#TucsonGemShow - GIA at the Tucson Gem Show #GIATucson

GIA is pleased to announces a colorful lineup at Tucson 2017.

GIA's not-to-miss activities and services include; an out-of-this-world alumni event, show service laboratory, fascinating exhibits, expert talks and much more. The institute will have a presence at the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) GemFair™, Jan. 31 - Feb. 5, 2017, and the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show (TGMS), Feb. 9-12, both taking place at the Tucson Convention Center.

AGTA GemFair Tucson 2017

Jan. 31 - Feb. 5, 2017
Onyx Suite, Galleria Level
Tucson Convention Center
260 South Church Street
Tucson, AZ 85701

Visit GIA on the Galleria to find out about GIA Education, Laboratory, Research and Instruments and what’s new for 2017. The GIA Show Service Laboratory will be available to submit colored stones for identification and country-of-origin lab services. Attend your choice of classes, seminars and free presentations to advance your gemological knowledge. Check out the latest issue of Gems & Gemology, or take in a demo of GIA’s gemological instruments. And don’t miss GIA’s alumni party and auction for an evening of food, fun and dancing. We look forward to seeing you there!

GIA SHOW SERVICE LABORATORY

GIA will offer quick, convenient access to gem identification and country-of-origin services during the show. Drop off your colored stones in the Onyx Suite.

The laboratory will be available:

Jan. 30 to Feb. 4 − 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (opens one day before AGTA GemFair begins)

Feb. 5 − 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Come prepared and save time. Click here to plan ahead for submitting stones to the GIA Show Service Laboratory.

Note: Services will be available one day before the AGTA GemFair opens. Hours of operation differ from show hours. Temporary reports will be printed on site; permanent reports will be sent after the show.

Diamond and pearl report services will not be available.

For more information, call +1 800 421 7250 ext 4517 or +1 760 603 4517, or email coloredstones@gia.edu

GIA EDUCATION AND SEMINARS

Registration is only available by contacting GIA Admissions at +1 800 421 7250 ext. 4001 or +1 760 603 4001.

All lab classes, seminars and presentations take place at the Tucson Convention Center.

GEM 240L Gem Identification Lab Class
Required for GIA Graduate Gemologist and Graduate Colored Stones Diplomas

Students practice the same time-tested procedures and identification skills used by the Institute's renowned gemological experts in this lab class. Tools used include a microscope, a refractometer with polarizing filter and a removable magnifying eyepiece, refractive index (RI) liquid, a polariscope with an optic figure sphere, a dichroscope, a table model prism spectroscope, a handheld spectroscope, and a loupe. Students will use these instruments to practice identifying natural gemstones, imitations, assembled stones and synthetics. Along with this hands-on training, your facilitators will carefully demonstrate key tests and coach you in quick, effective testing procedures. (Be sure to read the Student Notification of Classroom Chemical Usage in the GIA Education Catalog. Once you have completed the session, you can keep the lab manual, gem cloth and color grading card.

Jan. 30 to Feb. 3 (Mon.-Fri.) − 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Greenlee Room
Tuition: $1,600 + $125 for books + $25 materials = $1,750, plus applicable sales tax
Earn: Letter of Completion

Identifying Inclusions in Corundum and Emerald
2-Hour Lecture/Lab

Inclusions are an unending source of fascination for gem professionals. In this seminar, you'll use our lab equipment to explore the interiors of specially chosen rubies, sapphires and emeralds and gain insight into what a gem's internal characteristics can tell you about how and where it formed and whether it's treated. Through lecture and hands-on practice, you'll get an up-close look at gems from new sources, learn to recognize specific types of inclusions, and understand how they help laboratory gemologists determine geologic origin, possible country of origin and potential treatments.

Saturday, Feb. 4 − 9 to 11 a.m., Greenlee Room
Tuition: $225

Identifying Synthetic and Imitation Colored Stones
2-Hour Lecture/Lab

This new GIA seminar is designed to sharpen your gem identification skills. Through a lecture and hands-on practice with a microscope and a selection of unusual synthetics and challenging new imitations, you'll learn key identifying features to help detect these materials, gain valuable experience and test yourself. Our experienced gemologists will provide guidance and help you stay up to date with the latest developments in this area.

Saturday, Feb. 4 − 1 to 3 p.m., Greenlee Room
Tuition: $225

FREE PRESENTATIONS

Rediscovering the Chivor Emerald Mine – In the Footsteps of Peter W. Rainier

Robert Weldon, GIA GG, Manager of Photography and Visual Communications, GIA

An epic story of triumph over adversity, Peter W. Rainier, a South African, ran Colombia's Chivor emerald mine in the 1920s. He fought bandits, chased elusive emerald veins and rode across the Andes. His story, revealed in his memoir Green Fire, was licensed by MGM for a movie starring Grace Kelly and Stuart Grainger. Rainer brought Chivor into peak production, extracting the finest emeralds the world had seen. He fought in both World Wars, and helped defeat Rommel's troops at El Alamein. The rediscovery of a lost album of historic photos sparked the idea for a journey to retrace his path.

Wednesday, Feb. 1 − 1 to 2 p.m., Mohave Room


The Latest News from GIA Research

Join Dr. James Shigley, GIA’s Distinguished Research Fellow and a member of GIA’s research team, as he offers insight on developments from the laboratory and research conducted at GIA. Topics of discussion may include, or be related to, colored stones, diamonds or other areas of topical interest.

Friday, Feb. 3 − 9 to 10 a.m., Mohave Room

PARTY AT THE GEM MINE – COSMIC BLAST

Blast off to the GIA Alumni Association’s annual auction and dinner dance in Tucson. Join in the fun for a stellar evening with GIA alumni, students and industry friends.

Feb. 3 − 6:30 to 11 p.m.

Marriott University Park Hotel
880 East Second Street
Tucson, AZ

Tickets are $55 if purchased before Jan. 15 and $65 if purchased Jan. 16 or after.

Purchase tickets here.

SYNTHETIC DIAMONDS EXHIBIT 

Synthetic diamonds have recently been seen more often in the trade and consumer gem and jewelry market. HPHT and CVD-grown synthetic diamonds, alongside natural diamonds, will be showcased in this informative display. Check out the samples and learn valuable facts about synthetic diamonds in the jewelry industry as you make your way to GIA’s booth on the Galleria level.

If you are still in Tucson after the AGTA GemFair, visit GIA at the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show, also at the Tucson Convention Center, taking place Feb. 9-12.