GIA reaches out to pearl-producing Indonesia
CARLSBAD, Calif., October 23, 2012 – GIA (Gemological Institute of America) will bring its gem and jewelry expertise to the Indonesian trade when it takes part for the first time in the Surabaya International Jewellery Fair (SIJF).
Representatives from GIA in Thailand will be available at Booth B19 from Oct. 25-28, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. to answer any questions about the Institute’s education and laboratory services.
Indonesia is a significant contributor to the global pearl market, and GIA’s participation in the fair aligns with its ongoing effort to bring its industry-leading laboratory services, educational programs and research efforts to the world’s leading gem markets.
Indonesia is one of the largest producers of white South Sea cultured pearls, which come from one of the world’s largest pearl oyster (Pinctada maxima); produces cultured pearls that can measure 15 mm or larger; and is a significant source for natural pearls from a variety of mollusks.
GIA will be on hand at the jewelry fair to better acquaint this pearl-producing region with GIA’s Pearl Reports and GIA’s 7 Pearl Value Factors, a pearl description system that evaluates the quality of pearls by Size, Shape, Color, Luster, Surface, Nacre and Matching.
Pearl Reports issued by the institute – the Pearl Identification Report and the Pearl Classification Report – objectively evaluate these gems and increase consumer confidence when purchasing jewelry.
“It’s important to bring GIA’s programs to significant producing regions like Indonesia, which is why we are here at SIJF for the very first time,” said Kenneth Scarratt, managing director of Southeast Asia for GIA and director of the GIA laboratory in Bangkok.
“A pearl’s wonder, beauty and appeal come from its organic origins – from a living animal, a mollusk. This is something you don’t find in any other gemstone.”
Representatives from GIA in Thailand will be on-hand at the 17th SIJF, held in the ballroom of the Shangri-La Hotel in Surabaya, Indonesia, to answer questions about pearl education and services, as well as diamond and colored stone services.
For more information, contact the GIA laboratory in Bangkok at 02-632-4090; the Thailand campus at 02-632-4590; or visit www.giathai.net/news.php.
