The Gemological Institute of America will host Symposium 2011: Advancing the
Science and Business of Gems, May 29-30, 2011 at its headquarters in Carlsbad,
Calif. It will also commemorate the 80th anniversary of GIA.

The event will have two
parallel tracks, Advances in Gemological Research and Advancing the Gem
Industry. Topics of discussion will include gem localities and
formation; diamond, colored stone, and pearl identification; new technologies
and gem characterization; marketing to the customer of the 21st
century; political, ethical, and legal issues; gem evaluation and appraisal;
and jewelry history, design, and manufacturing.

Advances in Gemological Research will be co-chaired by Dr. James Shigley, GIA
distinguished research fellow, and Brendan Laurs, editor of Gems & Gemology. Advancing the Gem
Industry will be co-chaired by Kathryn Kimmel, GIA vice president and chief
marketing officer, and Alice Keller, G&G
editor-in-chief. The event will also include a poster session, where
presenters will display research projects on various aspects of gemology and
the gem industry.
 
Field trips to local working gem mines will be offered prior to the event.
Other optional preconference activities will include hands-on workshops and a
visit to the “All That Glitters” gem and jewelry exhibit at the San Diego
Museum of Natural History.
 
Registration will open Oct. 15, and capacity will be limited. Registration for
the two-day event by March 1, 2011, costs $295; after March 1, the price will
be $395. The student registration fee is $195. The fee will include meals
during the event.
 
Those interested in presenting at Symposium 2011 should submit an abstract by
Jan. 10, 2011. Guidelines for presenters and event details are available on the
conference website at www.symposium2011.gia.edu <http://www.symposium2011.gia.edu>
. Abstract submission will
open Sept. 15.

JCK