GIA Alumni Africa Chapter Hosts “Synthetic Diamonds and Treatments”
South African diamond trade hears from GIA laboratory director
JOHANNESBURG – June 3, 2013 – Advancements in diamond treatments and the production of synthetic gems are important issues for the gem and jewelry industry across the globe. As part of GIA’s (Gemological Institute of America) commitment to educating the public about gemmology, Leslie Milner, director of GIA’s laboratory in South Africa, presented “Synthetic Diamonds and Treatments” to the GIA Alumni Africa Chapter and other members of the industry on Saturday, May 18 in Pretoria, South Africa.Milner discussed the latest developments in treated and synthetic diamonds to a full room at the Pretoria Gem and Mineral Club House, and addressed questions surrounding “undetermined” origin of colour and the terminology for synthetic diamonds. The presentation – which was free and open to the public – was an extension of GIA’s efforts to bring industry-leading education, research and laboratory services to the diamond and gem industry in Africa.
Milner, who joined GIA in 2008, has 30 years of experience in the South African diamond industry. Prior to his current role as the director of the GIA laboratory in Johannesburg, Milner was the director of the Jewellery Council of South Africa Laboratory, and was also a diamond grader and a diamond polisher.
There are two GIA Alumni Chapters and nearly 800 GIA alumni in Africa. The Institute’s alumni chapter in Botswana, formed in 2010, holds a growing number of networking events and informational seminars for its members. An alumni chapter in South Africa was formed in early 2013 and held its first event in March 2013. Free seminars for alumni given by GIA’s global experts cover industry topics such as synthetic and treated diamonds, pearl grading and popular East African coloured stones.
