AGTA GTC's Laboratory Update for January 22, 2007
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Get Ready for Tucson! |
The AGTA GTC Mobile Laboratory Opens on Tuesday, January 30, 2007, at AGTA GemFair™ Tucson
Once again, the AGTA Gemological Testing Center (AGTA GTC) will be participating in AGTA GemFair™ Tucson.
Mobile Laboratory
With the exception of LIBS, pearls, colored diamonds and testing for copper in tourmaline, our Mobile Laboratory will provide a full range of gemstone testing services onsite during GemFair. The AGTA GTC has a reputation for providing excellent service, superior value and outstanding quality. AGTA reports give your clients the confidence they need when purchasing color. Services include:
- Identification reports for all kinds of gemstones
- Country-of-origin reports for ruby, sapphire and emerald
GemFair and the AGTA GTC Mobile Laboratory are located at the Tucson Convention Center. The address is 260 S. Church Ave. The AGTA GTC Mobile Laboratory is located in the Onyx Suite on the main level.
Dates and Hours
The AGTA GTC Mobile Laboratory opens one day before GemFair. The laboratory is open as follows:
- January 30 to February 4, 2007: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- February 5, 2007: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Note that the AGTA GTC Mobile Laboratory will be opening on January 30th, one day before the AGTA GemFair™ Tucson (which runs January 31 to February 5, 2007). This will allow vendors to have their gemstones tested so they are ready for sale during the show.
Tucson Lecture Schedule
As every year, the AGTA GTC's staff will be giving various lectures during the AGTA GemFair™ Tucson.
Thursday, February 1, 2007
- News from the AGTA Gemological Testing Center
Dr. Lore Kiefert, AGTA Gemological Testing Center
Thursday, February 1, 2007, 9:00–10:00 a.m., Graham Room
The AGTA laboratory is coming across many materials and many treatments before they hit the market. AGTA GTC is on the forefront of these new developments. Knowing about these new developments on the gemstone market as well as having an idea of what to look for will help you build confidence and make the right decisions in your buying and selling of gemstones.
- Solid Steps to Successful Colored Gemstone Sales
Douglas K. Hucker, American Gem Trade Association
Thursday, February 1, 2007, 9:00–10:00 a.m., Maricopa Room
AGTA's Chief Executive Officer explores the critical components of a dynamic and successful colored gemstone jewelry presentation. What motivates your customer to buy color? What are their major concerns when doing so? Learn the basic components that must be included in every presentation to dramatically improve your success rate. Identify your most powerful sales tools, including a thorough discussion of the AGTA GTC Colored Gemstone Reports and the critical part they play in the sales presentation.
- New Directions in Ruby and Sapphire: From Madagascar to Tajikistan
Richard Hughes, AGTA Gemological Testing Center
Thursday, February 1, 2007, 1:00–2:00 p.m., Mohave Room
The earliest ruby and sapphire mines of yore, Sri Lanka and Burma, continue to be significant producers today. But other major new deposits have been discovered. Most important of these is Madagascar, where huge new fields of blue sapphire, pink sapphire and ruby are now being worked. And in an obscure corner of Central Asia, yet another ruby deposit is beginning to make an impact. Richard Hughes has visited both Madagascar and Tajikistan in the past two years and will take attendees on a journey from the steaming jungles of Moramanga to the high-altitude deserts of Murghab. A highlight will also be a visit to Badakhshan's long lost balas ruby (spinel) mines and a side trip to the Russian emerald mines.
Friday, February 2, 2007
- Increase Sales by Empowering Your Team with Knowledge (offered twice)
Loretta Castoro, AGTA Gemological Testing Center
Friday, February 2, 2007, 9:00–10:00 a.m., Greenlee Room
AGTA GTC is launching training opportunities for your use in staff development. In this preview session, you have the opportunity to sample segments of gemological seminars, which include:Gemology: Empower your staff to comfortably engage in communicating about colored gemstones with your clients. These seminars build confidence by providing the most current gemstone knowledge available in the industry.
Advanced Gemology: Customized seminars specific to the needs of your business. These sessions comprise the most advanced gemological knowledge. Seminars consist of a lecture and hands-on practical identification.
Lectures: Offering travelogue-style lectures to exotic gem locations or "How to Buy a Gemstone" lectures. Created to entertain and impart knowledge.
- New and Renewed Gemstone Finds
Dr. Lore Kiefert, AGTA Gemological Testing Center
Friday, February 2, 2007, 9:00–10:00 a.m., Graham Room
Many people are not aware that there are still new gemstone sources, and that old sources which haven't produced for a while are starting again. This overview on what is new or renewed will help you adjust pricing, get better samples, and most of all, be an informed dealer/retailer. Knowing what new gemstones are available will make you aware of available selections. You can then decide which gemstones to buy and which sources to trust.
Saturday, February 3, 2007
- Increase Sales by Empowering Your Team with Knowledge (offered twice)
Loretta Castoro, AGTA Gemological Testing Center
Saturday, February 3, 2007, 1:00–2:00 p.m., Greenlee Room
AGTA GTC is launching training opportunities for your use in staff development. In this preview session, you have the opportunity to sample segments of gemological seminars, which include:Gemology: Empower your staff to comfortably engage in communicating about colored gemstones with your clients. These seminars build confidence by providing the most current gemstone knowledge available in the industry.
Advanced Gemology: Customized seminars specific to the needs of your business. These sessions comprise the most advanced gemological knowledge. Seminars consist of a lecture and hands-on practical identification.
Lectures: Offering travelogue-style lectures to exotic gem locations or "How to Buy a Gemstone" lectures. Created to entertain and impart knowledge.
Pricing Update and Show Pricing
Approximately a year ago, the AGTA GTC moved to a keystone pricing scheme. Unfortunately, this created confusion with some of our clients and thus we have returned to our normal pricing structure. From now on, the published online prices for our services will not be keystone, but will be actual prices. We regret any confusion that this change has caused. Our complete fee schedules can be found at this link:
Note also that we have a separate fee schedule for use at the Tucson and Las Vegas shows. You can download our Show Fee Schedule here:
