The Gemological Institute of America will share its expertise at upcoming trade shows in Phoenix and Tucson. The Institute will be at JCK Phoenix Jan. 30–Feb. 1, and then in Tucson Feb. 2–7 for the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) GemFair (Galleria Level and Gem Hall), the Gem & Jewelry Exchange (GJX) Show (Booth 218/318), and Rio Grande’s Catalog in Motion (Tucson Hilton East).
In Tucson, in addition to free presentations and a pair of Extension classes, the Institute will host its annual Alumni Dance Party and Auction Feb. 4 with a country-and-western theme. Exclusive show specials from GIA Instruments and Gems & Gemology and a free poster from the GIA Collection will be offered as well.
Show participants can stop by the GIA Collection booth (Booth 1900 at the AGTA GemFair) and pick up a new, limited-edition 2005 GIA Collection poster. The free poster features nine musical instruments from “Symphony in Gemstones,” a miniature, 21-piece orchestra carved from a variety of gem materials and donated by longtime GIA benefactor Art Sexauer. The colorful ensemble, the jeweled “Quétzal” bird, and feature pieces from the cover of the latest issue of G&G will be on display at the booth.
Free Seminars in Tucson and Phoenix. As part of the JCK Phoenix Show, Eric Carstensen, an assistant professor in the GIA School of Business, will teach the basics of preparing a cash flow statement at the Phoenix Civic Plaza, Jan. 30 at 8:30 a.m.
Representatives from GIA Education and GIA Research will impart business tips and the latest laboratory developments at the AGTA GemFair. Dr. David C. McKinney, professor at the GIA School of Business, will present “Selling to New Customers,” Feb. 5 at 2 p.m. in the Mohave Room. GIA Research staff will be in the Coconino Room Feb. 6 from 9 a.m. to provide an overview of the most recent discoveries at the GIA Gem Laboratory. Andy Lucas of GIA Education will give a Gems & Gemology 2004 recap Feb. 6 at 11:30 a.m., also in the Coconino Room.
At the Catalog in Motion Show, GIA will present a lecture on “Enameling Essentials.” Instructor Mark Maxwell will delve into this ancient art form Feb. 4, at 11:30 a.m., at the Tucson Hilton East.
No registration is required for any of the free seminars in Tucson and Phoenix, but seating is limited.
GIA Teaches Gemology in Tucson. The Gem Identification Extension class will be held in the Tucson Convention Center’s Coconino Room Jan. 31–Feb. 4, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Students will get the practical experience needed to accurately identify natural, synthetic, and imitation gemstones. Advanced Gemology, to be held Feb. 5 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Coconino Room, will update students on the Big Three: rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. Students can save 10% by enrolling in both classes. Seats are limited. To register, call GIA at 800-421-7250, ext. 4001, or from outside the U.S. call 760-603-4001.
GIA Offers Show Specials, New Products in Tucson. Exclusive to the AGTA GemFair, GIA Instruments will present the new DiamondSure. This instrument separates natural diamonds from synthetic diamonds and synthetic moissanite, and it works on both mounted and unmounted stones. Demonstrations will be held at the GIA Instruments booth in the Galleria Level.
Show attendees can also take advantage of special offers on Gems & Gemology subscription packages, back issues, and laminated wall charts. Complimentary copies of a limited quantity of the stunning 2005 GIA Calendar, featuring past covers of the journal, will also be available.
GIA Alumni Events in Tucson. GIA Goes Country” is the theme of this year’s Tucson Alumni Dance Party and Auction at the Marriott University Park Hotel at 880 E. 2nd St. The evening begins with a buffet dinner and the Alumni Association’s annual silent auction at 7 p.m. The live portion of the auction begins at 8:45 p.m. with the dance party to follow. The price for early registration is $25 for non-members and $20 for Alumni members. After Jan. 29, the cost is $30 for non-members and $25 for Alumni members. To register, call 760-603-4204 or e-mail GIA Events.
Participants can still donate items for the auctions, which benefit the GIA Alumni Endowment Fund. Pieces up for bid include a 10.5–11.5 mm black freshwater cultured pearl necklace, donated by Joseph P. Stachura Co., as well as personal items from GIA’s former chairman, Richard T. Liddicoat. To donate items to the auction, contact Alumni Relations Manager Rose McKenna at rmckenna@gia.edu.
The Industry Awards presentation, at 8 p.m., recognizes Alumni Association volunteers and chapters for their extraordinary networking and continuing education efforts. In-kind donors will be honored for their generous gifts to GIA and two G.G. scholarships and one or more full scholarships for the GIA School of Business will also be awarded. These scholarships were made possible through proceeds raised during the Richard T. Liddicoat Scholarship Fund campaign and the matching gift support of St. Vincent Jewelry Center.
GIA will also host the annual Alumni Breakfast Feb. 6, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., in the Cochise/Apache Rooms at the Tucson Convention Center. This event is an opportunity to network with other GIA Alumni and join the Alumni Committees in planning for 2005. To register, call 760-603-4255 or e-mail events@gia.edu by Jan. 28. Admission is free, with a $10 per person suggested donation to the Alumni Endowment Fund.
Follow JCK on Instagram: @jckmagazineFollow JCK on Twitter: @jckmagazine
Follow JCK on Facebook: @jckmagazine
