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Tuesday, July 29, 2008

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GIA Instruments
Seventy-five years of Uncompromising Commitment to Quality!

GIA Instruments works hand-in-hand with the GIA Laboratory, the GIA educational staff, and the jewelry trade in developing the instruments of today that prepare you for the challenges of tomorrow. You can be assured of precise, problem-free operation and instruments styled to impress your customers.

Since the first GIA instrument was registered in the early 1930's, we've been building products you can trust that put the power of knowledge on your side. They help you buy, grade, and appraise with increased accuracy. And give you a competitive edge.

GIA Instruments and Bookstore helps you unlock the mysteries contained in the art and science of gemology and jewelry. GIA now provides DiamondView and DiamondSure, two products that screen and detect synthethic diamonds. Click here for information.

Like you, many of us are jewelers.

Many of us are also scientists, researchers, educators, and engineers who insist on building the very finest equipment in the world of gemology, metallurgy and jewelry. But "the finest equipment in the world..." would mean very little without our equal commitment to real-world practicality.

Everything we offer the trade has the day-to-day practicality and utility to profoundly benefit your bottom line.

For instance, GIA Instruments Microscopes are used to sell more diamonds and gemstones than any other scope in the entire western hemisphere. With their ease of use, versatility, and reliability, the vast majority of professionals use our microscopes to share the intricacies of gemstones with their customers – and close sales.

PRODUCT SAFETY RECALL

GIA Instruments' "Illuminator Polariscope" Gets A Retrofit

Recently, GIA Instruments learned that several people have reported experiencing a brief, static-like shock sensation when using its "Illuminator Polariscope, Model 415000." No one was hurt or injured, and of the over 8,000 such Polariscopes sold between 1995 and July 2007, no other such instances have been reported. Nonetheless, to protect all its students and clients, GIA, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, is voluntarily instituting an immediate recall and retrofit program for these instruments. While GIA believes the risk of any such shock happening again is very remote, the Institute places the safety and security of its students and customers first, and is therefore taking this precautionary measure.

The Illuminator Polariscope 415000 model is pictured below. It is a white Polariscope, and will have two prongs on its electrical cord. Through the GIA Instruments recall and retrofit program, we will add a ground wire to the Polariscope and return the instrument to customers at no charge for either the retrofitting or shipping.

Illuminator Polariscope

SKU: 415000

Fastest way to test gemstones' optical properties. Quickly determine whether translucent or transparent gems are singly or doubly refractive. Resolve optic character in doubly refractive gems, spot pleochroism, and detect diamond strain. Opening at front can double as light source. Includes interference figure sphere. Optional stone holder, mounts on both sides. Operates on 110v with a user changeable bulb

Starting Aug. 28th, GIA mailed a product safety recall letter to its students and clients who bought this Polariscope model. The letter included a three-part "Return Authorization" form for the customer to supply his or her information, while giving the client details for shipping the Polariscope to GIA. The "Return Authorization" number serves as the identification number for the customer's polariscope and can be referenced for tracking purposes.

While we will make every effort to return your Illuminator Polariscope to you as soon as possible, the date of its return will depend on the demand for the retrofit program.

If you own a white Illuminator Polariscope (model 415000, sold from 1995 to July of 2007, with two prongs), and have not yet received a product safety recall letter from GIA Instruments, please fill out the form. Doing so will generate a response from GIA and initiate the retrofit process.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you. If you have any questions, please contact GIA Instruments by e-mail at gemteam@gia.edu or call customer service toll-free at (800) 421-8161 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.

Thank you for your patience and attention.

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