GJ209-OOB - Masters Class - Recognizing Treated Gems and Origin Issues

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.

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.