Conclave 2026: Full Schedule

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.

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

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 →

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 →

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

Track, GIA Hands-On

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

9:00am EDT

The Microworld of Natural Diamonds

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

Royal Dublin B

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

(Un)Natural Beauty: Treatments in Ruby & Sapphire

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

Royal Dublin A

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

In today’s market, it is increasingly rare to come across ruby and sapphire whose beauty and appeal is entirely due to natural processes. During this hands-on seminar, GIA experts provide an in-depth understanding of various artificial treatments for ruby and sapphire. Through close examination of specimens, participants will learn practical tips for identifying these treatments and gain a better understanding of why these stones were treated at all.

Speakers

Aaron Palke, Ph.D.

Sr. Manager, Colored Stone Research, GIA

Dr. Aaron Palke developed an interest in minerals and gemstones searching for agates and other minerals in eastern Montana. Dr. Palke pursued a formal education in geology, obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree from The University of Tulsa and a Ph.D. from Stanford University. He... Read More →

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

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

Track, GIA Hands-On

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

10:15am EDT

Introduction to Jewelry Forensics

Wednesday September 16, 2026 10:15am - 12:15pm EDT

Royal Dublin A

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

Mike Magee

Senior Subject Specialist, Jewelry Manufacturing Arts, GIA

Al Gilbertson, CG

Project Manager of Cut-Research, GIA

Wednesday September 16, 2026 10:15am - 12:15pm EDT
Royal Dublin A

Track, GIA Hands-On

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

10:15am EDT

Making the Call - Check List of the Defining Features of the major US jewelry periods from 1850-1950: A Systematic approach

Wednesday September 16, 2026 10:15am - 12:15pm EDT

Olympic B

This presentation is a 2-hour lecture and hands-on session.

Decisions, decisions—making an era call can be a tough decision, but it also shows your expertise. Suzanne and Starla have dedicated their professional lives to the forensics of jewelry dating. Part 1 of this 2-hour session covers the critical design elements, construction techniques, and materials available to create a set of factors that determine antique/vintage/reproduction jewelry dating. Part 2 is a hands-on session that has you using a checklist to "make the call" on a variety of pieces from the different eras. Working in small groups with your loupe, you will be able to test your knowledge. Then we will examine the pieces together in a "do you see what I see" wrap up, highlighting the key elements.

Speakers

Starla Turner

Inventory Cataloguing and Staff Gemologist, Lang Antique and Estate Jewelry

I spend my day at the microscope deciphering a piece of jewelrys' history by adding up the clues from all it's parts.. Each piece we handle has its story. The metals it was created from, the gems that embellished it, and how the metalsmith put it all together with the technology... Read More →

Suzanne Martinez

Owner/Buyer/Gemologist, Lang Antiques and Estate Jewelry

I am a credentialed senior gemologist, jewelry appraiser, jewelry historian and the curator for Lang's Antique jewelry collection. I actively buy from sellers all over the world and in our store. I am also the founder of our Antique Jewelry University. It would be my pleasure to help... Read More →

Wednesday September 16, 2026 10:15am - 12:15pm EDT
Olympic B

Track, Gems Jewelry and Watches

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

10:15am EDT

The Amazing Natural Diamond Story

Wednesday September 16, 2026 10:15am - 12:15pm EDT

Royal Dublin B

Space for this Hands-on GIA session 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

Brenda Harwick

Senior Manager, On Campus and Lab Gemology Instruction, GIA

Wednesday September 16, 2026 10:15am - 12:15pm EDT
Royal Dublin B

Track, GIA Hands-On

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

3:00pm EDT

Speaking the Pearl Language

Wednesday September 16, 2026 3:00pm - 5:00pm EDT

Royal Dublin B

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

The pearl market is more complex than ever, making precise terminology essential for protecting both your business and your customers. This session offers a concise look at pearl formation before diving into the core of pearl categorization. Using high-quality images and graphics developed by the GIA pearl research and education teams, we will make both the formation and categorization digestible to you. The session also offers hands-on experience taking advantage of the pearl samples handpicked for the purpose of this seminar. By the end of this session, you will have a professional command of the proper terminology used to accurately describe your pearl products.

Speakers

Tao Hsu, Ph.D.

Director of Gemology Content and Professional Development, GIA

Dr. Hsu received her PhD degree in geology from University of Southern California. She also earned a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Gemology from China University of Geosciences (Beijing). After joining GIA in 2012, she has been a major contributor to gemology content development... Read More →

Lisa Kennedy

Technical Advisor, GIA

Lisa Kennedy is a Technical Advisor for GIA Education, known for her strong scientific foundation and more than a decade of hands-on gemological experience. She began her career in fine jewelry retail before advancing to GIA’s New York laboratory as a Gemologist, where she specialized... Read More →

Wednesday September 16, 2026 3:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Royal Dublin B

Track, GIA Hands-On

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

3:00pm EDT

The Microworld of Natural Diamonds

Wednesday September 16, 2026 3:00pm - 5:00pm EDT

Royal Dublin A

Space for this Hands-on GIA session 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

Wednesday September 16, 2026 3:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Royal Dublin A

Track, GIA Hands-On

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

10:30am EDT

(Un)Natural Beauty: Treatments in Ruby & Sapphire

Thursday September 17, 2026 10:30am - 12:30pm EDT

Royal Dublin A

Space for this Hands-on GIA session is limited to 24 participants and is first-come, first-served.

In today’s market, it is increasingly rare to come across ruby and sapphire whose beauty and appeal is entirely due to natural processes. During this hands-on seminar, GIA experts provide an in-depth understanding of various artificial treatments for ruby and sapphire. Through close examination of specimens, participants will learn practical tips for identifying these treatments and gain a better understanding of why these stones were treated at all.

Speakers

Aaron Palke, Ph.D.

Sr. Manager, Colored Stone Research, GIA

Thursday September 17, 2026 10:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Royal Dublin A

Track, GIA Hands-On

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

10:30am EDT

Speaking the Pearl Language

Thursday September 17, 2026 10:30am - 12:30pm EDT

Royal Dublin B

Space for this Hands-on GIA session is limited to 24 participants and is first-come, first-served.

The pearl market is more complex than ever, making precise terminology essential for protecting both your business and your customers. This session offers a concise look at pearl formation before diving into the core of pearl categorization. Using high-quality images and graphics developed by the GIA pearl research and education teams, we will make both the formation and categorization digestible to you. The session also offers hands-on experience taking advantage of the pearl samples handpicked for the purpose of this seminar. By the end of this session, you will have a professional command of the proper terminology used to accurately describe your pearl products.

Speakers