meaningful elements of the client's life. This speaker specializes in working with colored gem collectors and creates highly customized, wearable jewelry that reflects the wearer's life, thoughts and interests. Be inspired to give your fine clients an experience which is truly luxurious.
Selling Gemstones: A Color First Approach
(Graham Room, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.)
Ramona Marshall Gautreaux, Stuller, Inc. Basic – Advanced. Color is everywhere. From home interiors, to auto manufacturing, to fashion – consumers are more tuned in to color than ever before. To capitalize on the desires of consumers, you must adopt a "color first" approach to selling gemstones. As the Director of Marketing for the Diamond & Gemstone Division at Stuller, Gautreaux researches color trends, color physiology and color meanings. Gaining consumer attention and piquing their interest in colored gems will serve to create customers for whom colored gemstone jewelry will become the “must have” fashion accessory. PowerPoint and handouts.
Gems of East Africa
(Mohave Room, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.)
Richard Hughes, AGTA Gemological Testing Center. Basic-Advanced. While the traditional mines of Burma and Sri Lanka continue to produce, much of the action in today’s ruby and sapphire market is taking place in East Africa. The AGTA GTC's Richard Hughes has just completed a survey of corundum mines in Tanzania and will detail that country's mines and markets in this unique multimedia presentation. Those who have seen Richard’s recent programs know that his blend of imagery and sound is not to be missed. Multimedia presentation.
Predicting the Future of Colored Gemstone Sales
(Maricopa Room, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.)
David Federman, Colored Stone. Intermediate. With his long history covering the world of colored gemstones, from source to final sale, David Federman, editor-in-chief of Colored Stone, looks with a practiced eye at what the future holds for colored gemstone sales. In this exciting, still-underexploited segment of the industry, new and diverse opportunities for creativity, differentiation and profits are always presenting themselves. Find out this forecaster's view of the future and prepare your business for it.
The Luxury of a Planned Jewelry Wardrobe
(Greenlee Room, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.)
Caroline Stanley, co-author of Jewelry Savvy. Basic-Intermediate. What a luxurious feeling for a woman to know that she has a jewelry wardrobe which complements her. It allows her to relax in the feeling that she is comfortable and perceived as she wishes to be. As her jeweler, how can you help your client show off her personality through her jewelry? Assist her as she builds her own jewelry wardrobe. Teach her to become Jewelry Savvy. She'll learn from you the skills she needs to know to enjoy the personal experience of luxury which she associates with you.
Gem ID Made Easy: Part 1 (of 2; hands-on; 3 hour extended session)
(Graham Room, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
Antoinette Matlins, Gemstone Press. Basic-Advanced. Non-technical, half-day workshop demonstrating how to use simple, pocketsize instruments to identify most gemstones, spot fakes, detect filled diamonds and diamonds that might be HPHT-treated. Even gemologists can benefit from time-saving tips. Increase confidence when buying away from your store, office, or in the field. Part I is independent of Part II, which covers additional essential portable instruments. Class size limited. (First-come, first-served, limited attendance).
Yoga for Jewelers
(Greenlee Room, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.)
Judith Whitehead. Basic-Advanced. Feel your best to present your best. Come to this class to receive tips and pointers on how to relieve stress from your shoulders and neck. Learn how to give some relief to your feet and to properly stretch the legs to give health to the back and spine. Simple yoga poses, all levels welcome. These postures will help you improve your show experience and will give you a few strategies for good health in your day-to-day work. Come with an empty stomach and wear sweats, footless tights or shorts. Bring a hand towel. Judith is a Certified Iyengar yoga teacher and has had over 30 years' yoga experience.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Marketing to America’s Affluent
(Mohave Room, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.)
Diane Warga-Arias sponsored by AGL. Intermediate-Advanced. The principle competition to the luxury jeweler is the non-jewelry luxury market. Yet, luxury jewelers have all the tools necessary to neutralize any perceived advantages of other luxury goods retailers that are competing with jewelers for the luxury consumer’s disposable dollars. Anchored with research from the Harrison Group, Agency Saks, Elite Traveler and others, participants will leave with a collection of more than 25 marketing strategies that retailers and designers can employ to maintain and expand their luxury market share.
Distinguishing Cultured Pearls
(Maricopa Room, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.)
Elisabeth Strack, Gemmologisches Institut Hamburg, Germany. Intermediate - Advanced. The lecture gives a clear overview of how to distinguish between marine cultured pearls of different countries of origin (Akoyas from Japan, China and Vietnam; South Sea cultured pearls from well known sources like Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines, and lesser known sources like the Red Sea) and freshwater cultured pearls from China and Japan, with and without a mother-of-pearl nucleus. Their individual pearl characteristics such as size, shape and color will be listed and it will be shown where they overlap and how they affect prices in different ways. Traditional, known producing techniques will be compared with more recent techniques. Methods of distinction with the naked eye and Gemmological testing methods will be presented.
News from the AGTA GTC
(Greenlee Room, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.)
Dr. Lore Kiefert, AGTA Gemological Testing Center. Intermediate. The AGTA GTC encounters many materials and many treatments before they hit the market. The AGTA GTC is on the forefront of these new developments. Knowing about these new developments on the gemstone market as well as having an idea what to look for will help you build confidence and make the right decisions in your buying and selling of gemstones.
Fair Trade and the Colored Gemstone World
(Graham Room, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.)
Eric Braunwart, Columbia Gem House. Basic-Advanced. While colored gemstones are among your most profitable merchandise options, good business and good living require that we treat the sources, both human and natural, with respect. Right profits depend on Fair Trade practices. In this session, explore what Fair Trade means to you, your clients, your industry, your world.
Insurance for Small and Home-based Businesses
(Gila Room, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.)
Jeff Mills, Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company. Beginning - Advanced. There are 11 million home-based businesses in the U.S.; many have no insurance. Find out the insurance options for protecting your business in this "how to" seminar about insurance for small and home-based businesses. Learn what your homeowners insurance MAY offer for your business and other insurance options to consider. Identify your specific insurance needs and how to best meet them.
Gems from Life
(Mohave Room, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.)
Maggie Campbell Pedersen, editor of Organic Gems. Basic-Advanced. Organic gem materials have been used for centuries for adornment, and they are again in fashion. Amber, jet, ivory, horn, tortoiseshell, pearl, coral and shell -- where do they come from, are they covered by trade bans, and should we beware of imitations? What is the difference between amber and copal? What is 'vegetable ivory'? This richly illustrated talk will give a background to organic gem materials and answer many of the frequently asked questions. PowerPoint.
Recent Acquisitions at the Smithsonian Institution-National Gem Collection
(Maricopa Room, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.)
Jeffrey Post, Smithsonian Institution-National Gem Collection. Basic-Advanced. The Hope Diamond may be the gem which Americans and guests want to see, but at the Smithsonian Institute-National Gem Collection they’ll find much more, and if you haven’t visited recently, you will too. Learn from the Collection's curator about recent acquisitions which continue to refine the holdings of the Collection for depth and quality of specimens.
Gem ID Made Easy: Part II (hands-on; 3 hour extended session) * CANCELLED *
(Graham Room, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
Antoinette Matlins, Gemstone Press. Basic-Advanced. (Part I not required to benefit from Part II). This non-technical, half-day workshop demonstrates how to use simple, portable instruments not covered in Part I and also focuses on techniques to quickly and easily screen for HPHT-treated diamonds. Even gemologists can benefit from time-saving tips. Increase confidence when buying away from your store, office, or in the field. Class size limited. (First-come, first-served, limited attendance).
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Gems of the Ural Mountains
(Mohave Room, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.)
Dr. Lore Kiefert, AGTA Gemological Testing Center.
Intermediate.
In 2007, Dr. Lore Kiefert spent ten days in Russia visiting the emerald mine in Malysheva and the demantoid deposit near Ekaterinburg. In addition, she worked on alexandrite and emerald from the Malysheva mine. This scientist’s first-hand travelogue and discussion provides new insight into the Gems of the Ural Mountains.
Colored Gemstone Estate Jewelry
(Maricopa Room, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.)
Diana Jarrett, Heritage Gems. Basic-Intermediate. Before the marketing machine which unleashed focused diamond jewelry purchases, jewelry wearers embraced colored gems. The relationship of Estate Jewelry and the colored gemstone world is such that an understanding of when and why certain colors were in use, what changes in availability of gems meant for jewelry design, and even how the availability of substitute and synthetic materials altered jewelry in a given period helps you better present colored gemstone estate jewelry to your clients.
Improve Your JBT Rating
(Greenlee Room, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.)
Dione Kenyon, Jewelers Board of Trade. Basic – Advanced. Profitability in your retail jewelry business can be improved by improving other performance markers. Industry suppliers have long worked with the Jewelers Board of Trade to consider opening new retail accounts and to monitor existing accounts. In return, they report on the credit-worthiness of retail jewelers. Your profitability can be directly affected by your JBT rating. Learn what goes into the rating you currently have, what strategies you can follow to improve your rating, and why suppliers give better terms to jewelers whose ratings are strong.
Merchandising: How to Color Your Bottom Line Green
(Graham Room, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.)
Tim Malone, Ph.D. GIA School of Business. Basic - Intermediate. We live in a visual world and color is king. Successful jewelry merchandisers have been tapping into its power for years. Learn how you, too, can use color to influence an inventory mix, apply new in-store marketing opportunities, and create more appealing approaches to selling – all designed to boost sales and increase profit.
GIA Research Update
(Coconino Room, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.)
GIA Research. Intermediate. In this very popular annual presentation, you’ll have the chance to meet a member of GIA’s Research staff who will answer questions and provide you with an overview about the very latest developments in the lab, including updates on gem identification and other topics of current interest.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Pearls 101: Saltwater & Freshwater, Natural & Cultured
(Mohave Room, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.)
Betty Sue King, King’s Ransom. Basic. Take the fear out of pearls by learning the basics about what makes pearls tick and how they click in today's market. Gain in depth information and practical advice for a core understanding of pearls. Betty Sue King passionately weaves the technology and romance of pearls with humankind’s natural obsession for beauty. King will energize you with visions of glorious pearls to inspire your dreams and fuel your cash flow. PowerPoint, handouts and hands-on experiences.
Gemmological Tricks and Treats
(Maricopa Room, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.)
Alan Hodgkinson. Basic-Advanced. Alan Hodgkinson is President of the Scottish Branch, The Gemmological Association, author of Visual Optics, lecturer to gemmological audiences worldwide and particularly throughout America. Hodgkinson developed the Synthetic emerald filter and the new Green stained Jadeite Filter. His presentations offer surprises, insights, and challenges of interest to all enthusiastic gemmologists. One attends a Hodgkinson lecture prepared to be delighted and is rewarded with better understanding of the field.
A Dozen Tips for Successful Gem Photography
(Greenlee Room, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.)
Robert Weldon, GIA. Intermediate-Advanced. The colored gemstone photographs taken by Robert Weldon have brought beauty to the covers and pages of nearly every trade magazine, to the library and archival holdings of GIA, and to Flashes of Color, the exquisite photography exhibit at AGTA GEMFAIR™ TUCSON. Weldon is generous in providing insight and strategy to others in the industry who understand that improving the quality of their colored gemstone images will improve their potential for closing colored gemstone sales.
Basic Gemmology Instruments
(Graham Room, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.)
Doug Garrod, Gem-A. Basic-Intermediate. Refresh your skills with the basic instruments of gemmology. Begin first with observation, and then approach the instruments in the order you could use them, when carrying out gem testing: Polariscopes, Dichroscopes, Spectroscopes, Colour Filters and Ultra Violet Light and Refractometers. Hands-on.
Designers and Retailers, Co-conspirators
(Coconino Room, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.)
Pamela Ford, GJ Designs for Contemporary Design Group Council. Basic-Intermediate. In this session, learn how to determine what really is possible for obtaining a special piece for your client within a designer’s look. It is a practical conversation regarding materials, timelines, benchmarks during progress, and profitability for both you and the designer you select.
NEW! The AGTA is proud to announce that the Stuller Learning Institute will be holding demonstrations in the Tucson Convention Center GemHall II. These sessions will cover a variety of topics and will be taught by highly-experienced jewelry masters. Demonstrations will be held throughout the week and are FREE to anyone wishing to attend.
Wednesday, February 6
Digital Photography
(GemHall II, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.)
Ruben Neuman Praes, President/CEO, MK Digital Direct, Inc. This program is for anyone in the jewelry industry. If you have ever considered using the internet to gain access to millions of potential customers, this session will help you get your products in front of potential buyers. Even if you already have a website, this program will provide you valuable, cost effective tips to make it even better.
Channel and Bezel Stone Setting Techniques
(GemHall II, 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
Billy Beadle, Master Stone Setter, Stuller, Inc. Ever struggled with channel or bezel setting? Learn the secrets that make the setter's life easier. In this program, you will learn all there is to know about channel and bezel setting from preparation to completion. If you want to just ask a question, or sit down, roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty, you are invited to attend.
Thursday, February 7
Your Jewelry Repair Shop: Profit Center or Service Center
(GemHall II, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)
Gregg Todd, SLI/Corporate Training Administrator, Stuller, Inc. For many jewelry store owners, having a repair shop is a necessary evil that, at best, services the immediate retail needs and, at worst, is the source of endless headaches and lost revenue. Learn how to turn your shop into a lean and efficient profit center that can keep customers coming in all year long.
The Art of Engraving
(GemHall II, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.)
Chris DeCamillis, Master Engraver, Glendo Corporation. Take your skills to the next level. Each seminar will include a live demonstration of bead and bright setting a 4mm round stone with milgrained edge; engraving of uppercase script lettering; jewelry-style engraving for bands and sides of rings. All work will be done using the gravermach and related tools. Take time to sit down, try out a new tool and ask questions.
Digital Photography
(GemHall II, 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
Ruben Neuman Praes, President/CEO, MK Digital Direct, Inc. This program is for anyone in the jewelry industry. If you have ever considered using the internet to gain access to millions of potential customers, this session will help you get your products in front of potential buyers. Even if you already have a website, this program will provide you valuable, cost effective tips to make it even better.
Friday, February 8
Channel and Bezel Stone Setting Techniques
(GemHall II, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)
Billy Beadle, Master Stone Setter, Stuller, Inc. Ever struggled with channel or bezel setting? Learn the secrets that make the setter’s life easier. In this program, you will learn all there is to know about channel and bezel setting from preparation to completion. If you want to just ask a question, or sit down, roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty, you are invited to attend.
Your Jewelry Repair Shop: Profit Center or Service Center
(GemHall II, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.)
Gregg Todd, SLI/Corporate Training Administrator, Stuller, Inc. For many jewelry store owners, having a repair shop is a necessary evil that, at best, services the immediate retail needs and, at worst, is the source of endless headaches and lost revenue. Learn how to turn your shop into a lean and efficient profit center that can keep customers coming in all year long.
The Art of Engraving
(GemHall II, 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
Chris DeCamillis, Master Engraver, Glendo Corporation. Take your skills to the next level. Each seminar will include a live demonstration of bead and bright setting a 4mm round stone with milgrained edge; engraving of uppercase script lettering; jewelry-style engraving for bands and sides of rings. All work will be done using the gravermach and related tools. Take time to sit down, try out a new tool and ask questions.
Saturday, February 9
Digital Photography
(GemHall II, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)
Ruben Neuman Praes, President/CEO, MK Digital Direct, Inc. This program is for anyone in the jewelry industry. If you have ever considered using the internet to gain access to millions of potential customers, this session will help you get your products in front of potential buyers. Even if you already have a website, this program will provide you valuable, cost effective tips to make it even better.
Channel and Bezel Stone Setting Techniques
(GemHall II, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.)
Billy Beadle, Master Stone Setter, Stuller, Inc. Ever struggled with channel or bezel setting? Learn the secrets that make the setter’s life easier. In this program, you will learn all there is to know about channel and bezel setting from preparation to completion. If you want to just ask a question, or sit down, roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty, you are invited to attend.
Your Jewelry Repair Shop: Profit Center or Service Center
(GemHall II, 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
Gregg Todd, SLI/Corporate Training Administrator, Stuller, Inc. For many jewelry store owners, having a repair shop is a necessary evil that, at best, services the immediate retail needs and, at worst, is the source of endless headaches and lost revenue. Learn how to turn your shop into a lean and efficient profit center that can keep customers coming in all year long.
Sunday, February 10
The Art of Engraving
(GemHall II, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)
Chris DeCamillis, Master Engraver, Glendo Corporation. Take your skills to the next level. Each seminar will include a live demonstration of bead and bright setting a 4mm round stone with milgrained edge; engraving of uppercase script lettering; jewelry-style engraving for bands and sides of rings. All work will be done using the gravermach and related tools. Take time to sit down, try out a new tool and ask questions.
Digital Photography
(GemHall II, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.)
Ruben Neuman Praes, President/CEO, MK Digital Direct, Inc. This program is for anyone in the jewelry industry. If you have ever considered using the internet to gain access to millions of potential customers, this session will help you get your products in front of potential buyers. Even if you already have a website, this program will provide you valuable, cost effective tips to make it even better.
Meet Your Teachers
Chris DeCamillis
Chris’ professional work experience and education give students a special opportunity to blend stone setting and engraving skills. His first 30 years in the industry was spent honing his skills in several different areas. Today, DeCamillis’ dedication and competence in a variety of fine handwork is enthusiastically shared with his students at Emporia State University as Professor for the first Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in the Engraving Arts.
Gregg Todd
With nearly 30 years in the jewelry industry, Gregg has worked in many facets of the field.
He has been instrumental in promoting knowledge for the bench jeweler through his technical tips column in Stuller's newsletter, his book, At the Bench, as well as his many articles that have appeared in various trade publications. Gregg designed and wrote the curriculum for the jewelry manufacturing technology program for the State of Louisiana's Technical Colleges system.
Billy Beadle
With over 12 years bench jeweler/repair experience combined with extensive experience as a laser trainer and operator, Billy's commitment to perfection has allowed him to work his way up to become a master stone setter, resulting in some of the most remarkable stone setting being done today. His unique blend of experiences and down home style brings his training alive in a way that everyone can understand and enjoy.
Ruben Neuman Praes
As a proven problem solver and tireless troubleshooter, Ruben brings his engineering background to the forefront in meeting the needs of business and industry. By combining his rich and diverse international background with strong economic experience, Ruben has been able to examine cost efficient overseas manufacturing opportunities for a myriad of company's products.
The AGTA offers fee-based educational seminars presented by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).
To enroll in GIA tuition-based classes and seminars, or for more information, please call (800) 421-7250, ext. 4001 or 760-603-4001. Or visit www.gia.edu.
Tuesday, February 5 – Thursday, February 7
Colored Stone Grading Lab Class
(Coconino Room, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
Through extensive hands-on practice with gemstones, develop skills in grading the color, clarity and cut quality factors of a wide range of colored stones. Learn GIA’s Colored Stone Grading System and how to describe color in terms of hue, tone, and saturation. Learn how to judge quality factors with professional insight and increase the consistency and accuracy of your colored stone grading skills. Tuition: $950
Friday, February 8
Pearl Grading Lab Class
(Coconino Room, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
Discover how the world’s foremost experts determine the quality of Akoya, freshwater, South Sea, and Tahitian pearls. In this hands-on class you’ll learn GIA’s 7 Pearl Value Factors™ and how to evaluate cultured pearls, with a view toward increasing sales by promoting pearl’s beauty, value and quality. Tuition: $225
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Identifying Diamond Treatments
(Coconino Room, 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.)
Andy Lucas, Instructor, GIA. In this informative and practical session, you’ll learn how standard gemological instruments can help you to identify the most important commercial diamond treatments. You’ll get up to speed on the latest diamond treatments hitting the marketplace.
Tuition: $145
Identifying Ruby
(Coconino Room, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
Andy Lucas, Instructor, GIA. Learn how to identify and separate natural from synthetic ruby and learn about the latest sophisticated treatments (including fracture filling) in the marketplace. Tuition: $145
The AGTA GemFair Conference Program is produced for AGTA by Charlotte Preston Catalysts, Inc. Charlotte Preston Catalysts unites people and resources for powerful results.
