Tucson Feb 2008: Pearl Walk Schedule

[GemGeek]

That's right, PearlGully! I knew there would be a general session for Elisabeth Strack. They'll expect to see an AGTA badge, but people walk in without them all the time. You just have to find the Maricopa room and walk in like you mean it.

On Monday the 11th at 9:00 a.m. is Betty Sue King's pearl lecture. It will be less technical and will cover a wide range with great photos. And Betty Sue is terrific

For those of you who would like to take the GIA Pearl Grading lab, you can take that for a fee. When you complete both the lab and the distance learning course - and pass the exam, you will receive a Pearls Diploma from the GIA. Is that cool, or what?

Unfortunately for Pearl Walking, I'm going to be in conferences the first three days I'm in Tucson and then I'll be showing a friend around, so I'm not sure how much I can attend. We have to meet for drinks or lunch, or something!

AGTA will have the Galatea carved pearls with the gems inside in the designer gallery and Betty Sue's "King's Ransom" booth will have specialty pearls like Kasumis that you also won't want to miss.

If you want to scope things out, Google the website for Colored Stone Magazine, where you can find a link to the Tucson Show Guide online.

 

[Caitlin]

Last year the AGTA-sponsored Strack lecture was free and open to anyone who knew about it.

It looks like the same this year....

Gail
I couldn't find the webpages that list it. Did you?\

Never mind
Here it is

Saturday February 9.
Distinguishing Cultured Pearls
(Maricopa Room, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.)
Elisabeth Strack, Gemmologisches Institut Hamburg, Germany. Intermediate - Advanced. The lecture gives a clear overview of how to distinguish between marine cultured pearls of different countries of origin (Akoyas from Japan, China and Vietnam; South Sea cultured pearls from well known sources like Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines, and lesser known sources like the Red Sea) and freshwater cultured pearls from China and Japan, with and without a mother-of-pearl nucleus. Their individual pearl characteristics such as size, shape and color will be listed and it will be shown where they overlap and how they affect prices in different ways. Traditional, known producing techniques will be compared with more recent techniques. Methods of distinction with the naked eye and Gemmological testing methods will be presented.

This is the day to be in Tucson! Jeremy came for the Strack lecture last year. Maybe this year too?

 

[GemGeek]

You can see a lot in a weekend in Tucson, so if you have any frequent flier miles stored up, now's the time to use them. Rooms will start to get scarce now. The AGTA website has a travel agent that has rooms set aside and anyone can use them. Go to www.agta.org and click on Trade Shows, then Tucson, where you should find a link.

Good Luck
Blaire

 

[Caitlin]

I just noticed the calendar works again. Right now it only has birthdays on it, automatically posted if you filled out that slot in your profile. I am going to add in the events for the Gem Show. I think this style of calendar can be accessed by members, so we can all use it to post pearly events.

 

[danachit]

Oh no!

I think I want to go!

And it's so overwhelming! The Strack lecture looks great. What do yall bring to carry your purchases in? If I just came for the weekend would that be good? I have an extended California trip later that week, so a couple of days is the best I could do. Advice needed I think.

 

[GemGeek]

I bring a wheeled bag with a telescoping handle. You can leave it in the trunk of your car until you need it. Pearls are very heavy, especially after you've carried them in a bag for a couple of hours.

Shows like the Holidome practically beg you to buy gemstone beads and pearls in quantity and it takes a very long time to see the show. They are also more protected in a case. Freshwaters can scratch each other by rubbing, so the more stationary they are, the better.

If you are coming from a long distance, you should buy enough to make it worth your while.

 

[GemGeek]

The perfect time for a group photo!

 

[youngster]

So jealous, wish I could go, but I'll enjoy reading your posts when you all get back!

 

[danachit]

Okay, I've read over the info yall listed about the show and I think I do want to go, but only for 2-3 days. Can someone here give me some advice on when that should be?

A pearl lab?! Oh heavens above! When is that?

And the best lecture? That too!


And the DruzyDesigns! I'm calling the Visa company ahead of time to warn them of the charges!

So ... I need advice on when I should come. I have business credentials, btw. Where are yall staying too?

 

[GemGeek]

The GIA Pearl Grading Lab is on Friday Feb 8th, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The tuition is $225.00. If you would like to get a GIA Pearl Diploma, you need the lab and a correspondence course (which is in the process of being revised). You can take the lab now and take the written course later when the new one comes out.

Elisabeth Strack's lecture "Distinguishing Cultured Pearls" is on Saturday Feb 9th from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

For more information, go to www.agta.org and click on trade shows, Tucson. There is a travel agent who can help you find a motel on the shuttle route. To get the lay of the land, I recommend the Tucson Show Guide, found on www.colored-stone.com.

Have fun

 

[danachit]

Thank you so much for that info Gemgeek. Do you know where I can get some specifics about that lab? I've looked on GIA's site and the show site and can't find it.

 

[GemGeek]

It works as a stand-alone course (the lab). They teach about pearls, how they form, the different types, etc. The bulk of it is teaching about the seven pearl factors and then letting you handle samples and judge the factors yourself (shape, surface quality, etc.). The handouts include a killer color chart. They don't teach letter grades for pearls, but the combination of factors will allow you to factually evaluate or describe pearls. This was my first GIA course and I loved it.

 

[pattye]

Hi Danachit,

I think GIA is pretty much closed over the holidays, and will be open Jan 2nd. Look on their site under education then classes and labs, as I recall. Think I will take the course when it is here in Portland OR in March '08. They will offer at other locations throughout the country too. Try calling 1-800-421-7250. Good Luck!

Pattye
so many pearls, so little time

 

[Ingykiz]

To all of those going to Tucson, I would love to join you at least one day. I am about 2 hours driving distance to Tucson and am pretty flexible as to when I can go. I don't bead,(someday I hope to learn!).
I don't have a tax ID, I just love pearls! I love to read about them, look at them, and buy them! My poor hubby says we are "pearl poor" but is very proud when my pearls are admired when we go out. My friends say I am a pearl "rockstar" because I wear them almost everyday in some form or fashion. Anytime I could join the group would work for me, as this is what I asked for from "Santa".

 

[Bo Perry]

Magical Gifts Of Nature

Magical Gifts Of Nature

CULTURED PEARL ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA PRESENTS
MAGICAL GIFTS OF NATURE
IN A
TRAVELING EXHIBITION OF EXTRAORDINARY
AND
INCREDIBLE
CULTURED
AND NATURAL
PEARLS


The CPAA Board of directors is proud to announce that the first ever traveling exhibition will make its premier at the AGTA Tucson Show in February 6th ? 11th, 2008.
The exibitition consists of the CPAA?s members most extraordinary and incredible cultured and natural pearls. The CPAA exhibit will be on the main floor of the exhibition hall and forms a pavilion area with the Smithsonian exhibit. On display will be various types of extraordinary pearls never exhibited in public together as a group before.

For more information contact: Kathy Grenier or Bo Perry at 888-32-PEARL Kathy@cpaa.org Boperry@cpaa.org

 

[Caitlin]

I have updated previous posts with the latest info. Any additions or corrections-let me know...

Jeremy wants to have a meet and greet. Date not set in stone yet, but perhaps The Saturday of the Strack Lecture?

 

[Caitlin]

GIA pearl grading lab class $225.00
Friday Feb 8, 9AM-4PM TCC Convention Center- Coconino room
To register call 800-421-7250 ext 4001 or www.gia.edu

Friday Feb 8 GIA alumni party. Paid event at the GIA lounge in the Marriott University Park Hotel. For those to whom this applies. unfortunately -not me though I got their brochure .

I'll add more details, later.

 

[kojimapearl]

Pearl Walk 2008

Pearl Walk 2008

Hello, My name is Sarah Canizzaro, of Pacific Pearls and Kojima Company. Until now I have been a silent observer on this forum. Our companies will be exhibiting at the Tucson show this coming February. Starting at the Riverpark Inn booth #CP24 on the 2nd, and as well at the GJX booth #107, starting on the 6th. Carolyn Ehret mentioned that you will be stopping by our booth on your walk. I look forward to meeting you all face to face. As a family we are three generations in the pearl industry, I am sure we will have lots to talk about. Please feel free if you have any questions prior to the event..
Cheers, and a pearly grin!
Sarah
kojima88@hotmail.com

 

[GemGeek]

I love the Kojima Pearl website, where I like to visit the kasumi photos.

 

[pbazar]

Imperial

Imperial

We have made one of the largest purchases of loose Tahitian pearls and have been busy transforming them into strands and other lots. In addition we will have Gem Eyris Blue Pearls from New Zealand as well as Pearls and Keshi from the Cook Islands and much more. Stop by Imperial at Booth 325 at the AGTA.