Seminars
Free Seminars
AGTA GemFair™ Tucson offers important educational seminars designed to help industry professionals looking for new and innovative strategies to 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 lineup 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. Presentations last one hour unless otherwise noted.
Wednesday, 2.1.12, 9:00-10:00 a.m.
Gemstones with Stories to Tell MOHAVE ROOM
Alan Hodgkinson
Intermediate-Advanced. Each specimen will have an intriguing story to tell, either from a gemological or financial aspect.
Andesine from Tibet, Inner Mongolia and Oregon: A Panel Discussion MARICOPA ROOM
Moderator: Dana Schorr
Panelists: Richard Hughes, Ahmadjan Abduriyim, George Rossman, Adolf Peretti with Shane McClure & John Emmett
The mining of natural red and green andesine in Tibet and near-colorless andesine in Inner Mongolia has been a subject of controversy. It has been proven that large quantities of diffusion-treated andesine from Inner Mongolia entered the world markets without proper disclosure starting about 2002; however the idea that there might also be a source of natural red andesine in Tibet has been met with extreme skepticism from some quarters. This has not only polarized the gemological community, but has also created a lack of confidence in natural Oregon sunstone.
This program will present the latest results from onsite visits to both Tibet and Inner Mongolia, along with advanced testing of stones from each of those deposits. The purpose is to provide attendees with the knowledge, tools and confidence when looking at andesine and sunstone. Simple tests will be described to separate both Tibetan and Inner Mongolian andesines from Oregon sunstones.
Keys to Selling More Color GREENLEE ROOM
Adam Graham, AGTA
Beginning-Intermediate. Colored gemstones and pearls are high margin items that you want, and need, to sell more of in order to make your business more profitable. AGTA Marketing Manager Adam Graham will discuss the key components to selling more colored gemstones and pearls in your store. Graham covers staff training, merchandising, trend-based buying, and innovative ways that stores around the country are having great success in this category.
Your Passport to Pearls GILA ROOM
Kathy Grenier, CPAA moderates
Beginning-Advanced. The Cultured Pearl Association of America premieres the new pearl documentary “The Pearl Chronicles” at AGTA. This unique learning experience will engage your senses as you simultaneously touch the pearl variety which you are viewing on screen as you discover the mystery and fascination of cultured pearls. A must see for “pearl enthusiasts” and for those “just learning.”
The Bridal Jewelry Opportunity: Turn Today’s Couples into Customers for Life MOHAVE ROOM
Laura Cave, The Knot
Basic to Advanced. Today’s brides and grooms spend over $11B annually on jewelry. Learn how to capture their business and their loyalty from Laura Cave, Director of The Knot Market Intelligence as she shares insights from the 2011 Engagement Jewelry Study from The Knot, the #1 wedding planning site online! Think brides and grooms care about the same things? Think again! You’ll learn how to cater to brides’ and grooms’ individual concerns, and how to ensure they come back to you for all of life’s major milestones: birthdays, anniversaries, baby gifts, and more!
Concepts in Gemstone Photography MARICOPA ROOM
Tino Hammid, Tino Hammid Photography
Intermediate-Advanced. The photography of Tino Hammid has been capturing the attention of the gem industry for years. From depictions of gems, to inclusions, to accurate color capture, and moving into the landscapes of gems, Hammid draws our eyes, our interests, and our attention to the beauty of the small and breathtaking world of colored gemstones. In this session, Hammid offers techniques which you can use in your own gemstone photography to lend your practiced eye to what consumers see in the visual presentations you offer them as you sell colored gems.
Secrets of Selling Colored Gemstones at Retail GREENLEE ROOM
Nancy Schuring, Devon Jewelers
Beginning-Intermediate. For a retailer with a passion for color, what are the tools for successfully selling colored gemstones? Learn about one retailer’s success using design, sensitivity to price points, customer education tools, and more to reach and cultivate a clientele with real appreciation for custom design work involving colored gems. In this case study, you’ll be exposed to one business owner’s strategies to make selling custom colored gemstone jewelry her unique selling proposition.
Challenges and Opportunities Facing Artisanal and Small Scale Mining GRAHAM ROOM
Pat Syvrud on behalf of The Diamond Development Initiative.
Beginning-Intermediate. The Diamond Development Initiative (DDI) emerged from the Kimberley Process to strengthen the developmental impacts associated with artisanal diamond mines in Africa, work which can serve as an educational source for groups facing the same issues in colored gemstone mining. Among the topics addressed in this session are: Shared experiences between artisanal gemstone miners and artisanal diamond miners; DDI successes and lessons learned in collaborating with the jewelry industry as well as governments and civil society; promoting ethical jewelry by addressing social and environmental responsibility in the artisanal sector; and how DDI’s work in the artisanal diamond mining sector complements and enhances CSR efforts by all segments of the jewelry trade.
Employment Law You Need to Know GILA ROOM
Suzan Flamm, Esq., Jewelers Vigilance Committee
Beginning-Advanced. For store owners, manufacturers, and designers who employ staff, you have to know the law to apply to avoid liability. For those who are employees, you are also invited to attend in order to learn the nature of a compliant workplace. In this session, we’ll cover basic federal employment laws, tools to help employers comply, rules on hiring and firing, and most especially, we’ll focus on creating a compliant workplace. Find out what laws apply to jewelers’ businesses, what tools are available to implement compliance programs, and how to provide the right environment to foster employee retention.
Trending Now for Tucson: Color News MOHAVE ROOM
Richard Drucker, GemWorld International
Intermediate-Advanced. Market trends, industry issues, and the gems you’ll see in Tucson – what could be more compelling than the insightful presentation of researcher, author, and colored gemstone expert Richard Drucker. Arrive early for a seat in this very popular, spot-on, up-to-the moment presentation.
Social Media for Jewelers and Managing your Online Reputation GREENLEE ROOM
Laura Cave, The Knot
Basic to Advanced. Social media - not just blogging, but also Facebook and Twitter - is changing the way brides plan their weddings and the way businesses interact with customers. Hear the results of The Knot’s first-ever Technology & Social Media survey, tour some of the most intriguing social media outlets and learn how to stay on top of this online revolution. Get answers to the questions: • What is social media, and how do brides use it to plan their weddings? • How can you use social media to connect with brides and book more business? • How can you manage your brand reputation using social media?
Assessing Value in Designer Cut Gems GRAHAM ROOM
Clay Zava, Zava Gems
Intermediate-Advanced. Learn how to look at designer-cut gemstones versus just fine production cutting. In a session originally developed for an appraisers’ group, expect a slant to formulas for assessing whether or not the gem is designer-cut, and price increases. Zava uses a variety of cutters’ work, including his own, to illustrate his presentation. With answers to many consumer questions regarding design-cut gemstones, this session provides valuable insight from one of the judges of the 2012 AGTA Spectrum Awards™ contest.
It’s All About the Numbers – Financial Success Through Benchmarking MARICOPA ROOM
David Peters, JA
Beginning-Intermediate. A few easy-to-understand numbers from your financial statements can have a profound impact on the success or failure of your business. Using JA’s invaluable “Cost of Doing Business Survey,” this seminar will explain what the important numbers are and what they mean. You’ll learn how to compare your store to national benchmarks and judge its performance in multiple areas. You’ll also discover how to develop a strategic action plan to move your business in the direction you want it to go. Topics addressed include the economy and dealing with its impact on your business, improving profit-to-revenue ratio, increasing productivity in personnel, inventory and space and also balancing financial liquidity through inventory and financial control. Attendees receive, free of charge, a copy of JA’s most recent “Cost of Doing Business Survey” – a $150.00 value!
Portable Gem Testing GILA ROOM
Doug Garrod, Gem-A
Beginning-Intermediate. Gem testing at the Tucson gem fairs is of importance. Throughout this session we will explore how to use various instruments effectively when ‘on the go,’ starting with good observation, then using other tools such as spectroscopes, Polariscopes and colour filters. We will look at a variety of gem materials throughout this session. Hands-on session, limited to 24.
Establishing Gemstone Grades, Diamonds and Colored Gems MOHAVE ROOM
Gary Roskin, Roskin Gem News
Beginning-Intermediate. Using video images, gemologist, writer and editor Gary Roskin discusses why a lab or auction house determined the grade of a diamond or colored gemstone the way they did. What are the parameters regarding consistency in gemstone grading and what’s the margin of error? Does it make sense sometimes to send a gem to more than one lab? Under what conditions?
Building Employee Confidence for Better Sales Performance MARICOPA ROOM
Diane Flora, AGS
Beginning-Intermediate. Employees who are confident in both sales strategies and techniques and product knowledge create a sales team ready to help you attract customers, close more of those who come through your door, increase your average ticket, and create the right climate for future repeat sales. Tools are available to help you hire right, train better, reward effectively, and move your team to the next level for better business outcomes.
Practical Business Ethics for Retailers Who Sell Colored Gemstones GREENLEE ROOM
Panel: Panel: Phyllis Harrison, LeRoy Jewelers,
Lois Wacholtz, Christopher’s Fine Jewelry Design;
Jackie Wolfstein, Krikawa Jewelry Designs
Moderator Susan Posnock
Beginning-Intermediate. For an industry which embraces beauty, the connections between a giver and a receiver of a jewelry gift, and the joy which generally accompanies the purchase of jewelry, it is no surprise that jewelry consumers expect responsible business practices from the retailers who provide their purchases. This panel, moderated by JA’s Associate Director of Public Affairs Susan Posnock, who has long researched and written about the range of business practices in the areas of social and environmental responsibility, examines the positive steps one can take to buy well, to market effectively, and to make ethical practice a selling point, rather than a stumbling block.
How to Buy Estate Well Over the Counter GRAHAM ROOM
Cathy Calhoun, Calhoun Jewelers
Intermediate-Advanced. Our businesses are being touched by the change in how consumers perceive luxury, and those luxurious intended-to-be-heirloom pieces are coming into the hands of consumers who value the relationships they represent, but may not value the pieces themselves. How can you buy estate well over the counter? From a retailer who buys and has long bought estate over the counter, learn quality control tips, when to offer cash and when to offer credit, how to receive the best value back for your expenditure, whether turning to estate dealers, holding a piece in your own estate case, or when it makes sense to melt.
All That Glitters: Optical Phenomena in Gems GILA ROOM
Claire Mitchell, Gem-A
Beginning-Intermediate. Meet with Gem-A to take a look at some of the amazing optical effects that can be found in a variety of gemstones, such as asterism, colour change and iridescence, to name but a few. This practical session will focus on the use of observation, 10x loupe and
appropriate lighting conditions to view these effects at their very best, as well as considering their causes and possible imitations. If you have your own loupe you are welcome to bring it along – some additional loupes will also be available. Hands-on session, limited to 24.
The Latest News from GIA Research – Dr. James Shigley
MOHAVE ROOM
Dr. James Shigley, GIA
Intermediate-Advanced. Meet Dr. James Shigley, a member of GIA’s Research staff, who will answer questions and provide an overview about the latest developments in the lab, which may include diamonds, colored stones, and other current topics of interest.
The Palladium Profit Advantage MARICOPA ROOM
Kate Peterson, Performance Concepts for Palladium Alliance International
Beginning-Intermediate. Palladium is hot, white and NOW. Now is the time to learn everything about selling this fantastic metal and about what the Palladium Alliance International (PAI) is doing to help increase your business! Educate yourself on the power of palladium and learn how successful jewelers and today’s top designers are working with and selling palladium with phenomenal success. The Palladium Alliance International (PAI) has launched the strongest consumer advertising initiative in its history. Are you ready?
Fair Trade: Become a Part of the Solution GREENLEE ROOM
Earl Allen and Eric Braunwart, Columbia Gem House
Beginning-Intermediate. In this session, you’ll hear a brief history of how Fair Trade Gems originally came to pass and why. Find out where it is now and what the future of Fair Trade Gems looks like from the founders of Fair Trade Gems. We will discuss ethical, economical, ecological, disclosure and humanitarian issues that are the colored gemstone business. Questions and discussion are encouraged.
European Museum Collections of Gems, Minerals, and Jewelry GRAHAM ROOM
Denise Nelson, Inner Circle
Beginning-Intermediate. A frequent international traveler and appraiser, Denise Nelson presents both an aesthetic and historic look at showcase gems, minerals, and jewelry from some of the finest collections of Europe. A multimedia approach affords a first-hand look at the unique and irreplaceable treasures of European collections and vaults. The presentation includes the sometimes strange background of the items and the people who owned them.
Colored Gems and Your Public Speaking Create Business Opportunity GILA ROOM
Jim Fiebig, Josephs Jewelers
Beginning-Intermediate. Direct contact with potential customers via speaking to local community groups can be very effective for establishing yourself as the trusted jeweler in your community. Retailer and active colored gemstone sales trainer Jim Fiebig provides you in this session with topics of compelling interest, strategies for obtaining strong visuals to use in your presentations and tips for approaching community groups, along with follow-up strategies to make sure your connections find you on social media, on the web, and in your store.
Recent Inclusion Discoveries MOHAVE ROOM
John Koivula, GIA
Intermediate-Advanced. The gemological separation of natural gems from true synthetics is very often accomplished using only a gemological microscope, or even just a simple hand lens as the primary investigative tool. Sometimes magnification is the only technique required, and it may even be the only non-destructive means we have at our disposal to accomplish a specific gemological task. Microscopy delivers a method of analysis that is both convenient and also universally recognized throughout the scientific community. For gemologists, and geoscientists, solid and fluid inclusions and other microfeatures provide the major clues needed to identify gem minerals. Aside from their gemological applications, inclusions also serve to remind us of the role nature plays in creating rare and unusual gemstones. This lecture describes some very recently discovered inclusions that in turn provide clues to the genesis of the gem materials in which they were discovered.
Everything You Need to Know to Market Colored Stones & Pearls MARICOPA ROOM
Rick Arnemann, Harmon Group
Beginning-Intermediate. The jewelry game has changed. Learn where, when, how, and why to market colored gemstones and pearls. Rick Arnemann, CEO of luxury marketing firm The Harmon Group, lays out practical step-by-step advice for retailers to maximize their marketing budgets by promoting color and pearls.
Innovative Approaches to Selling in Today’s Bridal Market GREENLEE ROOM
Kate Peterson, Performance Concepts for the Diamond Council of America
Beginning-Intermediate. The population for bridal product (Generation X and Generation Y combined) is the largest it’s ever been! Today’s bridal consumer is older, has a higher level of disposable income, and is more sophisticated, more tech-savvy and more particular than ever. The intense competition for this customer’s attention (not to mention buying power) has created an environment that challenges many of our long-held assumptions about the bridal sale, while demanding a new and innovative approach at every level of business. This program will include a discussion of your customer’s drives, needs, interests and demands while providing innovative, practical strategies for attracting, selling and keeping your share of this highly lucrative market segment.
Copper Trails – Visiting Inspiring Arizona Copper and Gold Mines GRAHAM ROOM
Helen Serras-Herman, Gem Art Center
Beginning-Advanced. For all gem enthusiasts, a trip to an old mine holds the magnetic allure of what is hidden, learning how the mines were found and explored, and the attraction of what can be created from the beautiful gems. Award-winning gem artist Helen Serras-Herman describes Arizona gems and minerals celebrated during the 2012 Arizona Centennial: turquoise, azurite, malachite, cuprite, gold and the legendary chrysocolla in quartz (gem silica). Learn how to visit the mines where these gems come from, visits which inspired her one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces featuring copper gems, copper chains and copper-colored pearls. Take a look at six Southern Arizona Copper Mines- the Asarco Mission Mine, the Good Enough Mine and Tombstone Mine, the Bisbee Queen Mine, the Morenci Mine and the Ray Mine, as well as the gold mines in Goldfield in the shadow of the Superstition Mountains and the legends about the Lost Dutchman Mine.
Gem ID Made Easy:
A 2-Part Workshop 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. GILA ROOM
Antoinette Matlins, Gemstone Press
Beginning-Advanced. Part I (Each session stands alone; Part I not required to benefit from Part II.) These non-technical, half-day workshops demonstrate how to use simple, portable instruments to quickly and easily identify colored gemstones typically seen in the jewelry market, detect many treatments, and spot many fakes and synthetics. With the prevalence of composite rubies in the market, confusion about what they are, how they differ from traditionally treated rubies containing glass, and the costly consequences for anyone who can’t distinguish between them, this year’s workshops will focus on easy ways to spot them. Screening for HPHT-treated diamonds and surface-coatings on diamonds and other gemstones are also covered. Even gemologists can benefit from time-saving tips. These techniques and tools will reduce risk and increase confidence when buying away from your store or office, or in the field. Class size limited (First-come, first-served).
Niche Pearl Producing Countries. MOHAVE ROOM
Elisabeth Strack, Gemmologisches Institut Hamburg Intermediate-Advanced. In 1994 in Honolulu, the international pearl conference PEARLS ’94 took place. Since then, a number of niche producers have emerged or have found a market place, beginning with that conference. Mexico has become a regular producer of colourful cultured pearls, by using the local Pteria sterna. The Fiji Islands have seen the establishment of two pearl farms that produce fine qualities of black South Sea cultured pearls with Pinctada margaritifera. The Cook Islands, using their own local Pinctada margaritifera, had a promising period in the second half of the 1990s, then fell into oblivion until they restarted recently. There are pioneer farms in the Persian Gulf and in the Red Sea, but not yet attracting market success. Lake Kasumigaura in Japan has had its own history of freshwater pearl production in the aftermath of Lake Biwa and excels with large colourful pearls. Learn details regarding present niche producers and their production techniques and how these new pearl varieties can be distinguished and judged.
Against All Odds: Winning When the Outlook is Uncertain MARICOPA ROOM
Bill Gallagher, Lori Bonn Designs
Beginning-Intermediate. Does it look bleak? Are you out of ideas? Have you lost your passion? Are you uncertain what to tell your team? Are you worried at 3am? This session is all about what to do to get your business going again or get momentum for a new business from a CEO that has successfully navigated turnarounds, launched startups, trained hundreds of leaders, and managed corporate brands. You will leave the session with simple concrete steps you can apply right now in your business.
Increasing Sales with Exotic Gems GREENLEE ROOM
Renee Newman
Beginning-Advanced. You can get several benefits by including jewelry with rare and unusual gems in your inventory—it distinguishes you from other gem and jewelry sellers in your area, it expands your customer base, it encourages repeat business to see what’s new in your inventory, and it provides a wider selection of gifts for birthdays, holidays and special events. In addition, profit margins on exotic gems are larger than on diamonds and gold. In this session, author Renée Newman discusses unusual gems that are appearing on the market and presents examples of how jewelers and designers are using them to stimulate their business. Guidelines on displaying exotic jewelry and on selecting gems that are right for your business are also provided.
Insurance Needs for the Retail Jeweler MARICOPA ROOM
Patrick Drummond, Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company
Beginning-Advanced. It’s easy to see how important insurance is in protecting your jewelry inventory, but we’re here to remind you that there’s so much more to it than that! From your business personal property to buying and selling scrap metals, having the proper insurance impacts all aspects of your business. This session presents insurance needs for the retail jeweler in a way that’s easy to understand and offers tips that are simple to implement.
Identifying Diamond Types and Synthetic Diamonds with CPF, DF and UV Light
GREENLEE ROOM
Dusan Simic, Analytical Gemology and Jewelry
Lecture 1:00 p.m.- 2:00 p.m.
Hands-on workshop 2:00 p.m.– 3:00 p.m.
Intermediate-Advanced. This session covers: Types of diamonds based on impurity content; Theory of plastic deformation and relation to types; Methods of types detection and instrumentations; Typing by FTIR method – in gem labs; CPF method – technical instructions and set up; Visual presentation of different types of diamonds under CPF; CPF chart; Relation of types to natural/synthetic origin and color origin, and the benefits of using the method in daily gemology and appraising work.
Adventures in Gemstone Mining GRAHAM ROOM
Edward Boehm, RareSource
Beginning-Advanced. Consumers are endlessly interested in the stories of mines and miners from around the world. In this session for retailers, manufacturers, and designer buyers attending the AGTA GemFair, geologist and gemologist Edward Boehm draws on stories and visuals from his frequent global travels and the relationships which he has built around the world in Burma, Tanzania, Madagascar, Thailand, Japan, and Hong Kong. Share these personal glimpses into the origins of gems from his experiences of being on mine location with your clients to add to the allure of the colored gems you sell.
Gem ID Made Easy:
A 2-Part Workshop 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. GILA ROOM
Antoinette Matlins, Gemstone Press
Beginning-Advanced. Part II ( Each session stands alone; Part I not required to benefit from Part II.) These non-technical, half-day workshops demonstrate how to use simple, portable instruments to quickly and easily identify colored gemstones typically seen in the jewelry market, detect many treatments, and spot many fakes and synthetics. With the prevalence of composite rubies in the market, confusion about what they are, how they differ from traditionally treated rubies containing glass, and the costly consequences for anyone who can’t distinguish between them, this year’s workshops will focus on easy ways to spot them. Screening for HPHT-treated diamonds and surface-coatings on diamonds and other gemstones are also covered. Even gemologists can benefit from time-saving tips. These techniques and tools will reduce risk and increase confidence when buying away from your store or office, or in the field. Class size limited (First-come, first-served).
How to recognize HPHT/ Multi-Step treated Diamond: New Features of Identification GREENLEE ROOM
Dusan Simic, Analytical Gemology and Jewelry
Lecture 3:00 p.m.- 3:30 p.m.
Hands-on workshop 3:30 p.m.– 4:00 p.m.
Intermediate-Advanced. This session covers: Introduction: What is HPHT and Multi-Step treatment. Principles of identification; Main Part: Diamonds with different color; - IR absorption, Luminescence (Fluorescence) imaging, PL spectroscopy.
MJSA at the Bench Live
All Sessions start at 11:30 a.m. unless otherwise noted. Demonstration area located in the Galleria towards the East Entrance. Sponsored by the American Gem Trade Association
Bench and Tool Sponsor: The Jewelry Training Center
January 31
Step to It: Tricks for Soldering Multiple Joints in Silver
Presenter: Arthur Anton Skuratowicz
Silver has become the metal of choice for many jewelry makers and designers seeking affordable price points. However, the metal poses its own challenges, not the least of which is how to solder several joints in close proximity—without melting previously attachments. Learn how to ensure your silver soldering goes smoothly, enabling you to create clean, secure attachments.
February 1
History Detective: How to Identify Previous Repairs in Jewelry
Presenter: Arthur Anton Skuratowicz
It happens all the time: A jeweler goes to repair a piece of jewelry, only to discover that the piece had already undergone previous repairs—and the work was less than stellar. At best, this creates a few new headaches; at worst, it leads to the jewelry being severely damaged. Learn how to identify these “danger points” before it’s too late.
February 2
Working with Gemstones: The Designer’s Challenges
Presenter: Alishan Halebian
When faced with designing a piece around a gemstone—especially one with an unusual cut or other uncommon characteristic—designers and goldsmiths have a double-edged challenge: Create a design that brings out the gem’s unique aspects, but also ensure the stone is securely set and protected. Award-winning designer and master goldsmith Alishan Halebian demonstrates how he accomplishes both tasks to best ensure the gem is exquisitely showcased.
February 3
Mythbusters: Challenging Tradition at the Bench
1:30 to 3 p.m.
Presenter: Ann Cahoon
Venerable traditions have built up regarding how bench jewelers should go about their craft. And, like all traditions, some may be true and some may be little more than tall tales. Whether focusing on accepted procedures for equipment maintenance, the selection of tools for specific tasks, or simple safety procedures, this session will separate fact from myth—and attendees will come away with new insights.
February 4
Using Handmade Chain in Custom Designs
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Presenter: Ann Cahoon
As consumer demand for custom jewelry grows, so too are the ways in which jewelers are creating unique, personalized pieces. One method to add personalization is through the use of handmade chain. Discover techniques for creating handcrafted chain to complement specific custom designs.
February 5
Compound Interest: Creating the Optimum Polish on Metals
Presenter: Arthur Anton Skuratowicz
When it comes to the finishing and polishing of jewelry, you need to match your methods and metals to achieve the maximum shine. Learn how to apply various buffing compounds and polishing techniques to achieve the look you want.
Fee-Based Seminars
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, x 4001 or visit www.gia.edu.
Diamond Grading Lab Class COCONINO ROOM
Required for these diploma program(s): GIA Graduate Gemologist, Graduate Diamonds
Through our unique combination of hands-on training, one-on-one coaching, and integrated multimedia presentations, you’ll learn to grade diamonds consistently and accurately using a modern gem microscope and jeweler’s loupe. Become proficient in GIA’s Diamond Grading System, discover time-saving shortcuts to determine a variety of grading factors, and learn to read a GIA Diamond Grading Report. Spend more than 18 hours practicing grading techniques on diamonds that were carefully selected and graded by GIA. In the process, you’ll learn to recognize the most common diamond features. Students must pass a two-stone practical test to complete the class successfully.
Monday-Friday Jan 30 – Feb 3, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.;
Coconino Room
Tuition: $1350 + $70 for Books & Materials= $1,420 +
applicable sales tax
Earn a Letter of Completion
Field Gemology COCONINO ROOM
2 hours
In this lecture and hands-on seminar, you will learn to utilize pocketsize instruments to make identifications in the field. By using instruments such as a loupe, hand-held spectroscope, and dichroscope, gemologists can make identifications at trade shows, buyer’s offices, swap meets, garage sales, and even mines.
Saturday, Feb 4, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.; Coconino Room
Tuition: $145
Earn a Letter of Attendance
Identifying Ruby Treatments COCONINO ROOM
2 hours
Numerous treatments and combinations of treatments are applied to rubies from a variety of sources. Some of these treatments can have a significant effect on the value of rubies. During this lecture and hands on lab, you’ll learn what treatments you can identify with standard gemological equipment and how to detect their identifying characteristics. Treatments covered in this seminar include heat-treatment, glass filling, composite rubies, flux-assisted healed fractures, and beryllium diffusion.
Saturday, Feb 4, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.; Coconino Room
Tuition: $145
Earn a Letter of Attendance
This page updated 01/06/12.
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