G&G Summer 2007 Edition in August

From GIA, Carlsbad, Calif. – The Summer 2007 issue of Gems & Gemology, scheduled to mail to subscribers in early August, features a review of global rough diamond production since 1870, a look at the performance of several common emerald-filling substances, and the debut of a new section, Rapid Communications.

In the lead article, “Global Rough Diamond Production Since 1870,” exploration geologist Dr. A. J. A. Janse reviews and analyzes annual production statistics (by value and carat weight) for the world’s most significant diamond sources, through 2005. Over this entire period, South Africa ranks first in value, followed by Botswana, while the Soviet Union/Russia ranks first in carat weight, followed by Australia.

“The scope of Dr. Janse’s article is remarkable,” says G&G editor-in-chief Alice Keller. “It provides comprehensive data for the 27 top diamond-producing countries, plus analysis of the most important mines and diamond projects currently in development. It is a unique perspective on the historical and future availability of the rough diamonds that drive our industry.”

Next is Dr. Mary Johnson’s “Durability Testing of Filled Emeralds,” a long-term, systematic study of the stability and durability of nine common emerald-filling substances. Researchers filled 128 emeralds and exposed them to a battery of durability tests, with results that varied dramatically among the different fillers.

Rounding out the slate of Summer issue articles is “Continuity and Change in Chinese Freshwater Pearl Culture,” by Doug Fiske and Jeremy Shepherd, a look at some recent developments inChina’s freshwater cultured pearl production.

This issue also marks the launch of the journal’s new Rapid Communications section, which provides brief, timely articles on noteworthy gem materials, localities, and identification or treatment techniques, among other topics. The section debuts with reports on polymer-impregnated turquoise and on yellowish green diopside and tremolite from Merelani, Tanzania.

The journal’s Lab Notes section presents the latest discoveries at the GIA Laboratory, including a diamond hosting a color-change garnet coated with a sulfide mineral, and a natural opal with a structure resembling that of synthetic opal. Among the many items featured in Gem News International are chatoyant gems from Tanzania, Chinese akoya cultured pearls, and a review of the accounting firm KPMG’s report on the global jewelry industry.

There’s still time to test your gemological knowledge by taking the 2007 Gems & Gemology Challenge.Official entry cards are included in the Spring 2007 issue, and forms for electronic submission were e-mailed to subscribers on July 16. Entriesmust be received by Aug. 6. To purchase a copy of the Spring or Summer issue or to subscribe, https://www.gia.edu or contact Circulation Coordinator Debbie Ortiz. Call toll-free 800-421-7250, ext. 7142. Outside the U.S.and Canada, call 760-603-4000, ext. 7142.

About GIA:

An independent nonprofit organization, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is recognized as the world's foremost authority in gemology. Established in 1931, GIA has translated its expert knowledge into the most respected gemological education available. In 1953, the Institute created the International Diamond Grading System™ which, today, is recognized by virtually every professional jeweler in the world. Through research, education, gemological laboratory services, and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science, and professionalism. GIA can be found on the web at http://www.gia.edu/. Media queries contact: Laura Simanton 760-603-4112.