he GIA will be holding its first GemFest in Osaka, Japan, and another in Tokyo, this week with presentations on colored stone and pearl research and synthetic diamonds.



The free educational events, on July 22 in Tokyo and July 23 in Osaka, will be given by GIA gemologist Kenneth Scarratt on colored stone and pearl research, and by GIA researcher Ahmadjan Abduriyim on synthetic diamonds.



Scarratt, managing director of GIA Southeast Asia and director of the GIA laboratory in Bangkok, will discuss GIA’s research focused on colored stones and pearls, as well as identification and reporting procedures. “GIA’s research in the fields of colored stones and pearls contributes not only to the store of knowledge of these gems, it is integral to our public service mission,” Scarratt said.



Abduriyim, senior research scientist and manager of Colored Stone Services, will discuss the latest updates on synthetic gem-quality diamonds. Synthetic diamond techniques, such as CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) and HPHT (High Pressure / High Temperature), have gained attention in recent years from both the trade and the public.



"Understanding developments in synthetic gems and how to reliably detect them are important for the global gem and jewelry industry,” Abduriyim said.