AGTA GTC Laboratory Update
May 22, 2007
In this message
- Beryllium in sapphire
- AGTA GTC Advanced Treatment Seminar
- AGTA GTC Mobile Laboratory in Las Vegas
- Upcoming Lectures
Current turnaround time at the AGTA GTC 5–8 Business Days |
Beryllium in Sapphire
We recently received a reddish orange sapphire for testing. Microscopic examination revealed many zircon crystals concentrated on one side of the gem, each of which showed obvious signs of heat alteration. In addition, indications of synthetic regrowth were found at the culet and on the pavilion and fingerprints showed obvious heat alteration. Immersion revealed an orange color rim with a faint pink core, suggesting the yellow component of the gemstone's color was the result of beryllium diffusion.
LIBS testing was performed on the girdle, but was negative for beryllium. We then performed LIBS on the culet region, where the orange color was most strongly concentrated, and found a strong beryllium peak. This illustrates the importance of sampling different areas on the gemstone when testing for beryllium.
Traces of synthetic regrowth seen at the culet of the reddish orange sapphire described above. Such regrowth is an indication of high-temperature heating which is a hallmark of beryllium diffusion. Photo: Hpone-Phyo K. Nyunt/AGTA GTC. |
Immersion with the use of a blue filter reveals concentrations of an orange color surrounding a faint pink core. Photo: Hpone-Phyo K. Nyunt/AGTA GTC. |
In addition to beryllium diffusion in yellow, orange and red-orange sapphires, recently we have found beryllium in a number of one- to two-carat blue sapphires. While beryllium diffusion in corundum generally produces a yellow color, it also lightens the color of blue sapphires.
For more on beryllium in sapphire, see the following links:
The AGTA GTC Advanced Treatment Seminar
Today's gem market is literally in flux, as scientific advances produce an ever-changing landscape of gemstone treatments. To help dealers, jewelers and collectors keep pace with these developments, the AGTA GTC has developed an intense one-day educational seminar covering advanced treatments for ruby, emerald and sapphire. This seminar features:
- Limited class size
- Hands-on sessions with actual gem samples
- Expert instruction from AGTA GTC gemologists
Each section begins with a brief review of the major treatment technologies and the AGTA GTC's Gemstone Report nomenclature for that type of gem. This is followed by an intensive laboratory session, where participants personally examine samples. Each of the following topics are discussed during the one-day program:
1. Advanced Ruby Treatments
- No thermal enhancement (NTE)
- Thermal enhancement (TE)
- Minor through significant flux healing (TE1–TE5)
- Minor through significant glass cavity filling (C1–C3)
- Minor through significant glass fracture filling (F1–F3)
- Lab methods for identifying these treatments
- Chromium diffusion (orange and red)
- Multiple treatments
2. Advanced Emerald Treatments
- No filler (NF)
- Minor through significant fissure filling (F1–F3)
- Stones with both oil and resin fillers are featured
- Lab methods for identifying the presence of a filler and distinguishing between oil and resin fillers
3. Advanced Sapphire Treatments
- No thermal enhancement (NTE)
- Thermal enhancement (TE)
- Titanium diffusion (blue)
- Beryllium diffusion (orange, yellow, red, blue)
- Synthetic overgrowth
- Multiple treatments
- Lab methods for identifying these treatments
We invite you to attend a free introductory lecture for the AGTA GTC Education Program at the JCK Las Vegas Show:
- Increase Sales by Empowering Your Team with Knowledge
Loretta Castoro, AGTA GTC
Thursday, May 31, 2007, 3:30–4:30 PM
Venetian Hotel and Casino, Room Toscana 3609, Level Three
AGTA GTC is launching training opportunities for your use in staff development. In this preview session, you have sample segments of gemological seminars, which include how to empower your staff to comfortably engage in communicating about colored stones with your clients. These seminars build confidence by providing the most current gemstone knowledge available in the industry.
If you are interested in participating in future seminars, please contact Loretta Castoro at 212-752-1717 or via email at loretta@agta-gtc.org.
| Testifyin': Comments from Recent Seminar Participants
"Education is the best weapon against fraud. This class is a must for any gem dealer who wants to know what they are buying." Barbara Lawrence "This comprehensive seminar on the detection of sapphire, ruby and emerald treatments is essential for everyone in the gem trade." James Alger |
The AGTA GTC Mobile Laboratory in Las Vegas
It's Vegas time, and once again the AGTA GTC stands ready to provide outstanding and prompt service both before and during the show.
Submit early for best service
It is always advantageous to get your testing done prior to the show. This will allow you to have your goods ready for sale when the doors open.
- Submissions received by the AGTA GTC on or before Tuesday, May 22nd will be available for pickup at our NY office by Friday, May 25th for those who need their gemstones for the show
- Please note that during the show, no express service will be offered at the NY Laboratory; New York submissions during the show will have a slightly longer turnaround time (7–10 business days) since so many of our staff will be at the show
Services at the show
The AGTA GTC Mobile Laboratory will be in full swing at the JCK Show – Las Vegas 2007, offering a range of gemological services, including:
- Identification reports for all kinds of gemstones, including the identification of clarity enhancement fillers
- Country-of-origin reports for ruby, sapphire and emerald
The AGTA Pavilion has special dates and times, opening and closing one day before the main JCK show. Located in the AGTA GemFair™ Cultured Pearl & Jewelry Pavilion, the AGTA GTC Mobile Laboratory is open as follows:
- Dates: Thursday, May 31st to Monday, June 4th
- Hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on May 31st and 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM from June 1st–4th
The AGTA GTC Mobile Laboratory will deliver reports to clients at the show within 1–2 days; services will be available during normal show hours.
Show fee schedules
Utilizing the services offered during the show ensures convenience and rapid turnaround. Our show fee schedules can be downloaded in PDF format at the links below:
- Mobile Laboratory Fee Schedule for AGTA Members
- Mobile Laboratory Fee Schedule for AGTA GTC Associate Program Members
- Mobile Laboratory Fee Schedule for Nonmembers
Our regular fee schedules are visible at this link:
Upcoming Lectures in Las Vegas
AGTA GTC staff will deliver the following lectures during the show:
Las Vegas, NV, May 30–31, 2007, AGTA GemFair™ Las Vegas
- Solid Steps to Successful Colored Gemstone Sales
Douglas K. Hucker, American Gem Trade Association
Wednesday, May 30, 2007, 3:30–4:30 PM
Venetian Hotel and Casino, Room Toscana 3609, Level Three
AGTA's Chief Executive Officer explores the critical components of a dynamic and successful colored gemstone jewelry presentation. What motivates your customer to buy color? What are their major concerns when doing so? Learn the basic components that must be included in every presentation to dramatically improve your success rate. Identify your most powerful sales tools, including a thorough discussion of the AGTA GTC Colored Gemstone Report, and the critical part they play in the sales presentation.
- Update from the AGTA Gemological Testing Center
Dr. Lore Kiefert, AGTA Gemological Testing Center
Thursday, May 31, 2007, 9:00–10:00 AM
Venetian Hotel and Casino, Room Toscana 3609, Level Three
The AGTA laboratory comes across many materials and treatments before they hit the market. Knowing about these new developments on the gemstone market, as well as having an idea what to look for, will help you make the right decisions in your buying and selling of gemstones. AGTA's scientists focus on colored gemstones.
- Increase Sales by Empowering Your Team with Knowledge
Loretta Castoro, AGTA Gemological Testing Center
Thursday, May 31, 2007, 3:30–4:30 PM
Venetian Hotel and Casino, Room Toscana 3609, Level Three
AGTA GTC is launching training opportunities for your use in staff development. In this preview session, you have sample segments of gemological seminars, which include how to empower your staff to comfortably engage in communicating about colored stones with your clients. These seminars build confidence by providing the most current gemstone knowledge available in the industry.
The AGTA Gemological Testing Center provides the industry and the public with a complete range of lab services including gemstone identification, origin determination and pearl identification. Located in New York City, the laboratory is equipped with the latest, technologically advanced, investigative equipment. The AGTA GTC is committed to providing excellent service and superior value. A complete list of services and pricing information is at www.agta-gtc.org. Please contact us with any questions.
