GIA Selects Keynote Speakers for 2006 Gemological Research Conference

Staff -- JCK Online, 4/1/2006 2:00:00 AM

Twelve authorities in gemology and related disciplines will headline the Gemological Institute of America’s first Gemological Research Conference, being held in San Diego Aug. 26–27, 2006, just prior to the Fourth International Gemological Symposium, to be held Aug. 27–29.

The GIA Gemological Research Conference keynote speakers and the subjects of their presentations are listed below for each session theme.

Geology of Gem Deposits. Jeff Harris, University of Glasgow, U.K., “Diamond Occurrence and Evolution”; David London, University of Oklahoma, Norman, “Geochemical Cycles Of Gem-Forming Elements: What It Takes To Make Tourmaline, Beryl, Topaz, Spodumene, and Other Pegmatitic Gems.”

Gem Characterization Techniques. George Rossman, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, Calif., “Characterization of Nanofeatures in Gem Materials”; Emmanuel Fritsch, IMN, University of Nantes, France, “A Forecast of Important Techniques in Gemology Over the Next 10 Years.”

New Gem Localities. Lawrence Snee, U.S. Geological Survey, Denver, “Mapping of Gem Localities in Afghanistan and Pakistan”; Federico Pezzotta, Museo Civico di Storia Naturale, Milan, Italy, “An Update on Gem Localities in Madagascar.”

Gem Synthesis. James Butler, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C., “Growth of CVD Synthetic Diamond”; Ichiro Sunagawa, Tokyo, “Growth, Morphology, and Perfection of Single Crystals: Basic Concepts in Discriminating Natural From Synthetic Gemstones.”

General Gemology. Shane McClure, GIA Gem Laboratory, Carlsbad, Calif., “Genetic Source Type Classification of Gem Corundum”; Menahem Sevdermish, Advanced Quality A.C.C. Ltd., Ramat Gan, Israel, “Color Communication: The Analysis of Color in Gem Materials.”

Diamond and Corundum Treatments. Ken Scarratt, GIA Research, Bangkok, Thailand, “Corundum Treatments”; Dr. Mark Newton, University of Warwick, Coventry, U.K., “Diamond Treatments.”

A limited number of conference attendees also will be able to join a one-day preconference field trip to the Pala pegmatite district in San Diego County (separate registration is required).

This year’s International Gemological Symposium, only the fourth in three decades, will attract professionals from every sector of the gem and jewelry trade. For three days, leading researchers and industry experts will address key economic, technological, and geopolitical factors of the industry in the 21st century. The theme, “Navigating the Challenges Ahead,” signals that the gem and jewelry industry is entering uncharted territory. The Symposium will address the major changes that the industry has witnessed at virtually every level.

To register for the GIA Gemological Research Conference and the Fourth International Gemological Symposium, visit www.symposium.gia.edu. For further information on participating or presenting at the GIA Gemological Research Conference, contact the organizing committee at gemconference@gia.edu or visit www.gia.edu/gemsandgemology or www.symposium.gia.edu.