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CARLSBAD, CA—The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has announced a number of laboratory services, classes, specials, and free seminars at the upcoming gem shows next week in Tucson, AZ. GIA will be present at the Centurion Jewelry Show in Tucson (Arizona Foyer) to showcase its latest education, research, and programs.

GIA gem identification and country-of-origin services will be available on-site during the AGTA GemFair. Gemstones can be dropped off at the Onyx Suite of the Tucson Convention Center. The laboratory will be available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Jan. 31-Feb. 5, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb. 6. 

GIA’s GemPasses can be redeemed for these services. GemPasses are $50 each, available in booklets of 50, and may be purchased at the show laboratory. GemPasses are redeemable for one service per stone, regardless of weight. Identification-only requires one pass; identification and origin, two. For information, call (800) 421-7250, ext. 4517, (760) 603-4517, or e-mail coloredstones@gia.edu.

GIA Education is offering a number of classes at the Tucson Convention Center, including a skill-building Colored Stone Grading Lab; a Pearl Grading Lab that features insight into how experts determine the quality of akoya, freshwater, South Sea and Tahitian pearls; one seminar on identifying rubies and sapphires, and one on identifying emeralds. Click here for schedule and pricing information or call (800) 421-7250, ext. 4001, or (760) 603- 4001, or e-mail admissions@gia.edu.

Learn how experts determine pearl value in Tucson.

Two free seminars will be held at the Tucson Convention Center. Dr. James Shigley, distinguished research fellow and a member of GIA’s research staff, will answer questions and review the latest developments in the lab, including gem identification and other topics of interest. This session will be held at 9 a.m. on Feb. 4. At 9 a.m. Feb. 5, Bev Hori, GIA vice president and chief learning officer, will discuss “Doing Business in a Global Village,” addressing the need to create, maintain, and communicate global standards of quality across the international gem and jewelry industry. Sessions are free but seating is limited; see www.gia.edu for more information.

There also will be a special selection of other products available only during GemFair. These include microscope and accessories deals and Gems & Gemology subscriptions, current and back issues, and G&G In Review books and reference charts. Also available will be the newest G&G reference chart, “Major World Gem Producing Regions,” updated in 2010. Click here for more information.

Registration for Symposium 2011: Advancing the Science and Business of Gems is now open and will be available at the GIA booths at both AGTA and the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show (TGMS).  Symposium 2011, slated for May 29-30, offers insight into technological advances along with practical solutions to problems that jewelers and gemologists face every day. Recognized as the premier event in gemology, it offers the knowledge that industry professionals need to keep pace with rapid and radical changes in the field. Capacity is limited. For more information, visit the Symposium 2011 website.

Show attendees also can take a tour through GIA’s newest “Pearls” e-learning course at the GIA booths at both AGTA GemFair and the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show (TGMS). Enrollment for Pearls eLearning is now open on the GIA website, www.gia.edu.

Lastly, several exhibits that commemorate GIA’s 80th anniversary will be on display Feb. 1-6 at AGTA, and Feb. 10-13 at TGMS, and the GIA Alumni Association will have a special celebration of the Institute’s anniversary at the annual dinner dance on February 4. The AGTA exhibit, located next to the GIA booth on the Galleria level, will include historical pieces, books, and other items. The TGMS display, located in the center walkway, will focus on California gems and minerals. For more information, see http://www.gia.edu.