JCK Donates Rare Books to GIA

Staff -- JCK Online, 3/1/2006 2:00:00 AM

The Gemological Institute of America's research associate Al Gilbertson recently searched through JCK magazine's library of gemological books on diamond cutting and realized that the valuable publications were inadequately stored. JCK editor-in-chief Hedda Schupak asked Gilbertson to pull the books and put them aside until they could decide what to do with them.

Alternative storage spaces considered included the Richard T. Liddicoat Gemological Library and Information Center, which contains the world's largest collection of books on gemology and jewelry, and the Cartier Rare Book Repository and Archives, which holds many important volumes, one of which dates back to the 15th century.

The majority of the books Gilbertson selected from JCK have been added to the Cartier Archives, which also houses the John and Marjorie Sinkankas Gemological and Mineralogical Collection. The remaining books from JCK were placed in the main collection of the library for circulation. Notable books include Marcel Tolkowsky's Diamond Design, published in 1919; The Pocket Book for Jewelers, Lapidaries, and Gem and Pearl Dealers; and four different editions of Trademarks of the Jewelry and Kindred Trades that give GIA Library patrons access to information on jewelers' and other manufacturers' trademarks from the 1800s.

For more information, call (800) 421-7250, ext. 4068 or (760) 603-4068, or e-mail: library@gia.edu. To make a donation, call (800) 421-7250, ext. 4432 or (760) 603-4432, or e-mail: patricia.syvrud@gia.edu.