Conclave 2026: Full Schedule

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9:00am EDT

Tuesday September 15, 2026 9:00am - 11:00am EDT

This Hands-on GIA session will be repeated. Space is limited to 24 participants and is first-come, first-served.

Dive into the microworld of natural diamonds with a renowned analytical microscopist, gemologist, and award-winning photomicrographer. This presentation will explore some of the most fascinating inclusions and microfeatures found in natural diamonds as well as discuss why they are gemologically interesting and geologically significant.

Speakers

Nathan Renfro

Sr. Manager, Identification, GIA

Nathan Renfro, a native of western North Carolina, developed an interest in minerals during his late teens, which was sparked by his grandfather’s rock collection. In 2006 he completed his undergraduate studies in geology and then went on to enroll at GIA for the resident Graduate... Read More →

Tuesday September 15, 2026 9:00am - 11:00am EDT
Royal Dublin B

Track, GIA Hands-On

Level Intermediate
Session Format Hands-on Gemology Workshop
Audience Retailers, Appraisers, Vendors

2:30pm EDT

The Amazing Natural Diamond Story

Tuesday September 15, 2026 2:30pm - 4:30pm EDT

Royal Dublin B

This Hands-on GIA session will be repeated. Space is limited to 24 participants and is first-come, first-served.

Many jewelers work with diamonds on almost a daily basis, and they can lose sight of how remarkable these natural gemstones are. This presentation will discuss the geological conditions of diamond formation that give rise to their rarity, and the distinctive features which provide positive evidence of their natural origin.

Speakers

James Shigley, Ph.D.

Distinguished Research Fellow, GIA

Dr. James Shigley is a distinguished research fellow at the Gemological Institute of America in Carlsbad, California. Prior to joining GIA in 1982, he studied geology as an undergraduate at the University of California Berkeley and later received his doctorate in geology from Stanford... Read More →

Brenda Harwick

Senior Manager, On Campus and Lab Gemology Instruction, GIA

A specialist in both the theory and practice of diamond grading, colored stone grading, and gem identification, Brenda Harwick’s expertise comes from a ten-year background in retail and gemological training. Brenda earned her Graduate Gemologist diploma, and in 1999 she was hired... Read More →

Tuesday September 15, 2026 2:30pm - 4:30pm EDT
Royal Dublin B