Children’s workshops and big band/jazz entertainment, are some of the latest additions to the Gemological Institute of America’s (GIA) Education Open House to be held Saturday, May 3, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Institute’s world headquarters in Carlsbad.

GIA will open its campus and classrooms so guests can explore the alluring world of diamonds, gems, and jewelry. Visitors can meet the Institute’s expert instructors, attend classroom demonstrations, and browse fascinating gem and jewelry exhibits. The event is free.

Children ages 7 to 14 can participate in the Junior Gemologist Workshops. During this fun and interactive 30-minute session, they will gaze at sparkling gems through professional laboratory microscopes, and tour GIA’s key museum exhibits. Space is limited, and reservations are required. Contact Yvette Wilson, Guest Services supervisor, at 800-421-7250, ext. 4116.

In addition, the “Big Band & Jazz Hall of Fame Orchestra,” a 17-piece big band specializing in music of the all-time greats like Glenn Miller and Duke Ellington, will perform on GIA’s ocean terrace. Also featured will be traditional swing music and other favorites of the ’30s, ’40s and ’50s, as well as modern jazz. Gemology, jewelry design, jewelry manufacturing arts, and jewelry business principles classroom demonstrations will be held. Attendees will have a first-hand glimpse into how students work to obtain the Graduate Gemologist (G.G.) diploma, the jewelry industry’s most prestigious professional credentials. Visitors can learn about the Institute’s intensive hands-on instruction in jewelry design, manufacturing and repair for students enrolled in the Applied Jewelry Arts (A.J.A.) and Graduate Jeweler (G.J.) Programs. The open house will also showcase the Institute’s new School of Business, modeled after leading business schools and featuring classes related to the business aspect of the jewelry industry.

For additional information about the event, call 800-421-7250 ext. 4222, or 760-603-4222, e-mail openhouse@gia.edu, or visit www.gia.edu and click on the link, “Visit GIA’s Education Open House” in the upper right corner. A new museum exhibit debuting at the Open House, “From the Vault: Gifts to Our Collection,” will showcase never-seen-before pieces donated to GIA from private contributors, and will be on view in the Institute’s Mikimoto Rotunda. In addition, a remarkable display of Australian opalized dinosaur fossils, along with exceptional opal specimens and jewelry are on display for the first time in the U.S., and will be returning to Australia in mid-May. Detailed displays featuring gemstones and inclusions, gem treatments, jewelry manufacturing, jewelry design, mining, and the diamond trade are showcased throughout the Institute’s education hallways. GIA’s Gem Instruments showroom and bookstore will also be open for visitors. Guests can browse through gifts, books and instruments devoted exclusively to the world of gems and jewelry. Refreshments will be served, and door prizes will be awarded at the Education Open House. GIA is located at 5345 Armada Drive in Carlsbad, above the flower fields. For additional information about the event, call 800-421-7250 ext. 4222, or 760-603-4222, e-mail openhouse@gia.edu, or visit www.gia.edu, and click on the link, Visit GIA’s Education Open House in the upper right corner.

JCK