Breaking All the Rules!
Natural Tanzanite, Treated Spinel, Created Diamonds & ICE Jade
AGA Tucson Conference
Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at the Marriott University Park
Spinels from Burma, Sri Lanka, & Tanzania
courtesy of RareSource Photo by: R. Weldon
We are pleased to have the following distinguished researchers and gemologists as speakers:
Edward Boehm, President and CEO of RareSource (formerly JOEB Enterprises) is a world renowned gemologist, author and dealer of fine gemstones. He has traveled the world extensively collecting some of the finest specimens seen in any collection and conducted research at gem deposits. (Biography)
Edward is presenting The World of Spinels, focusing on sources, treatments and quality characteristics. The hands-on session provides a great opportunity to learn about the nuances that expert spinel dealers look for when grading.
Dr. Adolf Peretti of GRS Laboratory in Bangkok, Thailand, will present the findings of his most recent research on spinel origin. With new sources of beautiful spinel entering the market, and demand continuing to increases, gemologists need to be aware of what is currently in the market, how they are valued, and whether or not they have been treated to look more valuable than they are. (Biography)
Tom Chatham, President of Chatham Created Gems, is recognized as the leader in created gemstones. Pioneers in the created gemstone industry, today their product line extends far beyond grown emerald and ruby. Chatham Created Gems is also a leader in the created diamond industry. Tom has been involved in the created diamond market for decades and is presenting an information packed program exploring the current State of the Synthetic Diamond Industry. (Biography)
Thomas Hainschwang, Managing Director of GGTL Laboratories and founder of GEMLAB, Liechtenstein is a research gemologist and formerly led the colored diamond department for the GIA research laboratory in Geneva. Thomas is currently engaged in a number of important gemological research projects in both colored stones and diamonds. (Biography)
Thomas will be addressing the AGA conference delegates regarding Color Enhancement of Tanzanite.
Dominic Mok, Founder and Principal Geologist at the Asian Gemmological Institute and Laboratory, Hong Kong, is an expert in the material Jadeite. He will be presenting a talk on Types, Identification and Testing Jadeite. The AGA is privileged to offer this opportunity to meet Mr. Mok and learn about Jadeite from an international authority on the subject. (Biography)
Dr. Jim Shigley is Distinguished Research Fellow at the GIA Laboratory in Carlsbad. The editor of the Gems & Gemology in Review series and contributing editor to the journal, he received a bachelor’s degree in geology from the University of California, Berkeley, and a doctorate in geology from Stanford University. He has written extensively for Gems & Gemology and other professional journals. (Biography)
Dr. Shigley is well versed in the current state of synthetic diamond detection having conducted numerous studies in the area of diamond treatments and synthetics. He will be discussing the Identification of Synthetic Diamonds from the Laboratory Perspective.
M. Bonner Denton,
Professor of Chemistry & Geosciences at the
University of Arizona will be presenting The Role of Raman Spectroscopy in Gem Identification & How Evolving Technology Is Expanding Its Use and Availability. (View abstract) Scott B. Tilden, a senior scientist with the Denton Research Group, will be providing a demonstration during the talk along with Elizabeth Yarbrough and Jim Pasmore, Rigaku Raman Technology. (Biographies)
A hands-on sessions will follow both the morning and afternoon programs.
About the AGA Conference & Gala
Conference check-in begins at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Conference sessions from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Continental breakfast, light lunch & Gala ticket are included with the conference fee.
The evening will conclude with a festive dinner and awards ceremony, honoring this year’s winner of the prestigious Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology.
The Gala Champagne Reception is from 6:30 to 7:30 pm followed by the Gala Dinner Dance & Bonanno Award Ceremony from 7:30 to 11:00 p.m.
Gala Dinner Dance Tickets Only
If you wish to attend our Annual Gala Dinner Dance but not the conference, you may register at the door if seats are available.
AGA & Gem-A Members: $95
Non-Members: $105
The Gala Champagne Reception is from 6:30 to 7:30 pm followed by the Gala Dinner Dance & Bonanno Award Ceremony from 7:30 to 11:00 p.m.
Conference Fees
Conference registration includes continental breakfast, light lunch and the AGA Annual Dinner Gala featuring great networking opportunities, live band, dance floor and the presentation of the Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology.
Online registration has closed.
You may register at the door. However, we are unable to guarantee you a seat.
AGA & Gem-A Members: $230
Non-Members: $280
Marriott University Park, 880 E. Second Street, Tucson, Arizona (map)