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Announcement PriceScope GTG 2019 in Carlsbad, CA

Forgot to mention. Everyone should get a schedule about the events emailed this week. If you do not get it by friday please let us know.
 
We will be having a specialty cocktail for the luncheon GTG on Saturday. Does anyone have suggestions or requests such as diamond blue cocktail, pink diamond fizz, PriceScope on the rocks?

Looking forward to all your creative ideas.

Being a tequila lover I have to vote for the ... wait for it...

BlingaRita :lol-2:
 
More info coming soon about the tours and presentations on Friday (Sept 20) at GIA.

We WILL be able to accommodate everyone who has signed up so far for the presentations. However, space for the tours will be limited. We will be asking for commitments for the tours, so watch this space for details.

If you want to get in on a tour PLEASE respond quickly when you see the info posted as we will have to alot spaces on a strict first-come basis.
 
Should those of us attending the GIA Q&A create a list of questions so that we can either vet them together in advance or ensure we’re not making duplicative inquiries? If there’s interest, should we create a separate thread? Thanks!
 
Howdy Y'all,
We're getting close to the BIG weekend!

Those who have registered should have received a private email from Priscope with information on coordinates, times of events, and other important details. If you are registered and did not receive that communication, please contact Pricescope admin.

I would like to share with you additional details about the GIA program we have arranged. We will have two presentations, one in the morning and one after lunch. Lunch will be catered, courtesty of Whiteflash, so that everyone can stay on campus for the day. We have also arranged for two guided tours. The presentations will be in one of the student lecture halls and the room will be configured specifically for our group. The two presenters are SUPER STARS at GIA. You will NOT be disappointed! (More to follow separately on the specifics of the presentations.)

The first tour is the lab, a very special treat - GIA does not normally allow visitors back in the grading areas. Unfortunately, for security reasons we were very limited on the number of folks that could be accommodated, so not everyone is going to be able to get in on that one. I'm sorry about that. (You were asked to sign up for that tour in the email that was sent out referenced above). On the plus side, if you're not on the lab tour you can sleep a little later. :D

The other guided tour is of the exhibits on display which will accommodate almost all who registered. If not, self guided tours are available.
 
Should those of us attending the GIA Q&A create a list of questions so that we can either vet them together in advance or ensure we’re not making duplicative inquiries? If there’s interest, should we create a separate thread? Thanks!
@Athena10X ,
That's a great idea! I will be posting about the topics tomorrow, but basically the two presentations will cover three distinct topics; fancy colored diamonds, synthetic diamonds, and cut grading diamonds.

If we develop a list of questions, I can share them with the presenters in advance so that they may be able to address some of them in the course of their presentations. I think they will love that kind of input.

I don't think there is any need for a seperate thread. We can collaborate here.
 
We are privileged to have Al Gilbertson as one of our fine presenters. He is someone many of you already know about as he was "instrumental" in developing the AGS light performance cut grading system. His work became the foundation for ASET.

Al is currently Project Manager, Cut Research (GIA Carlsbad)

Mr. Gilbertson is one of GIA’s researchers that created the GIA Cut Grading System for the round brilliant diamond. He is currently studying the influence of proportions and other factors on the appearance for fancy shape diamonds.

He is recipient of the prestigious 2017 Antonio C Bonanno Award
https://www.gia.edu/gia-news-press/gilbertson-bonanno-award

He also wrote a fascinating book on the history of diamond cutting called "American Cut -The First 100 Years" which I reviewed at the link below. At the end of the article is a link for a free download of the book in a number of different formats:
https://www.whiteflash.com/about-di...st-100-years-book-by-al-gilberson-gg-1539.htm

Al's presentation will cover the following:
A brief history of diamond cutting, with emphasis on what many call Ideal Cut, current cut grading, continuing R&D which touches on grading aspects that are on the horizon coupled with technology being used to cut diamonds.

Understanding the tie to how our brain and eye work when looking at diamonds and a discussion about issues related to cut grading fancies.
 
Hi attendees, you should have heard from me in the last week if you RSVP'd for the GIA tour. If we did not interact, you are not on the list for the tour and will not be able to attend the private GIA tour.
 
For the Lab Tour folks:

Please allow ample time to get checked in at security, get your badge, and convene in the lecture hall where the presentations will be held. (You will be escorted up there after you check in). The lab tour will start precisely at the appointed time, and if you "snooze you lose".

We will have coffee and pastries available for those arriving early, which I recommend.
 
Our first distinguished presenter on Friday is Sally Eaton-Magaña Phd. Her presentation will be broken out into two separate topics – Fancy Color Diamonds and Synthetic Diamonds.

Dr. Magana is a Senior Research Scientist at GIA and one of the leading authorities on lab grown diamonds. She also collaborated with the Smithsonian while at the Naval Research Laboratory to study optical properties of the Hope Diamond, which speaks to her expertise in fancy color diamonds!

Folks in our group who want to get their ‘geek’ on will get what they bargained in her presentation. There will be time allotted for Q&A so don't miss the opportunity to ask her your technical questions - I'm sure she will love it if you do.

https://www.gia.edu/gems-gemology/fall-2016-observations-CVD-grown-synthetic-diamonds-review
 
All,
I heard from one of the attendees who is arriving Thursday and wondered if there are any activities. I know quite a few folks are arriving Friday and some may be arriving too late on Thursday for any extra-curricular.

But I might suggest that anyone wanting to meet up with other pricescopers on Thursday respond to this thread. Perhaps pricescope admin can put you together.

*For security purposes, do not post any personal details.
 
@Texas Leaguer Hi Bryan! For those of use who aren't early risers and will not go on the special GIA tour, we can just show up and check in 30 mins before the first presentation, right? Is there something specific we need to tell them? I asked Ella over email but didn't hear back.
 
@Texas Leaguer Hi Bryan! For those of use who aren't early risers and will not go on the special GIA tour, we can just show up and check in 30 mins before the first presentation, right? Is there something specific we need to tell them? I asked Ella over email but didn't hear back.
Yes, you check in anytime before the first presentation. We have arranged for coffee and pastries. A good opportunity to network with other pricescopers before the festivities commence.

When you arrive at check-in Clare Conway or one of her colleagues from GIA will escort you to the meeting room. Be sure when you arrive to let them know you are with the Whiteflash Group. Your security badge should be waiting. Make sure you bring proper ID.
 
Should those of us attending the GIA Q&A create a list of questions so that we can either vet them together in advance or ensure we’re not making duplicative inquiries? If there’s interest, should we create a separate thread? Thanks!

A few ideas about questions to ask of the presenters:

For Al Gilbertson:
  • What is the status of a cut grade system for fancy shapes at GIA? When might we expect it to be made available to the public?
  • Regarding ASET, which you were heavily involved with during the development of the AGS light performance grading system, what can you tell us about interpreting ASET signatures to assess light performance for fancy shapes.
  • When looking specifically at 'crushed ice' style fancies, there is often a lot of leakage (white in backlit ASET). How should that be interpreted?
For Sally Magana:
  • Are there any transparency or other light performance differences between CVD and HTHP synthetic diamonds?
  • Is one or the other growing techniques likely to be the dominant way synthetic diamonds are produced in the future?
  • What is the easiest way potential synthetic diamonds can be flagged for further analysis by a retail jeweler?
 
@Texas Leaguer ,
If you are bringing any jewels to let us view, the AGBF Inside Out Diamond Hoop Earrings would be my recommendation.
We were not planning on bringing any goods, but I will pass it on to the ladies on the team who might enjoy modelling them for a few days. :)
 
A few ideas about questions to ask of the presenters:

For Al Gilbertson:
  • What is the status of a cut grade system for fancy shapes at GIA? When might we expect it to be made available to the public?
  • Regarding ASET, which you were heavily involved with during the development of the AGS light performance grading system, what can you tell us about interpreting ASET signatures to assess light performance for fancy shapes.
  • When looking specifically at 'crushed ice' style fancies, there is often a lot of leakage (white in backlit ASET). How should that be interpreted?
For Sally Magana:
  • Are there any transparency or other light performance differences between CVD and HTHP synthetic diamonds?
  • Is one or the other growing techniques likely to be the dominant way synthetic diamonds are produced in the future?
  • What is the easiest way potential synthetic diamonds can be flagged for further analysis by a retail jeweler?

Question for Sally:
Will GIA update the grading report for MMD to better align with their mined reports so that consumers can do a true apples to apples comparison, especially for those who are looking for ideal cut?
 
All checked in and looking forward to see everyone.
 
I can't wait to see everyone tmrw! I won't be able to make it till the afternoon but looking forward to it!!
I emailed Ella to make sure it was okay to come if I wasn't positive of my arrival time and didn't hear back. I will arrive between 12-2 most likely. I have something i wasn't able to reschedule unfortunately but will head over as soon as I'm done if that's okay
 
Another question for tomorrow:
Does GIA use Sarin for grade determinations? If so, can the report and/or .srn file be made available if requested? And are there any free software platforms/applications that can interpret the .srn and provide either a visual or quantitative analysis of the diamonds potential light performance (especially if ASET not available)?
 
Y’all have fun!!!
 
SO fun... the group is wonderful. I’m enjoying the vast education here. ♥️
 
Is anyone going to the hotel’s bar tonigh?
 
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