AGTA GemFair™ Tucson Free Seminar Program

AGTA GemFair™ Tucson Free Seminar Program  

Just released by the AGTA GemFair Tucson...Nov. 23, 2011

The American Gem Trade Association released its educational lineup for the 2012 AGTA GemFair™ Tucson Free Seminar Program.  This four-day program provides a wealth of information, presented by industry leaders and innovators.

Educational tracks cover gemology, sales, marketing, training, appraising, estate jewelry, fair trade, travelogues, regulatory issues and much more.  AGTA offers over 40 free seminars during the GemFair that are chosen to help you succeed in the colored gemstone and pearl category.

Speakers at this year’s GemFair include popular industry presenters like Richard Drucker of GemWorld International, Kate Peterson of Performance Concepts, renowned gemologist Alan Hodgkinson, Gary Roskin, GIA’s John Koivula and Dr. James Shigley, Diane Flora of the American Gem Society, David Peters of Jewelers of America, Antoinette Matlins of the Gemstone Press, and AGTA’s Adam Graham.

There are also many new presenters on a variety of topics that relate to the colored gemstone and pearl business.

The Knot, the premier bridal magazine and online community, is presenting two sessions within the seminar program this year.  Laura Cave, Director of The Knot Market Intelligence will share insights from their comprehensive Engagement Jewelry Study in one session, then provide key social media tips in another.

MJSA also returns this year with their “At the Bench Live” program featuring daily bench demonstrations with some of the industry’s most respected bench jewelers.  Ann Cahoon, Alishan Halebian and Arthur Skuratowicz will provide hands-on demonstrations in the Galleria near the East entrance.

For a complete listing of all of the seminars available at the 2012 AGTA GemFair™ Tucson please click on this link: http://www.agta.org/tradeshows/gftseminars.html.  Please note that many of these seminars will be recorded and available on DVD-Rom after the GemFair.

The AGTA GemFair™ Tucson is open from January 31 – February 5, 2012.  If  you attended GemFair Tucson in 2011, you will be automatically registered for 2012.  If you would like to register to attend in 2012, please click this link for all of the details:  http://www.agta.org/tradeshows/tucson-reg.html.

MJSA's At the Bench Live Returns to AGTA GemFair

MJSA will present its signature At the Bench Live demonstrations at the 2012 AGTA GemFair Tucson, Jan. 31 through Feb. 5 at the Tucson Convention Center. The interactive sessions will run daily and feature renowned artisans showing bench and design techniques that attendees can readily apply to their own operations. Related articles from MJSA Journal, the association's flagship monthly magazine, will be distributed at each session.

The sessions are sponsored by the American Gem Trade Association, and the Bench and Tool Sponsor is the Jewelry Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The schedule includes:

January 31

Step to It:

Tricks for Soldering Multiple Joints in Silver

Presenter: Arthur Anton Skuratowicz, Director of Education at the Jewelry Training Center

Silver has become the metal of choice for many jewelry makers and designers seeking affordable price points. However, the metal poses its own challenges, not the least of which is how to solder several joints in close proximity--without melting previous attachments. Attendees will learn how to ensure their silver soldering goes smoothly, enabling them to create clean, secure attachments.

February 1

History Detective:

How to Identify Previous Repairs in Jewelry

Presenter: Arthur Anton Skuratowicz, Director of Education at the Jewelry Training Center

It happens all the time: A jeweler goes to repair a piece of jewelry, only to discover that the piece had already undergone previous repairs--and the work was less than stellar. At best, this creates a few new headaches; at worst, it leads to the jewelry being severely damaged. Attendees will learn how to identify these "danger points" before it's too late.

February 2

Working with Gemstones: The Designer's Challenges

Presenter: Alishan Halebian, award-winning goldsmith/designer

When faced with designing a piece around a gemstone--especially one with an unusual cut or other uncommon characteristic--designers and goldsmiths have a double-edged challenge: Create a design that brings out the gem's unique aspects, but also ensures the stone is securely set and protected. Award-winning designer and master goldsmith AlishanHalebian will demonstrate how he accomplishes both tasks to best ensure the gem is exquisitely showcased.

February 3

Mythbusters: Challenging Tradition at the Bench

Presenter: Ann Cahoon, designer/goldsmith, Flying Marquis Studio

Venerable traditions have built up regarding how bench jewelers should go about their craft. And, like all traditions, some may be true--and some may be little more than tall tales. This session will separate fact from myth, and attendees will come away with new insights into accepted procedures for equipment maintenance, the selection of tools for specific tasks, or simple safety procedures.

February 4

Using Handmade Chain in Custom Designs

Presenter: Ann Cahoon, designer/goldsmith, Flying Marquis Studio

As consumer demand for custom jewelry grows, so too are the ways in which jewelers are creating unique, personalized pieces. One method to add personalization is through the use of handmade chain. Attendees will discover techniques for creating handcrafted chain to complement specific custom designs.

February 5

Compound Interest:

Creating the Optimum Polish on Metals

Presenter: Arthur Anton Skuratowicz, Director of Education at the Jewelry Training Center

When it comes to the finishing and polishing of jewelry, you need to match your methods and metals to achieve the maximum shine. Attendees will learn how to apply various buffing compounds and polishing techniques to achieve the look they want.

MJSA's At the Bench Live sessions are sponsored by the American Gem Trade Association and will run daily from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside the Grand Ballroom in the Tucson Convention Center. For more information, go to MJSA Online at mjsa.org, e-mailinfo@mjsa.org, or call 1-800-444-MJSA (6572).

Taking You Back To Tucson...

Today I sent in the deposit for the house I'm renting for my two weeks in Tucson and it always makes me eager for February...so, I started going through my photos albums and organizing photos in albums.  I keep coming across things I meant to post but ran out of time and never got a chance.


I know it's old but I found this great video with the Mayor on Opening Day of the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show - AKA The Main Event - to take you back and over the next couple days I will be posting from the show.


...and BTW - if you have questions or need recommendations or just want to discuss the shows we are always available on the Tucson Gem Show Facebook page and Twitter Feed...stop in and say hi!




Photo Credit:  From the Kristalle Blog:  http://www.kristalle.com/news-story.php?id=85

ACE™ It Conferences by NAJA in Tucson AZ

ACE™ It Conferences by NAJA

Appraisers Continuing Education

The National Association of Jewelry Appraisers announces its 37th Annual Winter ACE© It Education Conference to be held in Tucson, AZ, January 29-30, 2012.

The appraisal organization dedicated exclusively to gems and jewelry presents an outstanding program to assist the professional appraiser’s continuing education and an unparalleled networking experience. 

Sunday, January 29, 2012 – Gemography!

What makes the outline of a Fancy Cut Diamond appealing? Your opinion matters to GIA.  (Part I)

        Al Gilbertson, GG

                               Developing the Mind of a Leader

        Bill Boyajian, GG

                              The History of Tsavorite:  The Green Heart of Africa

                                        Bruce Bridges


                             Understanding Clarity Enhancement of Emeralds

       Arthur Groom, GG  and Bryan Aderhold, GG

                              Ammolite, the Most Colorful Organic Gem of All

       Donna Barnson  

                              Stories, Tall Tales, and Things I wish I’d said

                                        Ralph Joseph, GG

Monday, January 30, 2012 – Gemography!

            Classifying Gemstone Treatments

                                             Angelo Themelis  

             

                                            Opals: Myth, Magic and Misconceptions

                                                                             Gerry Manning

                                             Mystery of Moonstones - Now in Color(s)!

                                                                             Nandu Nichani

              10 Steps to Glass Filled Ruby ID Bliss!

                                             Arthur Skuratowicz, GJG

           

To receive a conference brochure or for further information and conference reservations, contact Gail Brett Levine, GG, Executive Director, National Association of Jewelry Appraisers,  718.896-1536, 

f. 718-997-9057, naja.appraisers@netzero.net, www.NAJAappraisers.com. 

Spectrum Awards Deadline Approaching!

What's Hot In Tucson 2011 - Minerals - Review & Discount

I have spent the last week - literally - working my way through the 2 DVD Set (240 minutes!) of What's Hot in Tucson - the Mineral edition!  What do I mean working my way through...the incredible amount of information hidden within these entertaining videos is immense!   


Of course the big  joke in 2011 is that Tucson was anything but HOT - with below freezing temperatures for close to a week as is visible in the frozen fountain on the DVD jacket photo!


The Minerals video starts with the Arizona Mineral & Fossil Show, moves to the newest venue at the Pueblo Show at the Riverfront Inn, then the Westward Look Fine Mineral Show and ends at "The Main Show" the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show.   Along the way there are several candid Collector on the Street - where they talk to people about their finds at the show!  


For 2011 the Dave Wilbur - Bob Jones team is back!   What is fabulous about these videos is that several of these pieces were found within the last year...or a minerals that have been identified and named within the last 5 - 10 years!  ...and some of the rarest minerals available!


Cornetite - Henmilite - Alabandite - Ilvaite - Arfvedsonite - Aegirine

For me the star of the Mineral Scene in Tucson is the Collector's Day at the Fine Mineral Show at the Westward Look Resort - the Featured collector this year was Wayne Sorenson and I really love the way that BlueCap edited this portion with Wayne and Dave sitting down and chatting while the stunning specimens roll by!


You Will Find Unbelievable Beauty!
...the glowing red-orange of the Tasmanian Crocoite - the Adelaide Mining Co. room was dazzling!
...both crystal and wire silver & gold
...the Chaminoux Red Flourite and Shigar Red Fluorite
...the Rhodocrosite from the Wutong Mine in China was in several rooms but "The Emperor" and "The Empress" at the TGMS were the stars of this find!
...new pocket of sparkling Prehinite fingers from Prospect Park, NJ from The Arkenstone 
...gleaming gemmy Milpillas Azurite crystals from Evan Jones minerals
...a two year old - 472 carat Emerald crystal from the La Pita Mine, Colombia - complete with it's custom lighted base!
...water clear Swiss Smokey from Pala International
...all of the new Cuprite - Copper Pseudomorphs
....and the amazing carvings from Pu Tzu at the Uncarved Block

It is great watching the way the dealers interact with Dave - his reputation in the field is unparalleled.  And one of the most candid moments comes when Bob Jones introduces and interviews his son Evan Jones, who along with his partner has some of the finest Milpillas Azurites!  Bob does a great job of explaining the various minerals present in these specimens and why the Azurite crystals just seem electric blue!


...and there are all of my favorite bathroom shots...remember these shows are in hotels and a good vendor uses every space available.  Wait till you see the Aquamarine in Rob's Levinsky's bathroom  ;-p

SO - did I mention DISCOUNT?  the folks at BlueCap have offered a special discount to all the readers of my blogs!    BlueCap is offering a special 15% off the price of your total purchase from now until Sept. 12, 2011!  

There is a 15% off coupon set up for your readers at our online store. The special code they will need to enter at checkout to receive the 15% discount is FLYONWALL. 

This code is good for two weeks from tomorrow, Monday, August 29 through Monday, September 12. It can be used once per order and will be 15% off the total order, no matter how many DVDs are in the order.

So don't forget to get your copy while they last...special checkout code FLYONWALL - while you're there pick up the Gems & Jewelry video too!

Photo Credit: Gail Spann after Cropping Robyn ;-p

Product Description:
Join us as we spend three full weeks in Tucson, Arizona at the largest mineral show in the world!! We visit dealers and collectors from the Hotel Tucson City Center (formerly known as the InnSuites), Pueblo Gem & Mineral Show, Fine Minerals International Show, The Westward Look Mineral Show and round it all up with the Tucson Gem and Mineral Society Show (aka The Main Show).


Along the way we see some of the Ilvites from China that made such a huge hit, the Russian Cuprites that were one of the hottest new finds at Tucson, one of the finest emerald specimens in the world, a behind-the-scenes viewing of the new Kunzites from Pala, an exclusive interview with the owner of the Tourmaline Queen Mine and the first owner of the world-famous Rabbit Ears Blue cap (Dave Wilber was the second owner) and a whole lot more!!!!


And, as always, we also feature Jeff Scovil's Top Ten Tucson Photos where Master Photographer Jeff Scovil shares his top ten picks for specimens shot while on location in Tucson.
It's four-hours of non-stop mineral fun on 2 DVDs and even a VERY special surpirse at the end of the program that we hope everyone enjoys.


This is What's Hot In Tucson for the year 2011 and it's HOT!!!!!!


Your "FLYONWALL" discount is available on your entire purchase from the BlueCap Store - so - Check out all the quality videos offered by BlueCap Productions at:   http://shop.bluecapproductions.com/

Free Spectrum Entry With Your AGTA Membership!