While many with plans to hit Gem Week in the desert—the AGTA
GemFair Tucson and surrounding shows—are busy planning open-to-buys and lunch
dates at El Minuto, Antoinette Matlins is scheduling some more serious
appointments in the way of educational seminars. Matlins, a gemologist, author,
and member of the Board of the Accredited Gemologists Association, will be
teaching several workshops in Tucson along with fellow gemologist Craig Lynch.
Taking place on January 31 and February 1, 4–5, their subject matter
is rubies.

In particular, the pair will instruct how to spot the
differences between traditionally treated rubies and glass-ruby composites by
using a 10X loupe. The one-hour workshops will be hands-on—bring your own stone
or use one provided by Matlins—and is sure to help retailers prevent buying
errors. “Everyone buying and selling rubies today needs to know how to separate
treated rubies from glass-ruby composites to avoid costly consequences of
selling or working on them unknowingly,” explains Matlins. The education is
being organized by the GLDA and the AGA.

Perhaps the best part of all—you needn’t be a G.G. to
attend. “These are easy techniques to quickly spot composites that anyone can
master in minutes,” adds Matlins.

• What: Simple Ways to Spot Composite Rubies
• Where: G.L.D.A. Gem Show at the JW Marriott Starr Pass
  Resort & Spa, 3800 West Starr Pass Blvd, Tucson
• Time:  9:30–10:30 a.m.
• Dates: Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, 4–5

For more information, log onto Matlins’ website.

JCK