GIA Research Scientists to Offer Advanced Synthetic Diamond Seminar

(IDEX Online) – The GIA will offer a new synthetic diamond seminar at GIA locations around the world beginning in Hong Kong on June 19, just before the Hong Kong Gem Show.

The one-day program, taught by GIA research scientists and experienced classroom instructors, will combine lectures with practical lab instruction, including the latest GIA instrumentation for differentiating natural diamonds from CVD and HPHT synthetic diamonds and diamond simulants.
 
“GIA examined and characterized the earliest gem-quality synthetic diamonds nearly 50 years ago,” said Dr. Wuyi Wang, vice president of research and development. “Since then, we have continued to build the Institute’s expertise in identifying synthetics through robust, published research into their properties. This combination of decades of experience in delivering quality, relevant education and in-depth independent research into natural and synthetic diamonds is unique to GIA. As the public becomes more aware of gem-quality synthetic diamonds – including melee sizes – it is imperative that the industry is prepared with training and expertise to address consumer concerns.”
 
GIA senior research scientist Dr. Ulrika D’Haenens-Johansson will present the Hong Kong seminar on June 19 along with bilingual GIA education staff.
 
The seminar will be offered at other GIA locations later in the year. The date, length, specific topics and cost of the seminar will vary by location. More information will be available at a later date.
 
Seminar participants will gain in-depth knowledge of advanced diamond identification techniques and will have hands-on experience with current production synthetic diamonds and the latest detection technology. The combination of lecture and lab will leverage the expertise of GIA research scientists and the education skills and experience of GIA instructors. The GIA research scientist presenting the seminar will have expert knowledge of synthetic diamond as a material, its identification and gemological characteristics, along with the processes used by GIA’s laboratories to separate synthetic from natural diamonds.
 
The seminars will cover the most important topics related to diamond identification.
Natural and synthetic diamond formation, diamond defects and their analysis, (including the basic principles of spectroscopy)

The gemological properties of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) grown synthetic diamonds

Post-growth treatment of synthetic diamond

The analytical instrumentation used by laboratories to identify synthetic diamonds
Hands-on sample examination of natural and synthetic diamonds

Hands-on operation of GIA instruments including the GIA iD100™, GIA DiamondCheck™, and longwave and shortwave UV viewing box.
 
Above left: A natural diamond and a synthetic diamond on the right. Photo by Kevin Schumacher/GIA.