ISSN 0846-3611 GEMMOLOGY CANADA – Wolf Kuehn, F.G.G., F.G.A., Editor
From the Editor:
 |
The New Year 2015 started right away with the 17th FEEG Symposium in Brussels (Belgium); it was held in the “Royal Windsor Hotel” on the 17th of January .I had the pleasure to talk to many European colleagues some of whom I met again in Tucson, Arizona two weeks later.
|
After the conference I spent a week skiing near St. Anton am Arlberg in Austria where the Haute-Volée (High Society) spends their winter holidays; less than 70 km away in Faschina-Fontanella I had the lifts to myself and spend less than US$ 80 per night (breakfast and dinner included) at the Hotel Alphof which I can highly recommend.
The AGTA Gemfair in Tucson, February 3 – 8 was better attended than in past years; however, the high value of the US$ limited the buying power of foreign visitors. We had many old friends from around the world drop by the C.I.G. booth and have a look at the new GL Gem Spectrometer NIR PL405 unit.
BC Gem Show, Abbotsford BC, April 10, 11 & 12, 2015
 |
Many Club Displays, Demonstrations, Grab Bags, Children’s Creative Workshop, Gold Panning & Door Prizes.
|
The GL Gem Raman PL532 will be demonstrated; like last year we will test gems and minerals during the show (2 items per visitor) with our advanced spectrometer equipment (only oral opinions will be given). We also have books, basic gem testing equipment, study stones and some used items, etc. for sale.
A new Vancouver Gem & Mineral Show is scheduled for later in the summer (August 14 – 16) which we will also attend.
Photoatlas of Gemstone Spectra for Gemology Students
 |
This new book with gemstone spectra has been published by Richard D. Armstrong, RGA, GG, GP.Please read a review by the The Practical Gemologist blog; we highly recommend this valuable reference book. |
Mark your calendar for these upcoming gem conference
Mediterranean Gemmological and Jewellery Conference
 |
Athens, Greece, June 27th and 28th, 2015Take in a conference of incomparable atmosphere and learn from some of the world’s top independent lab gemmologists, appraisers and gem experts who are highly trained and equipped with the best tools for testing, grading and appraising. |
We are getting ready for this exciting meeting; the GemConference website with registration page is now up. More details to follow soon.
News from Gemlab Research & Technology
GL Gem Spectrometer™ – 2015 edition
 |
|
|
Many GL Gem Spectrometer users have been asking whether their instrument could be used with UV LEDs or inexpensive laser pens. Using UV excitation sources not only requires solarization-resistant fibers and protective eye glasses (also important for lasers) but could cause diffraction problems in the spectrometer. Former spectrometer users (up to model 2014) can purchase the GL Analyzer PL405 Kit which includes a filter to eliminate some of these effects caused by the blue laser (405nm).
We have now installed a diffraction order sorting filter for elimination of second order effects; this will work with SW and LW UV light sources and lasers. For the 2015 models we offer a GL Analyzer PL 405/GL Xenon Flashlight combo for the same prize (Long Wave Pass Filter not included as it is not necessary in the new model).
GL Analyzer PL405 Kit again in stock
 |
Now available – for GL Gem Spectrometer (up to model 2014) owners who do not want to assemble a similar kit on their own – a complete package which includes proper laser safety goggles.The GL Analyzer PL405 kit converts the GL Gem Spectrometer into a “poor man’s version” of a PL spectrometer as found in the GL Gem Raman PL532 system . |
The GL Gem Spectrometer in PL mode can be used to identify gems and minerals by their chromophores; there is also great potential for diamond characterization. It will detect the GR1 center for irradiated diamonds, the Si center often seen in CVD grown diamonds (in some cases without LN cooling) and polymer treatment in jadeite.
Raman Spectrometer Setup and Tutorial
We are providing this important service package for purchasers of the GL Gem Raman PL532 system who may need assistance in setting up and operating the Raman spectrometer.
The cost of this service is based on average travelling expenses including airfare, accommodation and a reasonable amount of remuneration for the tutor/instructor.
The total cost will include a six (6) hour tutorial which can be attended by up to 5 persons; additional time can be added at $ 75 hourly rate.
Please contact us for an estimate or if you want to incorporate this workshop into your conference program, meeting, etc. This service is also available to previous buyers of the GL Gem Raman and GL Gem Spectrometer.
For Europe, South America and Far Eastern countries the total price will be around US$ 2,000; for North America US$ 1,000 (assuming fuel prices remain low).
 |
Friday, Nov. 13/14, 2015 The fall meeting of members of the “Gem Connoisseur Club”, students and friends of the Canadian Institute of Gemmology; all Accredited Gemmologists (C.I.G.) and former C.I.G. students are welcome. |
There will be several workshops available. Program T.B.A. soon.