Name: The Amazing Natural Diamond Story
Start: 2026-09-15T14:30:00-0400
End: 2026-09-15T16:30:00-0400

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

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

Christopher “Mike” Breeding, Ph.D.

Senior Manager, Analytics, GIA

Dr. Christopher “Mike” Breeding is a senior manager of diamond analytical testing at the Gemological Institute of America in Carlsbad, California. He obtained a B.S. in geology from the College of William and Mary in Virginia, a Ph.D. in geology from Yale in 2004, and is a GIA... 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

Track, GIA Hands-On

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

Conclave 2026

Christopher “Mike” Breeding, Ph.D.

Brenda Harwick

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Conclave 2026

Christopher “Mike” Breeding, Ph.D.

Brenda Harwick

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