DCGIA 40th Anniversary Party

Posted on December 12, 2024 by dcgiaorg

What a fun event full of surprises!

Happy 40th Anniversary to the best GIA Alumni Chapter in the world!

What a great great time and performance by Sound Advice (an Acapella Group) – Singing Xmas Carols, they were WONDERFUL!!! The buffet food layout and menu worked perfectly, and the white elephant was full of excitement! And then there’s our swag bags with the little treasures – icing on the cake!

Opening an Oyster
Swag
  • Socializing
  • Fun and Merriment
  • White Elephant Gift Exchange
  • Door Prizes
  • 50/50 Raffle
  • Pearl Oysters

Special Thanks to the DCGIA Board for making this event happen, from Carolyn setting up the venue and handling all the details, Melanie putting together swag and raffle prices with contributions from Denise, Boby for the wonderful pearl oysters, Timothy the keeper of the treasury and Joanna our Secretary. Like minded individuals working together including the DCGIA Members at Large
Martin and Kusam can accomplish great things.

Just wanted to say those who attended truly made the occasion special, and we were honored to have had you join us for the 40th anniversary holiday party. Your support and enthusiasm added to the event’s success, and we deeply appreciate your contribution. It was a pleasure to see you there, and we hope you had a wonderful time.

Thank you for your participation and support. Happy Holidays!

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Lab-grown Diamond – Screening Challenges

Posted on October 17, 2024 by dcgiaorg

Presented by Randy Lightfoot & Guy Borenstein

The Washington D.C. GIA Alumni Chapter was honored to welcome two prominent professional experts in gemology to present two presentations on current issues and challenges regarding lab-grown diamond screening.

  • Randy Lightfoot
Guy Borenstein

Low-priced lab-grown diamond is widely sought after by the public as an alternate to much-higher priced natural diamond because, to the average consumer, the physical properties, including hardness, as well as atomic crystal structure, are perceived as the same. Recent studies showed
that lab-grown diamond engagement rings sold in the U.S. represent an estimate of 50% of the total sales, demonstrating an increase in demand over natural diamond. Since lab-grown and natural diamonds are of nearly identical properties and judged by the 4 C’s all the same, the main
challenge is how to reliably and confidently separate them using standard screening methods.

Randy Lightfoot, GG, CG, CM, RGA, earned his B.A. in Geology from Augustana, IL. Mr. Lightfoot is skilled in using illumination techniques such as cross-polarized filters (CPF) and UV-imaging to identify clues to diamond origin. He is knowledgeable in gemstone identification using standard
non-destructive testing methods and enjoys the art-science of inclusion photomicrography.

Randy Lightfoot Lab Grown Diamond Screening ChallengesDownload

Guy Borenstein, FGA EGG, is Stuller’s Senior Gemologist, leading the company’s comprehensive diamond screening and gemological testing operations at its global facilities. Besides directing gemological laboratory operations, Borenstein’s other responsibilities include developing screening protocols for all diamonds and gemstones and researching for evolving new
technology-based screening and identification solutions to adopt.


Guy provided DCGIA Chapter with an update on the common technologies used in diamond verification instruments and their performance.

Most diamond verification instruments on the market today test for properties related to diamond origin, with a straightforward objective: to analyze one or two distinct characteristics specific to natural or lab-grown diamonds.

An understanding of the science behind them isn’t required, but because there are so many manufacturers and models of screening devices today, knowing the available diamond verification instruments and their performance is mandatory.

The DCGIA Chapter thanks both Randy and Guy for sharing their knowledge and experiences with the DCGIA Chapter. Members Thoroughly enjoyed both presentations and discussions during dinner afterwards.

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European treasures

Posted on September 20, 2024 by dcgiaorg

The Washington D.C. Chapter was honored to welcome Denise Nelson. She has been a long time member of our chapter and various professional organizations since she started her appraisal business, “Inner Circle” 34 years ago. During her years of appraising, designing and importing fine gems and pearls, she has traveled to five continents and to over forty countries.

Born in Vienna, Austria, her detailed view of gemologically important European treasures, combined with her husband’s lifelong interests in mining and geology, provide a backdrop to their colorful discoveries and adventures. The Royal houses of Europe are naturally a treasure trove of Jewels but there is much more to explore and find in unexpected places!

The history of European people who’s creative skills are world renowned, and their amazing creations offered at auctions or hidden in vaults are often surprising. Be ready for a glimpse into the exquisite museums and their breathtaking gem and jewelry collections in Poland, Germany, Austria, and much more!

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Jade & Pseudo-Jade

Posted on May 6, 2022 by dcgiaorg

Eric Hoffman’s presentation reviews the characteristics of true jade, both nephrite and jadeite, and then focus on the many look-a-likes, treatments, and alterations.  Few gemstones are imitated as often and as deceptively as jade.  He will explain a few simple tests to defend yourself against fakes.

DCGIA Thanks Eric for sharing his knowledge with our members.

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Must See US Gemstone Mines by Helen Serras-Herman

Posted on March 29, 2022 by dcgiaorg

Enjoy a wonderful time hearing Helen’s presentation on Must-See US Gemstone Mines for the DCGIA Chapter. Travel with Helen to several operational and historic gemstone mines and museums in North Carolina, Montana, South Dakota, Oregon, Nevada, Colorado, and Arizona.

Thank you Helen for sharing your experiences with DCGIA.

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VICTORIAN JEWELRY: A Many Splendored Thing

Posted on January 30, 2022 by dcgiaorg

By Elyse Zorn Karlin

Elyse shared the jewelry styles from the Early Victorian period to the end, including showing the fashions that went with the jewelry.

Queen Victoria reigned for 63 years and as the trendsetter for style she influenced much of the jewelry in those years.. But such a broad span of time saw all kinds of styles emerge – some steeped in mourning as she was. Many made of highly unusual materials and others influenced by archaeological finds.

Elyse Zorn Karlin is the publisher and editor-in-chief of Adornment, The Magazine of Jewelry and Related Arts.

Elyse Zorn Karlin is a past president of The American Society of Jewelry Historians and is currently the co-director of the Association for the Study of Jewelry & Related Arts (ASJRA).

DCGIA thanks Elyse for sharing with the chapter and the other jewelry enthusiasts attending the Zoom meeting.

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AFGHANISTAN GEMSTONE INDUSTRY –

Posted on November 22, 2021 by dcgiaorg

THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM – By Gary Bowersox

Gary Bowersox shared his 50 years of gem-related exploration activities in Afghanistan with DCGIA members. Visiting emerald, ruby, aquamarine, kunzite, morganite, tourmaline, lapis and other gemstone mines throughout Afghanistan.

Throughout history, Afghanistan gemstones have been of great value and steadily increasing in value. Today, mostly private families and residents operate mining and it is their main source of income. Over the years, organizations have worked together to develop the legal trade from this country.

The Gem Hunters Corporation was an idea conceived by Gary W. Bowersox during his over thirty years of promoting gem shows on the road. With this new internet store, gem hunters and buyers can explore and purchase inventory on line. Visit http://www.thegemhunters.com and sign up for Gary’s newsletter or purchase his books “The Gem Hunter” and “Gemstones of Afghanistan”.

Watch The Gem Hunter in Afghanistan video:

DCGIA thanks Gary for a very informative and interesting presentation to our members and guests.

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Diamonds of the Forbidden Zone – By Denise Nelson G.G. GIA

Posted on November 12, 2021 by dcgiaorg

Denise shares her once-in-a lifetime experience, a first-hand look at the diamond mines along the infamous Namibian Skeleton Coast of Africa. The extraordinary process of finding the world’s most precious gems, in this arid landscape, is revealed, along with a look at the truly unusual, eclectic group of dedicated people who are a part of a company named Namdeb (Namibia-deBeers).

Thank you Denise for sharing your trip and experiences with the DCGIA Chapter.

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Secrets of the Gem Trade: The Connoisseur’s Guide to Precious Gemstones By Richard W. Wise

Posted on September 30, 2021 by dcgiaorg

Secrets of the Gem Trade: The Connoisseur’s Guide to Precious Gemstones the second edition was published in 2016, extensively revised and rewritten. The 2nd edition has an additional 127 pages, 11 new chapters, 5 new introductory essays and 161 additional photographs.

DCGIA thanks Richard for sharing his knowledge and experiences with the membership.

Visit https://www.richardwbooks.com/ to see all of Richard’s books.

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Traditional vs Non-Traditional Sapphire by Sheahan Stephen

Posted on September 26, 2021 by dcgiaorg

Over the past five years, the sapphire market has seen an uptick in demand for two hues of sapphire— RO-OY(peach) and bG-gB (teal).

This video provides the tools to understand and articulate clearly to their customers the subtle difference between pinkish-orange, orangish-pink, and Padparadscha.

Sheahan provides clear-cut descriptions for G (green), bG-gB (teal), and yellow-green Sapphires. Through reviewing a number of graphs which cover time, color, consumption, and shifting prices, attendees will gain an in-depth understanding of what’s causing this movement toward fancy-colored Sapphires vs. traditional blue.

DCGIA thanks Sheahan for sharing with our membership via Zoom!

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