GJ209-OOB - Masters Class - Recognizing Treated Gems and Origin Issues
Category: Gems & Jewelry
Continuing Education: 14.4
Registration
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Course Description
The GJ Masters Session was developed exclusively
for the American Society of Appraisers (ASA) by Dr. Cigdem Lule, PhD in
collaboration with Christopher Smith, President of American Gemological
Laboratories (AGL), NY. Dr. Lule will be the primary presenter with Mr.
Christopher Smith providing scientific support and teaching the “Country of
Origin” focused portion of the program. This advanced gem treatment
workshop is presented during one and one half days and utilizes a PowerPoint
presentation combined with hands-on opportunities to present both the relevant
theory and practical experience concerning the more commonly encountered gem
treatments. This appraiser-focused program is designed to provide attendees with
current information related to gem treatments, their prevalence, identification
challenges and market impact.
This workshop will cover the following topics:
- Gem treatments and keys to detection by explanation of practical
microscopy and immersion techniques;
- Types of treatment covered will include: heat, diffusion, fracture
filling, irradiation, dye, and more;
- Formation and structure of each gem material, why and how treatments are
applied to different species, primary features of natural and treated gems,
country of origin and reliability;
- How does treatment/country of origin impact value; and
- Disclosure practices regarding treatments.
Instructional Methods
In addition to lectures and materials, the course will provide
opportunities for students have a hands-on experience with sample gemstones that
illustrate treatment and origin issues covered during the lecture All the
gemstone samples are presented with their unenhanced counterparts to illustrate
the differences.
Prerequisites
GG (GIA), FGA (Gem-A) or equivalent
Instructor Information
Cigdem Lule, PhD served as a gemology instructor at GIA
London from 2004 to 2010. Previously, Dr. Lule received the Chevening
Scholarship for PhD, the Ashmolean Museum of Oxford and the Natural History
Museum of London and worked as a research assistant in the Geological
Engineering Department of Ankara University. Dr. Lule specialized in
identification and origin investigation of gem findings from archaeological
sites. She also established the Gem Laboratory of Ankara University
and has trained graduates and undergraduates in gemological research.
Christopher Smith is a 25 year veteran of the gem and
jewelry industry with a distinguished international career. He began his
interest in gemology in 1986, when he joined the GIA Laboratory, then in Los
Angeles, CA, after graduating from their graduate gemologist and graduate
jeweler's programs. Although initially a diamond grader, he quickly transitioned
into the Gem Identification department where he worked with such notable
gemologists as Shane McClure, Robert E. Kane, Chuck Fryer, Emmanuel Fritsch, and
many others. He also pioneered research into several areas of gemology,
including the further development and refinement of country-of-origin criteria
for rubies, sapphires, emeralds, alexandrites, and other gemstones. This
innovative work included the characterization of ruby and sapphire from a number
of newly discovered deposits, such as rubies and sapphires from Mong Hsu, Nepal,
Tajikistan, and Vietnam, as well as other localities.
No prerequisites for this course.
There is no available agenda for this
course.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Recognize treated gemstones;
- Determine level and type of treatment;
- Understand country of origin issues; and
- Assess treatment and origin impact on value.