CARLSBAD, Calif. – Feb. 16, 2010 – The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Thailand will host its 33rd Gemstone Gathering on Feb. 24. Richard W. Wise, a graduate gemologist and president of R.W. Wise, Goldsmiths, Inc., will share his experiences as a gem explorer and author.
Wise, who began his career as a goldsmith, has traveled from the ruby mines of upper Burma to the Australian outback and the Brazilian hinterland to the black pearl farms of Tahiti, in search of rare and beautiful gemstones. He has interviewed some of the world’s foremost gemstone experts and received entrée to many private collections. Wise recently completed his first novel, “The French Blue,” based on the life of 17th century gem dealer Jean-Baptiste Tavernier.
In his Secrets of the Gem Trade: The Connoisseur's Guide to Precious Gemstones, he presents a variation of the classic Four Cs applied to grading diamonds, which he calls “The Four Cs of Connoisseurship” or the four factors for quality grading colored gemstones and pearls. He will discuss the history and use of these four factors as they relate to grading ruby and sapphire.
The event begins at 6 p.m. in the Pacific Rooms 1-3 of the Pan Pacific Bangkok Hotel, on 952 Rama IV Road, Bangkok 10500. Light refreshments will be served.
Attendees will be eligible to enter a drawing to win an autographed copy of The French Blue.
Due to limited seating, an RSVP must be received by Feb. 23 to the GIA Laboratory Bangkok on 02 632 4090, or call the GIA Thailand Campus on 02 237-9575 or e-mail www.giathai.net or visit www.giathailand.com.
