Gemological Research Conference 2009

Program

The 2009 GRC will feature invited keynote speakers and submitted oral and poster presentations, in two parallel sessions. An opening keynote presentation will be given by noted mineralogist Dr. George Rossman (Caltech, Pasadena, California). Following are the main session themes, keynote speakers, and sample topics.
Track 1
  • Colored Stone Identification
    Keynote: Dr. Michael Krzemnicki, SSEF Swiss Gemmological Laboratory (geographic origin determination)
    • Identification of coating materials
    • Detection of heat treatment
    • Country-of-origin determination
    • Characterization of new synthetics
    • New treatment technologies
  • Diamond Identification
    Keynote: Dr. Alexander Zaitsev, City Univ. of New York (optical spectroscopy of diamond)
    • Advances in treatments
    • Use of the DiamondView in assessing gem diamonds
    • Challenges for the identification of HPHT-treatment
    • Identification of multi-treated diamonds
    • New techniques in the identification of synthetic diamonds
    • Use of Raman spectroscopy in identifying treated diamonds
  • Gem Characterization Technology and Instrumentation
    Keynote: Dr. Alan Koenig, U.S. Geological Survey (LA-ICP-MS analysis)
    • New instrumentation for gem characterization
    • Applying nondestructive analytical techniques to gem materials
    • Crystallography and internal growth structure analysis in gems
    • Chemical analysis methods for gems (major, minor, and trace elements)
    • Challenges of converting advanced technologies to instrumentation useful to practicing gemologists
  • Gem Treatment and Synthesis
    Keynote: Dr. Robert Linares, Apollo Diamond Inc. (CVD synthetic diamonds)
    • Developments in gem synthesis methods
    • Developments in gem treatment methods
    • Similarities/differences in crystal growth in the laboratory versus nature
    • Post-growth processes (coating, overgrowth, annealing, etc.) for more natural-looking synthetic gems
    • Creation of advanced industrial materials and their potential influence on the gem trade
  • Gemstone Inclusions
    Keynote: John Koivula, GIA (inclusions and the origin of gems)
    • Geologic interpretation of gem inclusions
    • Gem inclusion photography
    • Nanofeatures in gems
    • Using inclusions to solve identification challenges
  • General Gemology
    Keynote: Shane McClure, GIA (contemporary challenges to gem testing)
    • Gemstone cut analysis
    • Software for gemological applications
    • Availability and application of mineral/gem information databases
    • Quantifying the color or appearance/optical properties of gems
    • Gemological education initiatives
    • Unusual/rare gems
    • Gems of the future
  • Geology of Gem-forming Environments (co-organized by the Mineralogical Society of America)
    Keynote: Dr. Thomas Stachel, University of Alberta (diamond geology in Canada)
    • Geochemical/geologic conditions of gem formation
    • Gem deposits related to plate tectonics or other regional geologic structures
    • Gems in igneous environments
    • Gems in metamorphic environments
    • Gems in sedimentary environments
    • Influence of genetic environment on characteristics for determining geographic origin of gems
    • Exploration indicators for buried gem deposits
    • Ingredients necessary for a gem – physical properties, chemical composition, and fortuitous conditions of formation
  • New Gem Localities
    Keynote: Dr. Dietmar Schwarz and Vincent Pardieu, Gόbelin Gem Lab (new localities)
    • New gem deposits
    • Updates on various mining areas of the world
    • Potential areas for new discoveries
    • Sources of information on new gem deposits
Track 2
  • Color Description and Grading of Gems
    Keynote: Gail Brett Levine, National Association of Appraisers (technical/legal aspects of appraisals)
    • Grading of colored stones
    • Instrumental analysis of the color of D-Z diamonds
    • Light sources for gem appearance analysis
    • Appraising gem-set estate jewelry
  • Fair Trade and Environmental Issues in Gemology
    Keynote: Dr. Saleem Ali, University of Vermont (fair trade gems)
    • Gem mining/jewelry manufacturing and environmental protection
    • Anti-money laundering considerations for the gem industry
    • Influence of local deposit geology on mining techniques and restoration
    • Impact of "gem rushes" on local populations
    • The Kimberley Process and chain of custody issues
  • Gem Market Research, Economics, and Legal Issues
    Keynote: David Hargreaves, consultant geologist (diamond/colored stone economics)
    • The impact of vertical integration in gem marketing
    • Economic factors influencing the gem industry
    • Legal issues facing the gem industry
  • Jewelry History, Gems in Cultural Heritage, and Museum Studies
    Keynote: Cigdem Lule-Whipp, GIA London (gems in objects of cultural heritage)
    • Characterization of gems in antique jewelry
    • Historical gem sources and archaeology
    • Challenges in establishing historical provenance
    • Role of museum collections and databases in the study of gemology
  • Jewelry Manufacturing Technology
    Keynote: Jeff High, Gemvision Inc. (CAD/CAM technology)
    • New jewelry manufacturing techniques (i.e., laser welding, new metals)
    • CAD/CAM and jewelry design
    • Working with new jewelry metals
    • Durability considerations when designing gem-set jewelry
  • Pearls and Organic Gems
    Keynote: Ken Scarratt , GIA Thailand (pearl treatments)
    • Identification of treated pearls
    • Grading of cultured pearls
    • Separating natural from treated amber
    • Coral and its substitutes
Complementing the GRC's technical program are social events and field trips to famous gem pegmatite mines in San Diego County.