Two noted authorities from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) will be featured at “GemFest Basel 2002” in conjunction with Messe Basel’s World Watch and Jewellery Show, in Basel, Switzerland. The latest developments in gemology and insights into the changing business climate in the jewelry industry will be the focus of the event. Sponsored by the GIA Alumni Association, GIA GemFest Basel 2002 will begin at 4 p.m., April 6 at the Basel Convention Center. The event is free for industry members and GIA Alumni.

John Koivula, G.G., chief research gemologist for the GIA Gem Trade Laboratory, will kick off the educational forum with a gemological update. His presentation will focus on how the U.S. Postal Service’s irradiation of mail affects gem materials, the detection of heat treatment in pink sapphires and rubies from Madagascar, and laser drilling of diamonds.

GIA’s Senior Industry Analyst Russell Shor will be the keynote speaker of the panel presentation, “Doing Business in a Changing Economy.” Chaim Even-Zohar, publisher and managing director of Mazal U’ Bracha Diamonds, will moderate the panel, which will include Peter Gross of ABN AMRO Bank N.V., Stephen Lussier of DTC, Stefan Mayer of Ringexperte Haintz Mayer O.H.G., Gerhard Moser of Signity Middle East FZE, Pascal Mouawad of Mouawad USA, Inc., Matthew Stuller of Stuller Settings Inc. and Wilma Viganó of Platinum Guild International Italia.

GIA Alumni Association members who attend the free educational seminar will receive six Carat Points toward the GIA Alumni Association’s Circle of Achievement. All who attend GemFest 2002 are also invited to the GIA Reception and Alumni Reunion that immediately follows, where GIA leaders will also make a brief presentation.

“GemFest 2002 will help attendees improve their businesses by giving them an insider’s view of what’s going on in the economy as a whole and in the jewelry business economy in particular,” said Patrick Ball, director of GIA’s Alumni Association. “The reception will be a great opportunity for people to discuss what they heard in the GemFest seminars. GIA colleagues, friends, and alumni also get to reconnect with our European Alumni members.”

Admission is free; however, space is limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. To register for the event, visit www.giaedu/alumni, or e-mail events@gia.edu, or call 760-603-4204 by March 29.

JCK