Press Release

GIA to Hold Sixth International Gemological Symposium Oct. 7-9, 2018

Global gathering in Carlsbad, California to feature science and business tracks; participation by Harvard Business School

CARLSBAD, Calif. – May 11, 2017 – GIA (Gemological Institute of America) will convene its sixth International Gemological Symposium in Carlsbad, California, Sunday, Oct. 7 through Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2018.

Focused on the theme “New Challenges. Creating Opportunities.” the three-day event will offer insight into the latest gemological research including recent findings by GIA and other leading researchers. Professors from the Harvard Business School (HBS) will lead a track on business concepts and innovations, using the renowned case-study method employed in all HBS programs, including the annual GIA Global Leadership Program.

The Symposium will also celebrate the centennial of Richard T. Liddicoat, the beloved second president of GIA known as “the Father of Modern Gemology.”

Further details, including speakers, registration details and tiered options for participation in the Harvard-led business track are expected to be available in September 2017.

GIA held the first International Gemological Symposium in 1982 in Los Angeles to mark the Institute’s 50th anniversary. That gathering and each of the subsequent four (1991, 1999, 2006 and 2011) brought together leaders from all aspects of the gem and jewelry trade and other experts for presentations, panels and discussions on relevant issues and topics affecting the industry.

About GIA

An independent nonprofit organization, GIA (Gemological Institute of America), established in 1931, is recognized as the world’s foremost authority in gemology. GIA invented the famous 4Cs of Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat Weight in the early 1950s and in 1953, created the International Diamond Grading System™ which, today, is recognized by virtually every professional jeweler in the world.
 
Through research, education, gemological laboratory services, and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science, and professionalism.