EGL USA experts present Tucson lecture on rough diamonds, irradiation and HPHT

With interest growing in rough diamonds and diamond treatments, EGL USA has been funding a dedicated research effort in this area for the past two years. Two of its diamond researchers, Elena Semenets, M.Sc., CGmA, FGA, Mineralogist specializing in rough diamonds, and Branko Deljanin, B.Sc., FGA, DGA, D.U.G., Director of Gem Identification and Research, will present some of their findings at the AGA Conference in Tucson on February 6. The seminar will be held at the Marriott University Park, from 9-11AM.

The 120-minute seminar will be divided into three parts:

• Morphology, characterization and valuation of rough diamonds;
• Irradiation and HPHT treatments of polished and rough diamonds; and
• Alab session focusing on practical grading of different types of rough diamonds.
  

Elena Semenets is currently translating, from Russian into English, a book on the morphology of diamond indicators minerals, written by Prof. Vallentin Afanasiev, an expert in rough diamonds from the Institute of Mineralogy, Novosibirsk, Russia. It will be published by the end of 2002.

For information on how to register for the EGL USA Rough Diamond Seminar in Tucson, contact David Harris, AGA, at 415- 252-9340.

For a free copy of EGL USA's booklet entitled "Changing the Color of Diamonds: The High Pressure High Temperature Process Explained," call 212-730-7380 ext 205.