The JCK Industry Fund has awarded grant monies to three gemological organizations: EGL-USA, New York; the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), Carlsbad, Calif.; and the American Gem Society (AGS), Las Vegas.

The largest amount, $90,000, went to AGS, with $50,000 earmarked for support of education at the AGS Conclave, an annual membership gathering being held this year in Austin, Texas.

The remaining $40,000 will help fund the AGS Fancy Shape Cut Grade research project, which is refining the AGS Diamond Cut Grading system.

The research will help gather new data on diamond optics and performance as it relates to diamond beauty.

GIA research received $50,000 for its continuing efforts in high-pressure/high-temperature (HPHT) diamond enhancement identification. Since 1999, GIA has recorded data on tens of thousands of known untreated and treated diamonds as a means to develop and refine criteria for HPHT identification.

EGL-USA also was awarded $50,000 to help with ongoing research in the identification of natural and synthetic diamonds that have been modified by HPHT. The lab plans to use the funds for four initiatives: acquiring advanced equipment, research at HPHT processing facilities, study of various types of diamonds before and after HPHT processing, and education and publishing. EGL-USA announced that it will match the grant.