Scenes from JCK 2006

[JohnQuixote]

[ Last year: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/scenes-from-jck-2005.29452/ ]


It is wonderful to be back in Las Vegas, spending time together with others who share like passions. It’s hard to believe a year has passed since we gathered here.

 

[JohnQuixote]

Before the start of JCK, Peter Yantzer, commander-in-chief of (arguably) the greatest cut-study resources in existence, was kind enough to invite us into his home for a pre-JCK ‘cut band camp.’

It was an afternoon of free thinking, discussion and admiration for the astonishing strides Jason Quick, Jim Caudill and Peter Yantzer are making at AGSL. It was quickly evident why we were invited: If I were on this staff of forward-thinkers I’d want to share it all too!

 

[JohnQuixote]

Complete openness and willingness to explain their most advanced internal research is what makes the AGS the most respected laboratory for cut grading today. Peter is a role model for the industry and his enthusiasm is infectious. The future is very bright (and has great contrast and scintillation!).

 

[JohnQuixote]

AGS has a new version of the ASET that is stylish and flexible. Allowing more than one diamond at a time to be viewed, it’s dubbed the ‘Presentation ASET.’

Pundits of form and fashion call this iteration ‘sexier’ than prior equipment - which suits those wanting a more lab-esque appearance.

 

[JohnQuixote]

This version will cause a stir in any retail environment from Boise to Bel-Aire.

 

[JohnQuixote]

A quick snapshot (with my mini-digital) of a princess cut in the presentation ASET.

 

[JohnQuixote]

A new version of the handheld ASET in its case - which doubles as a diamond holder.

 

[JohnQuixote]

This one is also more refined and sleek.

 

[JohnQuixote]

...

 

[JohnQuixote]

As everyone knows, ray-tracing in two directions works up an appetite.

Peter’s stepson prepared a tri-tip feast for the assembled diamond fans. Consensus? ...We all had an ideal cut.

 

[JohnQuixote]

Cut Camp Crew.

Left to right, Michael Cowing (ACA Gemlab), James Caudill (AGSL), Jason Quick (AGSL & Starship Enterprise), John Pollard (Whiteflash), Garry Holloway (Ideal-Scope/HCA), Wink Jones (Winfield’s), Peter Yantzer (AGSL), Maarten de Witte (Hearts On Fire).

 

[JohnQuixote]

This one time… At cut camp…

 

[JohnQuixote]

Peter Yantzer’s Lotus!

 

[JohnQuixote]

(okay, not really)

 

[Lorelei]

Sir John, thanks so much for taking time out to post these for us! All of us " back at Camp PS" wish you all a FABULOUS time and nice drinkies etc!

Cheers!

 

[JohnQuixote]

Peter Yantzer’s bride, Deborah!


(yes, really)

 

[JohnQuixote]

Friends Paul and Lieve (Infinity) arrive with gifts. I’m holding a box of Belgian chocolate (it’s already missing a few pieces)… Hmm. Isn’t there a saying about ‘Belgians bearing gifts.’ ?

 

[JohnQuixote]

We tried to persuade Garry to do the dishes, but he wasn’t fooled (he’d already run a simulation in DishCalc).

 

[JohnQuixote]

Date: 6/2/2006 5:58:14 AM
Author: Lorelei
Sir John, thanks so much for taking time out to post these for us! All of us '' back at Camp PS'' wish you all a FABULOUS time and nice drinkies etc!

Cheers!

Thanks Lady Lorelei...

We wish you were here with us (members of camp PS) and have spoken of you fondly already.... But drinks? What drinks? This is a business trip you know.

 

[JohnQuixote]

The next morning we gathered for breakfast like last year. John, Paul, Lieve and Wink (who took the photo) are joined by Gary Dutton (DiamondExpert on PS). The ‘gang’ flowed into our normal rhythm like practiced clockwork.

 

[Lorelei]

....blush!...Thanky Sir John! I meant by drinkies ORANGE SQUASH AND SODA OF COURSE!

Yikes John, it must be 3 am for you! I wish I could be there too and meet you all!

 

[JohnQuixote]

On to the educational sessions. Michael Cowing (ACA Gemlab) and Peter Yantzer were 2 of the day’s speakers.

 

[JohnQuixote]

Gary Roskin presented aspects of diamond beauty on behalf of Michael Cowing.

 

[JohnQuixote]

...

 

[JohnQuixote]

After the morning session we retreated to the Venetian and a healthy lunch.

 

[JohnQuixote]

Show and tell:

Garry showed us a graphic he printed out back in November of 1999. It was posted by Peter Yantzer on the Gemkey forum: The first discussion of painting.

De ja vous.

 

[JohnQuixote]

Wink’s beautiful multi-diamond ring.

 

[JohnQuixote]

Garry’s computer has a neat trick: An embedded fingerprint scanner. Only someone with his finger can access his hard drive. Probably a good idea since there are, what, only 3 or 4 computers available in Oz, right Garry?

 

[JohnQuixote]

After lunch we moved on to the afternoon and... CUT!

Yes, we sat near the front.

First, the GIA presentation. Barak Green and Phil Yantzer (Peter’s brother) gave an overview of the GIA cut grading system.

 

[JohnQuixote]

...