Jade is Topic of 5th Annual Sinkankas Symposium
By
Tiffany Moore , Thursday, April 19, 2007
From
GIA, Carlsbad, Calif. - For most people, jade evokes an image of a brilliant green gemstone. Surprising to many, it also occurs as luminous examples of many other colors including white, orange, and lavender. Because of its beauty and durability, jade has been treasured around the world for centuries.
The public is invited to explore the world of jade at the Fifth Annual Sinkankas Symposium, to be held Saturday, April 21, 2007 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the GIA Robert Mouawad Campus, 5345 Armada Drive in Carlsbad, Calif. Registration starts at 8 a.m. with coffee and donuts. Lunch is included in the price of admission.
The Sinkankas Symposium is co-hosted by the San Diego Mineral & Gem Society and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Named in honor of the renowned gemologist, author and lapidary John Sinkankas, the event will devote a full day of discussions, lectures, and demonstrations to this lustrous gem, led by an impressive list of experts in a wide variety of fields. More than five different local gem and mineral clubs, from Los Angeles to Fallbrook, plan to attend.
The Sinkankas Symposium offers a full day of presentations, covering a wide range of discussions suitable for the novice and expert alike. Topics will range from types of jade, such as jadeite or nephrite, new discoveries, photography, carving, appraising and many other issues. Many jade items will be on display as well.
Some of the speakers and their topics include: Fred Ward, National Geographic author and photographer, on Jades of the World; Si Frazier, author, on Nomenclature of Jade; Don Kay of Mason Kay Importers on Burmese Jadeite Jewelry; and John Koivula, GIA gemstone inclusion expert on the Microworld of Jade.
Also on the list is Richard Hughes, author and gem authority, on Burmese Jade Deposits, Mary Lou Ridinger, Guatemalan jade expert, with the Current Guatemalan Jade Market and George Rossman, professor and mineralogist at
California Institute of Technology (Cal Tech) on the Causes of Color in Jade.
Price for admission is $75.00 per person and April 14th is the deadline for getting a ticket. Past events have sold out. The registration form is available by calling Anne Schafer of the San Diego Mineral & Gem Society at 858.586.1637 or annes@san.rr.com.
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’s website address is http://www.gia.edu/. Media queries contact: Laura Simanton, 760-603-4112.