INTA Gems Donates Napa-Inspired Design to GIA

From GIA, Carlsbad, Calif. – Miss California USA 2007 Meagan Tandy, and INTA Gems founders Jerry and Connie Pheng Young with their son Peter Young, G.G., presented the GIA Museum with INTA Gems' "Vinissimo" ruby and diamond necklace Feb. 26. INTA Gems is the official jeweler for Miss California USA and donated the necklace in honor of Tandy.

The Vinissimo necklace, a combination of 3.35 carats of rubies and 1.3 carats of diamonds set in 18k white gold, was created by Peter Young following a trip to Napa Valley, Calif.

“Vino” is the Latin root for wine and each component of the necklace was inspired by the California wine country. The diamond pear shapes represent the leaves of the vineyard. The circles symbolize the many round objects commonly seen in the Napa Valley – from the fermentation barrels and the wine bottles, to the fragrant corks. The red rubies signify the bountiful grapes and berries ripening on the sun-drenched vines.

“We are so appreciative of this gracious gift. It is a beautiful representation of California,and we are pleased to display it in our headquarters,” said Elise Misiorowski, GIA’s Museum director. “This donation was especially meaningful because itcame from a GIA graduate and his family.”

“This design is meant to epitomize the bountiful harvest of the beautiful State of California,” said Peter Young. “I am proud to donate it to GIA, because the education and networking opportunities I received while attending the Institute are the reasons my family is doing so well today.”

INTA Gems, a fine diamond, gemstone, and jewelry company based in Los Angeles, was founded by Jerry and Connie Pheng Young in 1998.

For more information on how to donate in-kind gifts to the Institute’s Museum Collection, contact GIA In-Kind Gifts Director Patricia Syvrud at 760-603-4432 or by e-mail at patricia.syvrud@gia.edu.

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. Media queries contact: Laura Simanton, 760-603-4112.