Michael Dyber - American Wins Idar-Oberstein Cutting Competition!

Michael M. Dyber. of New Hampshire, is the only American to win the First prize twice in the 40 years of the most prestigious gemstone cutting competition in the world “The 40th German Award for Jewellery and Precious Stones, Idar-Oberstein 2009”

Mr. Dyber’s first prize winner is a 113.24 ct. Aquamarine. Utilizing his signature lapidary techniques: “Dyber Optic Dish” ™ and now his newest technique the “Photon Phacet” ™ the Aquamarine was designed and cut so that it reflects optical illusions in three dimensions. It was completely cut by hand on equipment built by Michael in his New Hampshire studio.

This year's theme was “Long Live the Reflection”
The pieces could be unmounted gemstones, gemstones in finished jewellery (in this case only precious metals were allowed), gemstone objects and gemstone sculptures.

“This award represents another step forward in my endless pursuit of infinite gem designing.” says Michael.

“The 40th German Award for Jewellery and Precious Stones, Idar-Oberstein 2009” is presented by the Federal Association of the Precious Stones and Diamond Industry, in the German Capital of the gemstone industry, Idar-Oberstein, Germany.

see: http://www.bv-edelsteine-diamanten.de/files/schmuckpreis.htm for more information.

Each year, artists, lapidary artists, jewelers and designers from around the world compete for this coveted award.

In February, Dyber was awarded a Grand Prize, in the 2009 AGTA Spectrum - Cutting Edge Competition, at the AGTA Gem Fair Tucson 2009. The first place winner was an 89.79 ct Aquamarine, and was cut utilizing his signature lapidary techniques: “Dyber Optic Dish”™ and the “Photon Phacet” ™

Mr. Dyber’s ever changing collection of signed original creations can be seen at his booth at AGTA Gem Fair Tucson 2010, Booth 106, Feb. 2-7, 2010.

Liddicoat Awardee to Appear on Writers Panel...

Latest winner of the prestigious Richard T. Liddicoat award to appear on a panel of authors at the AGTA Gemfair!

Gemological Institute of America (GIA), at a surprise ceremony awarded John Koivula, chief research gemologist, the Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement.

For those of you who are attending the Tucson Gem Show there is a rare opportunity to meet three of the most important writers in the industry!

February 4th

THURSDAY 1:00 – 2:00 P.M.

Books for Gem Lovers!
John Koivula, Ron Ringsrud, Richard W. Wise

(Mohave room)
Basic - Intermediate. Authors of recent new and revised Gem Books discuss their works.

John Koivula: Photo Atlas of Inclusions in Gemstones: Vol III and Geologica-Earth’s Dynamic Forces

Ronald Ringsrud: Emeralds A Passionate Guide The Emeralds, The People, Their Secrets

Richard W. Wise: The French Blue

This should have something for everyone - the range of authors is really good. If you aren't familiar with their work - let me take a minute to help you catch up!

John Koivula's books should be on every Gemologists bookshelf. Some of the best microphotography available is in the three volumes of his Photo Atlas of Inclusions in Gemstones.

The third volume of his Atlas and his Geologica will be available for purchase and John will signing these highly sought books! This is exciting because you can't just go to Amazon and pick up these books...and of the three presenters this is book I don't yet own and autographed copy of!

Ron Ringsrud's "Emeralds, A Passionate Guide " is being compared to Richard Hughes' "Ruby & Sapphire"...the name is perfect - Ron is passionate about the stones, the people and the ways of his adopted home in Colombia! Click through to read a review of Ron's (standing room only) book signing event in Southern California here.

....and last but certainly not least - Richard W. Wise has already made a name for himself as a world renown jeweler but not one to sit on his laurels, Wise wrote a best seller in the gem industry. "Secrets of the Gem Trade" is a book that appealed to Industry and Amateur alike, and now he has produced a book that defies categorization..."The French Blue".

"The French Blue" is an illustrated historical novel of the the 17th Century. It follows the voyages of Jean-Baptiste Tavernier on his gem expeditions, through adventure and love affairs, culminating in the story of the blue diamond that became known as "The Hope Diamond".

You can see my review of this gripping historical novel on my Review Blog...

Tucson TIP! Did you know that you don't always have to pay for a first class education? In Tucson the AGTA Seminars offer some of the finest speakers in the Industry - free of charge!!! So find a seminar that appeals to you here and I'll - See you at the Show!!!

Come Out and Play at the GIA Lounge

Come Out and Play at Tucson’s Best Party

Every year, the GIA Lounge is the one place in Tucson where you’ll find the most fun, the best party, and a guaranteed good time. Join us at Tucson’s most playful party – the GIA Lounge “Where Color Comes to Play!”

Annual Dinner, Auction, and Dance Party
Sponsored by the GIA Alumni Association
Friday, February 5, 2010
6:30 – 11 pm
Marriott University Park Hotel

Admission
Up to January 18, 5 pm PST:
$45 GIA Alumni and Industry Associations members
$55 Other guests

After January 18 and at the door:
$55 for everyone

To reserve your spot on the playground click here, e-mail events@gia.edu, or call (760) 603-4100.

GIA at the Tucson Gem Show...

Mark Your Calendar with GIA’s Tucson Activities

It’s not too early to start putting together your game plan for the February 2010 Tucson shows. GIA has a number of courses and seminars that will expand your knowledge on a variety of gemological topics. And don’t forget to RSVP for the best party in town: the GIA Alumni Association annual dinner and dance party.

GIA Show Service Laboratory at the AGTA Show

GIA will offer quick, convenient access to gem identification and country-of-origin services during the shows. Drop off your gemstones at the AGTA Show in the Onyx Suite of the Tucson Convention Center. The laboratory will be available:

Feb. 1-6: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Feb. 7: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This is a great opportunity to use your GIA GemPasses™ for identification and country-of-origin services. Find out more.

For more information, call (800) 421-7250, ext. 4517 or (760) 603- 4517, or emailcoloredstones@gia.edu.

GIA Education

All classes and seminars will be held at the Tucson Convention Center.

Gem Identification Lab class

Required for G.G. and Graduate Colored Stones diploma programs

Feb. 1-5, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Gila Room

Learn the same time-tested procedures and identification skills used by GIA’s renowned gemological experts. Gain confidence using a microscope, refractometer, polariscope, dichroscope, spectroscope, and loupe to identify natural gemstones, imitations, and synthetics. You’ll get expert demonstrations and coaching in quick, effective testing procedures, with plenty of hands-on practice. Students must pass a five-stone practical test to complete the class.

Credential earned: GIA Letter of Completion

Tuition: $1,350 plus a $45 book fee

Pearls

Feb. 6, 9-11 a.m.

Gila Room

Learn about the quality factors involved in classifying cultured and natural pearls and the grading methodology used by the GIA Laboratory. Participants will have the opportunity to grade cultured pearls according to GIA’s 7 Pearl Value Factors™.

Credential earned: Letter of Attendance

Tuition: $145

Gemstone Treatment Update

(Previous gemological training or experience recommended)

Feb. 6, 1-3 p.m.

Gila Room

Gain deeper insight into the major gemstone treatments found in the marketplace today and discover how to detect them. You’ll also enhance your identification skills with hands-on practice using a microscope.

Credential earned: Letter of Attendance

Tuition: $145

Free Seminars

From the Andes to the Pantanal – The Story of Bolivia’s Ametrine

Feb. 4, 1-2 p.m.

Greenlee Room

GIA photojournalist Robert Weldon and GIA videographer Pedro Padua traveled through Bolivia to document the story of ametrine and the Anahí mine. Join them on a journey from Bolivia’s highest peaks to the mine along the banks of the Pantanal.

Books for Gem Lovers

Feb. 4, 1-2 p.m.

Mohave Room

Authors of recent gem books discuss their works.

GIA Research Update

Feb. 6, 9-10 a.m.

Mohave Room

Take this chance to meet a GIA researcher who will answer questions and review the very latest developments in gem treatments, synthetics, identification, and other topics of interest.

TGMS Reveals 2010 Show Poster!

For those of you who are, like me, big fans of "The Main Show" I just got permission to unveil the 2010 Show Poster. These have become quite collectible and are a limited printing - so you may want to pre order one of these if you want to add it to your collection. Contact the Tucson Gem & Mineral Society for information.

...and now the 2010 TGMS Main Event - Gems & Gem Minerals....

More Pavilion Offerings at AGTA GemFair

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AGTA GemFair - It's About the Pavillions!

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