AGTA GTC Laboratory Update
January 18, 2008In this message…
Get Ready for Tucson! With our present turnaround time of 5–7 business days, there is still time to complete gem testing prior to Tucson. Testing of gemstones submitted by 4:00 PM Monday, January 28, 2008 can be ready for pick-up at our NY office on February 1. If you submit your gemstones by 1:00 PM Wednesday, January 30, we can ship them to Tucson and you can pick them up at the Mobile Laboratory in the Onyx Suite. |
The AGTA GTC Mobile Laboratory Opens on Tuesday, February 5, 2008, at AGTA GemFair™ Tucson
Once again, the AGTA Gemological Testing Center (AGTA GTC) will be participating in AGTA GemFair™ Tucson.
Special PromotionsThe AGTA GTC is offering several special promotions during AGTA GemFair™ Tucson as follows: JewelFolio™
New JewelFolio™ PricesDue to popular demand we are pleased to announce new, lower prices for the JewelFolio™ as follows:
All JewelFolio™ fees are in addition to the cost of preparation of a standard AGTA GTC Origin Report (for a single gemstone). Tanzanite Grading Reports
Free 24-Hour Express ServiceAll submissions will receive a special 24-hour turnaround service at no extra charge. Special Pick-up and Drop-off ServiceAt AGTA GemFair™ Tucson, the AGTA GTC will be offering a special pick-up and drop-off service for AGTA exhibitors. This means you can remain in your booth doing business, instead of waiting in line. To arrange for this service, call us during the show at 520-622-1696. |
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
- Origin Reports for ruby, sapphire and emerald
- Tanzanite Grading Reports
AGTA GemFair™ Tucson 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:
- February 5, 2008: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- February 6–10, 2008: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- February 11, 2008: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Note that the AGTA GTC Mobile Laboratory will be opening on February 5, one day before AGTA GemFair™ Tucson (which runs February 6–11, 2008). This will allow vendors to have their gemstones tested so they are ready for sale during the show.
Note also that the AGTA GTC in New York City will be closed from February 4–12, 2008, as our staff will be in Tucson. If clients have something urgent for testing, they can send it to us at the show at the following address:
AGTA GTC Onyx Suite
c/o AGTA
TCC Granada Entrance
260 South Church
Tucson AZ, 85701
Tel: 520-622-1696
Tucson Lecture Schedule
As every year, the AGTA GTC's staff will be giving various lectures during the AGTA GemFair™ Tucson.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
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AGA Tucson Conference 2008
New Treatments – New Detection Techniques – New Technology
Marriott University Park Hotel
Dr. Lore Kiefert, AGTA GTC
Colored gemstone treatments and the issues surrounding some of the new treatments will be the focus of the morning sessions of the Accredited Gemologists Association’s (AGA) 2008 Tucson Conference. The conference will begin with an examination and discussion of new types of treatments and detection methods. The panel presentations will be followed by a hands-on session, and an innovative presentation on ways independent gemologists can get the most out of classic gemological techniques.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
- Own the Color Brand in Your Marketplace
Maricopa Room, 9:00–10:00 a.m.
Douglas K. Hucker, AGTA
Intermediate–Advanced
Owning the color brand in your marketplace means owning one of the most potentially profitable segments of the industry. As your clients experience the pleasure of owning and wearing colored gemstones, they’ll look to you for in-depth color offerings to satisfy their wish for a variety of hues and tones, for expanding their jewelry wardrobe both for classic and timeliness looks and for fashions of the moment, perhaps even for building their own gemstone collection.
- Supply Chain Issues: The Industry as Leader
Graham Room, 1:00–2:00 p.m.
Moderator Peggy Jo Donahue; Panelists: Eric Braunwart, Columbia Gem House; David Federman, Colored Stone; Richard Hughes, AGTA GTC; Douglas K. Hucker, AGTA; Tom Cushman, Allerton Cushman & Co.
Basic–Advanced
Diverse opinions prevail in the colored gemstone industry when supply chain issues present themselves worldwide. Peggy Jo Donahue, Director of Public Affairs for Jewelers of America, leads this conversation centered on issues calling for industry leadership and the implications of such issues. On the table, publicizing and expanding positive projects that help small-scale miners derive more benefit from their gemstones; understanding and complying with NRC regulations for irradiated gemstones; and gaining more detailed knowledge about colored gem supply channels.
Friday, February 8, 2008
- Tanzanite Foundation and AGTA present the Tanzanite Quality Scale™
Mohave Room, 9:00–10:00 a.m.
Dr. Lore Kiefert, AGTA GTC; Gabriella Endlin, Hayley Henning, Tanzanite Foundation
Basic–Advanced
Since its discovery in 1967, tanzanite has become one of the world's most cherished and sought-after gemstones. AGTA GTC and the Tanzanite Foundation announce their partnership on the first tanzanite specific grading system – the Tanzanite Quality Scale™. The Tanzanite Quality Scale™ was established for quality comparability, price and quality consistency and ensuring consumer confidence. In this session, you'll learn the benchmarks of the scale and how the AGTA GTC applies the scale in laboratory reports which you can use with your customers.
- Gems of East Africa
Mohave Room, 1:00–2:00 p.m.
Richard Hughes, AGTA GTC
Basic–Advanced
While the traditional mines of Burma and Sri Lanka continue to produce, much of the action in today's ruby and sapphire market is taking place in East Africa. The AGTA GTC's Richard Hughes has just completed a survey of corundum mines in Tanzania and will detail that country's mines and markets in this unique multimedia presentation. Those who have seen Richard’s recent programs know that his blend of imagery and sound is not to be missed. Multimedia presentation.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
- News from the AGTA GTC
Greenlee Room, 9:00–10:00 a.m.
Dr. Lore Kiefert, AGTA GTC
Intermediate
The AGTA GTC encounters many materials and many treatments before they hit the market. The 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 what to look for will help you build confidence and make the right decisions in your buying and selling of gemstones.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
- Gems of the Ural Mountains
Mohave Room, 9:00–10:00 a.m.
Dr. Lore Kiefert, AGTA Gemological Testing Center
Intermediate
In 2007, Dr. Lore Kiefert spent ten days in Russia visiting the emerald mine in Malysheva and the demantoid deposit near Ekaterinburg. In addition, she worked on alexandrite and emerald from the Malysheva mine. This scientist's first-hand travelogue and discussion provides new insight into the Gems of the Ural Mountains.
