(PRESS RELEASE) ATLANTA, GA — The Atlanta Jewelry Show, in collaboration with GIA (Gemological Institute of America), is offering continuing professional education with a GIA Colored Stone Grading Lab session and a GIA Pearl Grading Lab session.
“We are pleased to be able to provide the chance for members of our AJS community to attain the most prestigious credentials in the industry, as this strengthens our dedication to the success of our jewelers and their businesses,” says Cindy Chandler, GIA GG, Atlanta Jewelry Show director of education. Chandler continues, “The practical skills combined with the technical expertise gained through these sessions is unmatched, and we are thrilled to play a part in the journey of these talented students.”
The lab sessions will be led by a GIA facilitator, and held at the Cobb Galleria Centre in conjunction with the August edition of the Atlanta Jewelry Show. Enrollment is available to GIA students and alumni who wish to update and/or enhance their grading skills. Registration is now open, and is limited to 15 participants per session. The lab sessions are eligible for transfer credit to fulfill the lab class requirements for the GIA Graduate Gemologist, Graduate Colored Stones and Graduate Pearls Diplomas. There are no prerequisites for these sessions.
GEM 220L Colored Stone Grading Lab, Wednesday, Aug. 7 – Friday, Aug. 9, 2019
Time: Daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Lunch Break: Noon – 1 p.m.)
Through extensive hands-on practice using gemstones, you will explore grading the color, clarity and cut quality of a wide range of colored stones. Coursework includes the study of the GIA Colored Stone Grading System; how to describe color by hue, tone and saturation; and how to judge gem quality factors. Topics also include the relationship between light and color and developing color memory. Study of this content can improve the consistency and accuracy of colored stone grading skills. Student must pass a two-stone practical exam to complete the class successfully. You will receive a lab manual, a gem cloth, a pinpoint incandescent light source and a color grading card.
Session duration: 3 days (21 clock hours)
What you earn: GIA Letter of Completion
*Required for GIA Graduate Gemologist and Graduate Colored Stones Diplomas
GEM 149L Pearl Grading Lab, Saturday, Aug. 10
Time: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Lunch Break: Noon – 1 p.m.)
Discover how the world’s foremost experts determine the quality of akoya, freshwater, South Sea, and Tahitian pearls. Explore GIA’s 7 Pearl Value FactorsTM. Key topics include how to evaluate cultured pearls in order to promote the relationship between beauty, value and quality in merchandise. Students must pass a two-stone assessment to complete the class successfully. You will receive a gem cloth and a lab manual.
Session duration: 1 day (7 clock hours)
What you earn: GIA Letter of Completion
*Required for GIA Graduate Pearls Diploma
GIA Seminars, Sunday Aug. 11
Time: 9-11 a.m.
Introduction to Laboratory-Grown Diamonds — Laboratory-grown diamonds are a result of a technological process, rather than a geological process. Laboratory-grown diamonds have essentially the same chemical composition and properties of diamonds found in nature. Through dynamic, interactive presentations led by GIA instructor(s), this seminar will present information on HPHT and CVD-grown diamonds and how to separate them from natural diamond.
Time: 2-4 p.m.
Overview of Diamond Clarity Grading — Explore the technical capabilities required to grade diamonds for clarity according to GIA’s methodology. Topics include the clarity scale, the five factors of clarity characteristics, and common inclusions and blemishes. Also covered are determining clarity grade, using a loupe, and the grading limitations of mounted diamonds.
Fees and enrollment details vary from GIA on-campus lab sessions.
Jewelers are encouraged to act quickly, as space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. For information and to register, send an email to Judy Lince at jlince@atlantajewelryshow.com or call 800-241-0399 0r 404-634-3434.