CIGem News Winter 2011 – ISSN 0846-3611 GEMMOLOGY CANADA
From the Editor
Like every year in February, the annual Tucson gem shows will attract visitors from around the world. Please drop by at the C.I.G. booth #31 (Galleria Level) of the AGTA GemFair from February 1 -6, 2011; more info here; (Tucson Gem Shows on Facebook). Have a first-hand look at the GL Gem Spectrometer and its use; we will have Dr. Bill Hanneman’s new booklet titled “Pragmatic Spectroscopy for Gemologists” on sale (60 pages, price $ 20.00). All present and future GLGemSpec users will receive a free copy.
I will be giving a presentation about the “GL Gem Spectrometer and Advanced Gem Testing” at the Arizona Hotel during the “ISG Lab Updates and Reports” session scheduled for Friday, February 4 from 8:00 – 9:30 am.
I am looking forward to meeting you personally soon.
Wolf Kuehn, F.G.A., F.G.G.
Highly Recommended Books
We have received several new books which might be of interest to our CIGem News readers:
Exotic Gems (Volume 2)
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Diamonds: Rough to Romance
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Renee Newman has just published her new “Exotic Gems, Volume 2 : How to Identify and Buy Alexandrite, Andalusite, Chrysoberyl Cat’s-eye, Kyanite, Common Opal, Fire Opal, Dinosaur Gembone, Tsavorite, Rhodolite and Other Garnets”. Paperback, 154 pages, 408 color photos, International Jewelry Publications Price: $19.95 It will be available at the Tucson gem shows and later in February at the Gemlab Book Store or from her website. |
Yasukazu Suwa who is also member of the C.I.G. Advisory Board introduced me to a new way of looking at diamonds during my last visit to his office in Tokyo. Now the book “Diamonds, Rough to Romance” by Yasukazu and his co-author Andrew Coxon has become available. There are numerous one of a kind photographs of rough and finished diamonds. The Japanese version was introduced during the “Rough Diamond Jewelry Design Contest”. The English version is a 12 x 8 1/2″ hardcover, 128 pages, Price $ 135.00 and can be purchased at the American Institute of Diamond Cutting, Inc. |
Tudo sobre diamantes
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Russian Alexandrites
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By Mario del Rey. This book would make an excellent text-book if it were translated into English. For our Portuguese speaking readers a brief synopsis: ‘Tudo sobre diamantes’ contém noções básicas de Mineralogia e Gemologia e aborda os diamantes em seus principais aspectos – características; propriedades; origem; pesquisa; prospecção; exploração e extração. O livro trata também do talhe, da avaliação e do comércio de diamantes. It can be ordered here. |
By Karl Schmetzer In this book the author presents an historical overview of the discovery of Russian alexandrites in the Uralian emerald mines, the naming and historical use of alexandrites and their appearance and display in mineralogical museums and the gem trade. Mineralogical and gemmological properties are thoroughly explained and numerous photo-micrographs of inclusions and growth patterns in faceted samples are presented. It can be ordered here. |
Synth. Emerald Coloured by Copper
A GLGemSpec user sent us two spectral files of synthetic emerald with an interesting observation. Both emeralds appeared to be the hydrothermal type but one showed Cu content (750 – 760 nm) and the other one did not.
After reading the article (PDF) “A new type of Tairus hydrothermally-grown synthetic emerald, coloured by vanadium and copper” we had an answer. The other stone was purchased as a Biron synthetic emerald and fit the inclusion patterns.
ISG Lab Update and Report
Friday, 4 February 2011, Hotel Arizona, Tucson
- 7:30 am: ISG Continental Breakfast. Open to the industry. Join us for a free continential breakfast and stay for the ISG Lab Update and Report.
- 8:00 – 9:30 am: ISG Lab Updates and Reports. This important event is open to the industry but seating is limited. Among the topics to be covered:
- Report on the GL Gem Spectrometer
- Errors and Omissions in the Tibet Expedition Reports; also read Tibet Andesine …. the true story
- Working the Bead Shows report on bead testing
- Hot gemstones at the Tucson Gem Shows
- 10:00 – 11:00 am: Registered Gemologist Appraisers Meeting.
- Talk about the new Insurance Institute of Gemology and the marketing and technical support that is available from the ISG and IIG.
- 6:00 pm – till….: ISG Industry Reception
Free food, beer and wine, along with cash bar. Come meet the people you have been hearing about that are changing this industry toward a better and more positive future.
Special Presentation: Visit the reception and see the ISG Andesine Study Group of gemstones and view the actual specimens used to expose the largest gemstone scam in the history of the industry.
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Lisa Brooks-Pike, founding member of the Jewelers Ethics Association (JEA) has written an interesting article in the most recent JEA News titled “The Path of Diffusion; read it here. The Jewelers Ethics Association (JEA) is an association open to all members of the trade and consumers. JEA provides its members with information, education, mediation and support to increase confidence in the products they buy and sell |
The Canadian Institute of Gemmology (C.I.G.) is a member of the JEA.
Vancouver C.I.G. Courses and Workshops – Winter 2011
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GEM 110 Introduction to Gems and Jewellery (Gemmology I) |
$695/ 10 sessions or 2 weekends, includes text-books and exam fees (no HST)
- Course GEM 110-1 Fri, April 15 and 22 6:15 – 9:00 p.m., Sat/Sun, April 16/17 and 23/24, 10 a.m – 4:30 p.m.
This course is also available by correspondence. More info.
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GEM 130 Introduction to Diamonds |
$495/ 6 sessions includes text-book “Diamond Buying Guide”; “Diamonds” and exam fees (no HST)
- Course GEM 130-1 Mon/Tue, April 18/19, 10 a.m – 4:30 p.m., Wed, April 20, 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
This course is also available by correspondence. More info.
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GEM 160 Pearls, Jade and Opal |
$495/ 6 sessions includes text-book “Pearl Buying Guide”, “Pearls”, “Opal” and “Jade” and exam fees (no HST)
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Course GEM 160-1 Fri, April 29, 6:15 – 9:00 p.m., Sat/Sun, April 30/May 1, 10 a.m – 4:30 p.m.
This course is also available by correspondence. More info.
Accredited Gemmologist (C.I.G.)® Professional Development Program
The Canadian Institute of Gemmology is offering a self-guided study program for students who have completed a gemmology program with another institution. Upon successful completion of the AG-PDP graduates are entitled to use the international recognized professional Accredited Gemmologist (C.I.G.)® designation – a registered certification mark (PDF).
Entrance Requirements: “Fine Jewellery Expert (C.I.G.)”, F.G.A. or equivalent from other international institutions; foreign candidates may apply but must enter Canada under a visitor’s visa (no student visas available). If credentials were obtained before 2001, a practical entrance test must be passed.
For more info go to Advanced (GEM 200-level) Courses.
GEM 250 – 1 Update Course (for 2010 class)
Sat – Tue, May 21 – 24, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m, Richmond, B.C., Airport Hotel
GEM 250 – 2 Update Courses (for 2011 class)
Tue – Fri, Nov. 15 – 18, 10a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (midweek class), Richmond, B.C., Airport Hotel
GLGemSpec Update Workshop
Advanced Gem Identification for GLGemSpec users (free):
- Spring Session: Tue, May 24, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Richmond, B.C., Airport Hotel
- Fall Session: Fri, Nov 18, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Richmond, B.C., Airport Hotel
There may be space for other professional gemmologists interested in getting first-hand experience with the GL Gem Spectrometer; please contact us.
To Register for the above courses, please call: 604-530-8569