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Industry News: AGS Partners On Synthetic Diamond Course; JA Certification In Vegas; More May 17, 2017 (0 comments)
IIDGR, AGS Partner On New Synthetic Diamond Detection Course
Las Vegas, NV—The International Institute of Diamond Grading & Research (IIDGR), part of De Beers Group, is launching the first-ever industry-wide training course in detection of synthetic diamonds this spring. The course is the first in a series of education services to be rolled out by IIDGR during 2017.
The two-day, lab-based course was unveiled in India Monday and Tuesday at the IIDGR facility in Surat, and will be unveiled in the United States on June 8 and 9 in Las Vegas. It will be run by experts from the De Beers Technologies UK team and Jodine Perrin, IIDGR’s director of education.
The Synthetic Diamond Detection course will provide participants with the knowledge and expertise to detect synthetic stones in both rough and polished states, using a range of specialized techniques and instruments. Jonathan Kendall, president of IIDGR, said: “The ability to detect undisclosed synthetic stones is becoming increasingly important for diamond traders and retailers. This will be the first course dedicated exclusively to this important topic. The introduction of the course represents another key step towards the IIDGR’s mission to ensure industry and consumer confidence in the integrity and quality of diamond purchases.”=
It is the first course to be offered by IIDGR’s new education services, which will also introduce a Diamond Foundation course and Polished Diamond Grading course later this year.
In the United States, IIDGR is partnering with the American Gem Society (AGS) to support delivery of the course throughout the country. Katherine Bodoh, CEO of AGS, said: “The AGS is focused on providing superior professional development to its members, and we are pleased to work with IIDGR to create opportunities for AGS members to receive this essential information. I’d like to thank IIDGR for their work in creating programs that allow AGS members to gain access to the latest education and innovation. Establishing relationships such as this will allow us to further deliver on our mission of consumer protection.”
The course costs US $2,999 and can be delivered globally through a mobile lab. For information or to book a course at your location, email education@iidgr.com for details.
JA To Host Events And Certification Exams In Las Vegas
New York, NY—Jewelers of America (JA) is offering a variety of events, promotions, and certification opportunities during Las Vegas Jewelry Week. JA will be exhibiting at JCK Las Vegas (booth L100A). During the week, JA will host a members-only cocktail reception, run a social media sweepstakes, and host three opportunities for industry professionals to take the JA Sales and Management Professional Certification exams.
“We know our members have a lot on their plates during trade shows and our goal is to enhance their trade show experience by providing opportunities to come together, celebrate, learn from one another and grow professionally,” says JA president and CEO David J. Bonaparte. “We also firmly believe that getting certified will help sales professionals and managers achieve greater trust from today’s jewelry consumers.”
On Sunday, June 4, 2017, JA has organized a team to participate in the Jewelers for Children Rings of Strength event. JA Members are encouraged to join the team at www.firstgiving.com/team/349005 and participate in either the 5K walk/run, bike race or yoga session. Any JA Member who joins Team JA will receive a gift from JA.
Riders in a Rings Of Strength bike race.
JA is offering its renowned Sales & Management Professional Certification exams onsite at the JCK Show on Sunday, June 4, from 10am-12pm and 2pm-4pm in Mandalay Bay Reef C, and on Monday, June 5, from 11am-1pm in Mandalay Bay Banyan A. The Jewelers of America Professional Certification program establishes national standards with two-hour exams that evaluate the proficiency of jewelry professionals at two levels. Certifications are open to all jewelry professionals with no studying required, as the exams validate existing skills and knowledge. Those who register in advance to any of the exams listed below save $10 off the exam fee of $55 for JA Members and $75 for non-members. Register here.
Certification exams offered onsite:
- JA Certified Sales Professional (CSP) – First Level
- JA Certified Senior Sales Professional (CSSP) – Second Level
- JA Certified Management Professional (CMP) – First Level
- JA Certified Senior Management Professional (CSMP) – Second Level
On Monday, June 5, 2017, JA will host a free Member Meetup from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm. The event, sponsored by Synchrony Financial, is open to JA members to help them unwind with free drinks, snacks, and photo booth fun. The event has limited availability and RSVP is required. For more information, call JA at (800) 223-0673 or email members@jewelers.org.
NAJA Announces Mid-Year Education Conference
Indianapolis, IN—The National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA) announces its 48th Annual Mid-Year ACE It Education Conference, August 12 – 15 in Indianapolis, IN. NAJA is the appraisal organization dedicated exclusively to gems and jewelry. The 2017 conference daily programs are:
Saturday, August 12:
- InstaFamous: Insights from a Jewelry Blogger on Using Social Media to Promote Yourself and Your Brand - Kathleen Marino, GIA GG
- From Bombshells to Bling: Jewels of the 1940s and 1950s - Gina D'Onofrio, FGAA
- Looking Backwards Again. Archaeological Revival, Etruscan Revival, and Renaissance Revival Jewels of the 19th Century. - Duncan Parker, FGA
- Kismet: The Marriage and HIStory of the Tiffany Diamond and Jean Schlumberger – Lauren Kalman Abramowitz, GIA GG
Sunday, August 13:
- Archaeogemology and the Appraisal Field - Çiğdem Lüle, GIA GG
- Appraising The Big 3—Considerations When Valuing Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald – Stuart Robertson, GIA GG
- Spectacular Spectrums - The Essentials for Successful Spectroscopy – Claire Mitchell, FGA
- Corals and Cameos…Gifts from the Sea - Eric Fritz, FGA
Monday, August 14:
- What’s Gem Carving Got To Do With It? (Appraising Jewelry, that is) – Sherris Cottier Shank
- Insurance Appraising 101 With a Twist – How To Author An Insurance Appraisal Report that will Weather The Insurance Casualty Storm - Charles Ellias, GIA GG
- Treated Diamonds - HPHT - Sonny Pope
- Clarity Enhanced Emeralds - The Whole Story - Wendi M. Mayerson, GIA GG
Tuesday, August 15:
- The Appraisal That Made Me Serious $$$ Money $$$ - Eileen Eichhorn, GIA GG
- Helping the Professional Appraiser to Provide a Fair and Proper Financial Outcome for Divorcing Parties - Dave Atlas, GIA GG
- Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda - Deborah Finleon, GIA GG
For the full conference brochure click here. For more information, contact Gail Brett Levine, GG, executive director, (718) 896-1536 or naja.appraisers@netzero.net.