GIA Collection Receives Three In-Kind Donations

From GIA, Carlsbad, Calif. – Visitors to the Gemological Institution of America’s (GIA) Collection booth at industry shows often make donations of their own when they see the positive response the displays typically generate. This year’s JCK show exhibit of loose cultured pearls and cultured pearl jewelry had the same effect.

Robert E. Kane, president and CEO of Fine Gems International in Helena, Mont., donated a set of 54 rough and cut sapphires. The collection, which weighs a total of 21.24 carats, is from the renowned Rock Creek deposit in the Sapphire Mountains of Montana. Sapphires were discovered there by gold miners in the late 1890s, and more than 100 million carats have been mined since then. Advances in heat treatment technology in the 1990s have made the deposit more commercially viable.

“The complete color range and variety of this suite is just beautiful,” said Elise Misiorowski, director of the GIA Museum. “We can use them in many different ways; they are ideal for display and perfect for our Education and Research departments.

Designer Etienne Perret, of Camden, Maine, presented his “Madonna” ring to Misiorowski. He said he gave it the name because of its protective arm of diamonds over a Tahitian cultured pearl, which reminds him of a mother with a child. “To me the ultimate mother with child image is Madonna with Christ,” he said.

Misiorowski said, “It’s stunningly dramatic in its soft and simple design.”

Toby Pomeroy donated his 18K reclaimed gold hoop earrings, which Misiorowski called “elegantly spare and carefully engineered.” Pomeroy, based in Oregon, is environmentally concerned and intent on creating an alternative to destructive mining practices. He uses only reclaimed or recycled gold alloys in his jewelry. His work was recently featured in Vanity Fair’s Green Issue, which focuses on environmental success stories, and Town & Country.

Misorowski added, “We are grateful to all of our donors whose gifts enable GIA to continue its nonprofit mission to educate our students and visitors.”

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.