Past Lectures

Below is a listing of some of the previous lectures AGTA GTC staff have undertaken:

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

• 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.

 

Denver, CO, April 25–28, 2007, AGS Conclave

Solid Steps to Successful Colored Gemstone Sales

Douglas Hucker, AGTA
Friday, April 27, 2007, 11:00–11:45 a.m.

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.

 

AGTA Laboratory Highlights

Dr. Lore Kiefert, AGTA GTC
Friday, April 27, 2007, 3:45–4:45 p.m.

Join Lore Kiefert as she brings you up-to-date on current issues in day-to-day gemstone testing: the treatment of emerald, ruby, sapphire and pearls; new sources of these gemstones and the confusion when these first arrive on the market unnoticed; and the detection of synthetics and imitations. These challenges are presented using current examples the laboratory has encountered. Unusual and rare cases of gemstone testing also will be introduced.

Take the Vow with Color

Douglas Hucker, AGTA
Saturday, April 28, 2007, 2:30–3:30 p.m.

Colored gemstones and cultured pearls have a rich tradition as betrothal gifts, and their presence in this all-important lifetime event is on the rise. This seminar will look back on the rich history of gemstones and cultured pearls in the wedding ceremony. Let's consider how you, the 21st Century American Gem Society jeweler, can introduce these beautiful treasures to your clients who are preparing to take the vow and "something old" indeed becomes "something new.

 

Washington, DC, Monday, April 9, 2007, GIA Alumni, DC Chapter

 

People & Places: New Directions in Gemology

Richard W. Hughes , AGTA Gemological Testing Center
Monday, April 9, 2007, 7:00 p.m.
Holiday Inn Rosslyn, 1900 Ft. Meyers Drive, Arlington, VA 22209
Tel: 202-342-3943

Gemology is tired. Weary. Stumbling. Guilty. We are privileged to work with some of the most stunning and romantic objects on the planet – singular marvels of incredible beauty. And yet all we can do is analyze. Like sadists, we torture beauty until the extraordinary is reduced to the ordinary – chemicals, numbers and digits – abstractions with no relation to the reasons why people are drawn to precious stones. We break the butterfly upon the wheel.

Which instrument comprehends feeling? What tool measures emotion? No device can see with our eyes nor read our minds. Yet we surrender our senses to the machine. Guilty as charged. We break the butterfly upon the wheel.

Gemology cannot be simply science. People are drawn to precious stones because of passions, not just properties. The purchase of a precious stone is an emotional contract that connects the new owner with people and places across the planet. If we wish to fathom desire, we must begin understanding this visceral link. And if answers are not easily measured, if they involve emotion and art, not just science, they are no less real and no less important to gemology.

Richard Hughes will delve into these issues via a dramatic multimedia presentation that covers ground all the way from Manhattan, through Russia's emerald mines, to Madagascar and Tajikistan's remote ruby, sapphire and spinel deposits.

It will provide inspiration, a new direction into the neglected, nether regions of gemology. Don't miss it.

 

Pasadena, CA, Saturday, March 31, 2007

 

• Jade: Stone of Heaven
  Richard W. Hughes, AGTA Gemological Testing Center
  Saturday, March 31, 2007, 2:00 p.m.
  Pacific Asia Museum
  46 North Los Robles Avenue, Pasadena, California 91101
  Tel: 626-449-2742
  Known to the Chinese as the "Stone of Heaven," jade is one of mankind's most beguiling gemstones. While the term "jade" includes both nephrite and jadeite, only jadeite occurs in the coveted "imperial" type, and for this the world has but one source, Upper Burma. It is these mines which are the subject of this program.
       Burma's center of jade mining is the small town of Hpakan. Fortune-seekers from all over Asia are drawn to the mines and the heady atmosphere is one of the gold rush days of the old American West. Famous in Burma as "Little Hong Kong," Hpakan offers Hennessy cognac, Rolex watches, French perfume and much more. This is all the more amazing considering the difficulty of getting there, as it is located amidst some of the most impenetrable jungles on the planet.
       In 1996, Richard Hughes was a member of the first foreign gemological party allowed into these mines in over 30 years and will regale participants with a first-hand account of the mining and trading of this fascinating gemstone.

 

Tucson AGTA GemFair

January 31–February 5, 2007
Tucson, AZ
As every year, the AGTA GTC’s staff will be giving various lectures during the Tucson AGTA GemFair.

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.

  To the ends of the earth At AGTA GemFair™ Tucson, 2007, Richard Hughes discusses his 2006 trip to Tajikistan's ruby and spinel mines. Photo: Dana Schorr.

Friday, February 2, 2007

• Increase Sales by Empowering Your Team with Knowledge (offered twice)
  Loretta Castoro, AGTA GTC Education Consultant
  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 stones 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 GTC Education Consultant
  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 stones 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.

Waxing poetic AGTA GTC’s Lab Director, Dr. Lore Kiefert, dissecting the conflicting interests of gemstone origin reports at GemmoBasel 2005.

Bangkok, Thailand, December 6–9, 2006

The AGTA GTC's Lore Kiefert and Richard Hughes will present lectures at the 1st GIT International Gem & Jewelry Conference.

• Demantoid from Iran
  By Dr. Lore Kiefert
• Gem Hunting in Central Asia: Russian Emerald, Tajik Ruby & Spinel
  By Richard W. Hughes, with Vincent Pardieu

 

Toronto, Canada, October 28, 2006

The AGTA GTC's Richard Hughes will be delivering the keynote address at the Canadian Gemmological Association's 2006 Conference and Graduation.

• From Madagascar to Malysheva:
  In Search of the Precious Stone
  28 October, 2006
  Toronto, Canada

San Diego, CA, Aug. 26–29, 2006

Many of the AGTA GTC's gemological staff will be participating in the GIA International Gemological Symposium 2006, as follows:

Poster Sessions

• Demantoid Garnet from Iran by Garry Du Toit
• Coated Topaz by Rccardo Befi
  Saturday, August 26, 7:30am–6:00pm
  Sunday, August 27, 7:30am–1:45pm
  Monday, August 28, 7:30am–6:00pm
  Tuesday, August 29, 7:30am–3:45pm
  

Lecture

• New Gem Localities: Sapphire from New Zealand by Lore Kiefert
  Saturday, August 26, 8:30am–12:45pm

Panels

• Locality of Origin – Does It Really Matter?
  Monday, August 28, 4:00–5:30pm
  Panel Discussion with Lore Kiefert
• Gemstone Treatments – Friend or Foe?
  Tuesday, August 29, 2:00–3:30pm
  Panel Discussion with Richard W. Hughes

Las Vegas JCK Show, June 1–2, 2006

Colombian Gem News
Moderator: Stuart Robertson (Gemworld International)
Panelists: Loretta Castoro; Dr. Lore Kiefert (AGTA GTC); Ron Ringsrud (Ronald Ringsrud Co.); Robert Weldon (GIA)
Thursday, June 1, 2006
10:30–11:30 AM

Recently, this group of panelists closely witnessed mining and treatments of Colombian gemstones. What they discovered was a new generation of Colombian mine owners who have formed strategic alliances aimed at benefiting the region as a whole. Through cooperation, this group hopes to add value and restore confidence in the Colombian emerald market by implementing Fair Trade principles and product certification with meaningful disclosure. The Colombian market is actively pursuing international buyers by establishing an emerald center near the airport in addition to the major trading center in Bogota's business district. Hear from a reporter, a value-added specialist who is a former colored gemstone buyer for Tiffany, the head of the AGTA GTC, and a dealer specializing in Colombian gemstones in this session.

 

AGTA GTC Update
Dr. Lore Kiefert, (AGTA GTC)
Friday, June 2, 2006
10:30–11:30 AM

The AGTA Gemological Testing Center encounters unusual gemstones in the midst of more routine submissions. Sometimes these unusual gemstones are set to drain consumer confidence and, consequently, the dealer or retailer's profitability. Learn what AGTA is watching for in the Center now and how GTC works on identification, treatments, and country of origin.

Australia, May 13–24, 2006

AGTA GTC Chief Gemologist John Koivula will be giving a series of eight lectures throughout eastern Australia over a period from May 13–24, 2006. In Sydney, John will be the keynote speaker at the Gemmological Association of Australia's 2006 National Conference from May 19–21.

• Saturday, May 13th – Melbourne GAA HQ – 6:30 to 8:30 PM
  Microworld of diamond and amber
• Monday, May 15th – Brisbane – 7:30 to 9:00 PM
  Microworld of diamond and amber
• Saturday, May 20th – Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel – 1:30 to 3:30 PM
  Microworld of gemstones and opal
• Wed., May 24th – Lightning Ridge – 8:30 to 9:30 PM
  Microworld of opal

American Gem Society Conclave

April 26–29, 2006
Orlando, Florida
Entry restricted to AGS Conclave participants

• AGTA GTC Lab Highlights
  Dr. Lore Kiefert, AGTA Gemological Testing Center
  Wednesday, April 26, 2006
  3:30–4:30 PM
  
• Certified Gemologist Clinic
  John Koivula, AGTA Gemological Testing Center
  Thursday, April 27, 2006
  10:00–11:00 AM
• Inclusions in Diamonds
  John Koivula, AGTA Gemological Testing Center
  Thursday, April 27, 2006
  Speisman Lecture
  3:15–4:15 PM
  
• AGTA GTC Class
  Dr. Lore Kiefert, AGTA Gemological Testing Center
  Thursday, April 27, 2006
  4:30–5:30 PM
• Certified Gemologist Clinic
  John Koivula, AGTA Gemological Testing Center
  Friday, April 28, 2006
  11:00–12:00 AM
• Sorcerers and Sapphires: A visit to Madagascar
  Richard Hughes, AGTA Gemological Testing Center
  Saturday, April 29, 2006
  3:30–5:00 PM

Tucson: Accredited Gemologists Association

• Origin determination
  John Koivula, AGTA Gemological Testing Center
  Wednesday, February 1, 2006
  9:00–11:00 AM,  Marriott University Park, Tucson, Arizona
  

Tucson AGTA GemFair
February 1–6, 2006
Tucson, AZ
As every year, the AGTA GTC’s staff will be giving various lectures during the Tucson AGTA GemFair. Here's the schedule:

• AGTA Gemological Testing Center Update
  Dr. Lore Kiefert, AGTA Gemological Testing Center
  Thursday, February 2, 2006
  9:00–10:00 AM,  Graham Room
  A “Scotland Yard” of the gemstone industry, the AGTA Gemological Testing Center encounters unusual suspects in the midst of fine upstanding gemstone submissions.  Sometimes these suspects are up to no good – draining consumer confidence and consequently your profitability. You no doubt recall when the AGTA Laboratory notified the industry that beryllium-treated sapphires were appearing immediately prior to the gathering of the industry in Tucson in 2002. Learn what we are seeing now and how we go about detection.
• Tales of Adventure in Colored Gemstone Locales: Madagascar and Burma
  Richard Hughes, AGTA Gemological Testing Center
  Thursday, February 2, 2006
  1:00–2:00 PM, Graham Room
  Colored gemstones are among the most exotic items your jewelry clients may ever own. Supply depends not on demand, but on lucky finds, whether luck is aided by gemological knowledge, or whether luck means finding what you didn’t know you were looking for. Hard-to-reach locations, government corruption, difficult mining situations affected by climate – natural colored gemstones are just not easy to obtain. From seasoned gem hunter Richard Hughes, learn first-hand what it takes to bring colored gemstones to your store. Hughes will be joined by Vincent Pardieu of the AIGS in Bangkok.
• Origin Determinations and Lab Reports
  Dr. Lore Kiefert, AGTA Gemological Testing Center
  Friday, February 3, 2006
  9:00–10:00 AM, Greenlee Room
  Country of origin remains one of the mysteries of the colored gemstone industry. A definitive statement of country of origin on a written laboratory report is desired by AGTA members and other gemstone dealers, by retailers, and jewelry consumers. Yet many reports are issued without this information. What can a lab accurately determine, and how definitive is the AGTA GTC in addressing country of origin?
• Inclusions Tour (OFFERED TWICE)
  John Koivula, AGTA Gemological Testing Center
  Saturday, February 4, 2006
  9:00–10:00 AM and again at 1:00–2:00 PM, Graham Room
  Over the years, AGTA Gemological Testing Center scientist John Koivula has amassed a personal collection of gemstones that challenge and stimulate the gemologists who encounter them. In addition, he’s devoted significant attention to documenting the interesting, the surprising, and the revealing inclusions in gemstones. Tour this fascinating world of inclusions with the industry’s superb guide via detailed slides.

GIA Alumni California Golden Gate Chapter

Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Sinbad's Restaurant (at Market & Embarcadero)
San Francisco, CA
6–9 PM
Cost (w/dinner):
$40, Members; $45, Not-Yet-Members; $15, Lecture/Presentation Only
Richard Hughes will lecture on the ruby and sapphire mines of Madagascar.
Tel: Suzanne Martinez-Buyer at 415-982-2213 for reservations

Hawaii Jewelers Group

November 10, 2005
Honolulu, Hawaii
Richard Hughes gives a lecture on gems in Madagascar.

Gem-A Conference 2005

Late October 2005
London, United Kingdom
John Koivula will be lecturing on recent inclusion observations.

Raman in Art and Archaeology

September 1, 2005
Paris, France
Lore Kiefert with be speaking about detection of coral treatments and imitations with Raman spectroscopy. Dr. Kiefert is also on the Scientific Committee of this conference.

13th Annual Conference on Radiation Effects in Insulators (REI-2005)

August 29, 2005
Santa Fe, New Mexico
John Koivula and Richard Hughes will be speaking to this group on radioactive inclusions and UV fluorescence in treatment detection.

 

American Gem Trade Association Gemological Testing Center
18 East 48th St., Suite 502
New York, NY 10017, USA
Tel: 212-752-1717; Fax: 212-750-0930
E-Mail: info@agta-gtc.org; Web: www.agta-gtc.org

Unless otherwise noted, all material ©1999–2008 American Gem Trade Association Gemological Testing Center. All rights reserved.
Users may download this information for private, non-commercial use. Any other reproduction (text or graphics)
without the written consent of the AGTA GTC is prohibited. Problems? Praise? Contact the Webmaster.