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Wednesday September 16, 2026 10:15am - 12:15pm EDT
Space for this Hands-on GIA session is limited to 24 participants and is first-come, first-served.

Buyers of used jewelry and those who take in jewelry for appraisal or repair go through a process to identify, analyze, and assess the quality and nature of an item. Many know only certain aspects of manufacturing and are only able to recognize a narrow range of certain make traces. GIA has a systematic framework that will guide you in identifying areas to gain more exposure. Through this lecture and hands-on seminar, you will learn “jewelry forensics” basics, including identifying hand-fabricated components, cast components, CAD/CAM manufactured components, and cast-in-in-place gemstones. Attendees will understand and learn a systematic process and recognizing basic traces of manufacturing processes.
Speakers
avatar for John Cason

John Cason

Manager, On-Campus Gemology Instruction, GIA
John Cason joined the GIA education team with more than 15 years of jewelry industry experience. His diverse work history includes diamond buying in Antwerp, jewelry manufacturing, and jewelry sales. After more than ten years in the trade, John received his GIA Graduate Gemologist... Read More →
avatar for Mike Magee

Mike Magee

Senior Subject Specialist, Jewelry Manufacturing Arts, GIA
Mike Magee is a Sr. Subject Specialist in the jewelry manufacturing arts at GIA. An award-winning CAD designer, Mike has spent more than 25 years in the jewelry industry and over 15 years teaching CAD/CAM and digital jewelry design. After graduating from Cornell University, he trained... Read More →
avatar for Al Gilbertson, CG

Al Gilbertson, CG

Project Manager of Cut-Research, GIA
Al, currently the Project Manager of Cut-Research at GIA’s Carlsbad Laboratory, was raised in the lapidary (gem-cutting) business and eventually managed a high-end AGS retail jeweler whose shop employed several custom goldsmiths. He later owned a high-end trade shop specializing... Read More →
Wednesday September 16, 2026 10:15am - 12:15pm EDT
Royal Dublin A

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