The Gemological Institute of America’s (GIA) 2004 Museum lecture series, “Gems and Jewelry Brought to Light,” opens March 17 with a seminar on gem discoveries and their impact on jewelry design.

Presented by Christie Romero, a well-known antique jewelry historian, gemologist, lecturer, instructor, and consultant, “Gems and Jewelry: A Timeline of Discoveries and Techniques” will present insights into Romero’s ongoing research. The event will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Romero, who also is an avid jewelry collector, will introduce a timeline that traces the development of gem discoveries, both ancient and modern. In addition, she will discuss jewelry-making techniques throughout history. Covering a wide span of historical perspectives, Romero also will discuss a variety of setting methods, as well as some of the procedures for cutting gems and diamonds.

A graduate of the gemology program at Santiago Canyon College in Orange, Calif., Romero now teaches a semester course in antique and period jewelry there, is on the faculty of the annual summer conference on Antique and Period Jewelry and Gemstones, and has lectured at several national trade conferences. She is the director of the Center for Jewelry Studies, and the author of Warman’s Jewelry, a price and identification guide to 18th-, 19th-, and 20th-century jewelry. The book is now in its third edition.

Romero was a contributing essayist on metalsmithing techniques for the exhibition catalog William Spratling and the Mexican Silver Renaissance, which was published in 2002. She also is an appraiser for PBS’s Antiques Roadshow.

The 2004 lecture series entry fee is $10 per lecture and is open to the public on a space-available basis. Seating is limited.

To RSVP for the upcoming lecture, or to add your name to the lecture series mailing list, call (800) 421-7250, ext. 4169.