European Gem Lab offers educational courses at jewellery world expo and Edmonton Jewellery Show

European Gemological Laboratory, a full-service lab that opened offices in Vancouver and Toronto this year, is offering a total of four educational seminars at the Jewellery World Expo 2003 in Toronto and the Edmonton Jewellery Show. With the exception of a workshop on gem identification, given during the Edmonton Show, all the lectures are free to registered show attendees.

In Toronto:
Branko Deljanin, B.Sc., FGA, D.U.G., Director of Canadian Operations for European Gem Lab. will present two courses at the Jewellery World Expo. He has lectured at international conferences on HPHT treatment and other lab issues.

"Testing Rough Diamonds from Different Sources," Monday, August 11, 12:30-1:30 PM. European Gemological Laboratory is grading rough diamonds from different sources, and their differences in morphology, types and spectra will be discussed. We will also examine the findings of various scientists in different countries regarding studies to attempt to determine the provenance of a diamond. European Gem Lab is the only lab in North America that grades and certifies rough diamonds.

"Use of Classical and Advanced Laboratory Instruments in Detecting Gem Treatments." Tuesday, August 12, 11:30 to 12:30 PM. Detailed explanation of treatments to improve clarity and colour of diamonds and coloured gems and how to identify them, including: fracture filling, laser drilling, HPHT treatments, irradiation, heat treatment of sapphires and rubies, and dying of jade. The beryllium treatment of corundum and the new KM process will be discussed.

In Edmonton:
"How Laboratory Services Can Help Build Your Business." Saturday, August 16, 9-10AM in the Emerald Room, Mayfield Inn and Suites across the street from show. Instructors: Donna Hawrelko, FGA, FCGmA, European Gemological Laboratory Education Consultant, and Estela Pelegrin, FCGmA, European Gemological Laboratory, Marketing and Development Department. Laboratories provide many services and products that can help grow a jewellery business, from gem identification services and professional appraisal reports, to authenticating the origin of color in diamonds and measuring nacre thickness in pearls with X-rays. This course will teach sales associates how to explain laboratory procedures and services and how certification can increase consumer confidence-and sales.

"Detection of Gemstone Treatments and Synthetics Workshop, Saturday, August 16, 1-3:30 PM in the Emerald Room, Mayfield Inn and Suites. Instructors: Branko Deljanin and Donna Hawrelko. The workshop costs $50 ($40 for CJA members) and is designed to help jewellers distinguish a diamond from its imitators; a natural ruby from treated; a natural sapphire from a synthetic one; and treated jade from untreated. This hands-on workshop is geared to novices and provides a good refresher for seasoned jewellers.

For more information, contact Donna Hawrelko at 604-630-0464 Ext. 202 or donna@eglcanada.ca

Information about the courses will also be available at the European Gem Lab show booths at the Jewellery World Expo (Booth #N1) and Edmonton Jewellery Show (Booth #156).

The lab is part of the EGL USA Group, a well established, privately owned independent laboratory that is headquartered in New York with an office in Los Angeles in addition to its two Canadian offices. It offers a full range of services, from providing identification for rough and polished diamonds as well as pearls and coloured gems, including country of origin. It is recognized for its research in natural and synthetic diamond treatments and in Canada is a member of CJA and JVC.