World of Gems Conference names speakers
July 03, 2008
Glenview, Ill.—The World of Gems Conference, co-hosted by Gemworld International Inc. and the American Gem Trade Association Gemological Testing Center (AGTA-GTC), have announced the speaker and session program for the event.
The conference, themed "Integration of Information," is being held from Sept. 13-14, 2008, in Chicago at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare.
Noted gemologist John Koivula from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) will present the keynote sessions, to be held on Saturday and Sunday mornings beginning at 9:00 a.m. Koivula will focus on the microworld of inclusions in emeralds, sapphires, rubies and diamonds.
On Saturday, Sept. 13, the sessions will focus on the origins, treatments and pricing of sapphires, rubies and pearls.
The sapphire session, presented by Dr. James Shigley, Robert Kane and Richard Hughes, will describe current sapphire deposits, origin determination, identifying treatments and their effect on pricing.
The ruby session will feature Christopher Smith,
Dr. Lore Kiefert, Richard Drucker and Richard Hughes, who will discuss Burma and origin considerations, treatments and pricing.
Gina Latendresse, Eric Braunwart,
Dr. Jim Shigley and Stuart Robertson will discuss Chinese, American and Mexican pearl varieties, treatment issues and pricing.
A cocktail reception will be held at 6:15 p.m.
On Sunday, Sept. 14, the emerald session follows the keynote and will feature Ron Ringsrud, Stuart Robertson and Dr. Lore Kiefert. This class will look at identification procedures for emerald origin, treatment scales, current treatment types and their effect on the market and pricing.
Diamonds will be the focus after lunch in a session featuring Gary Roskin, Dr. Jim Shigley, Paul Shannon and Richard Drucker. They will share grading techniques, treatment identification, pricing and how to incorporate light-performance technology in your business.
The final session will be a laboratory update from Dr. Jim Shigley of the GIA, Dr. Lore Kiefert of the AGTA-GTC and Christopher Smith of the American Gemological Laboratories. Recent issues with tanzanite coatings, andesine and industry nomenclature will be shared.
On Monday, Sept. 15, the AGTA-GTC will offer its renowned gemstone treatment seminar. Participants will get hands-on instruction using microscopes and actual gemstones. There is an additional fee for this all-day session, which is limited to only 10 people. Contact Dr. Lore Kiefert to register at LKiefert@agta-gtc.org.
On Friday, Sept. 12, from 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m., optional user group and demonstration sessions will be held, including GemGuide Appraisal Software and The Edge Retail Jewelry Store Management System.
The cost of the conference is $395 and includes breakfast, lunch and the cocktail reception.
GemGuide subscribers or AGTA members receive a $50 discount.
To register for the conference and reserve hotel rooms, go to the World of Gems Conference Web site,
Worldofgemsconference.com.
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