The GIA research team will present some of the latest findings from their ongoing diamond cut research, as well as conduct demonstrations and visual comparison (observation) tests using diamonds under standardized conditions at the AGTA GemFair in Tucson.

Over the past year, GIA has continued to conduct extensive research on diamond appearance using observation tests. At this point, GIA’s researchers have conducted over 40,000 observations of more than 1,000 diamonds. No diamond evaluation methodology currently used in the trade has been empirically tested in this manner.

Attendees can participate in the evaluation process by visiting GIA’s presentation room at the GemFair and take part in visual comparison tests that will be used to evaluate various aspects of how brilliance, fire, and other factors can affect overall appearance.

GIA will also be demonstrating the effects of different lighting standards and conditions on various aspects (such as brightness and fire) of diamond appearance.

In addition, GIA will offer a PowerPoint presentation that reviews several interesting findings that have resulted from its ongoing research. Some topics that will be included are:

• Panorama and diamond appearance
• Various types of lighting and diamond appearance
• Light leakage and diamond brightness

No reservations or appointments are needed to take part in the observation tests or to view the presentations. The presentation room, located in the Apache Room, in the AGTA Educational Wing of the Tucson Convention Center, will be open daily from Feb 5-10, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

JCK