GIA (Gemological Institute of America), together with the Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation, presented the ninth annual Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award for Excellence in Jewelry Design on February 6, 2026, to GIA Carlsbad graduate Catherine “Cathy” Aulick.

George Rossman, a member of the GIA Board of Governors from 1995 to 2007 and professor of mineralogy, emeritus, at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), passed away on February 6 at age 81.

A perfectly shaped euhedral tourmaline crystal is identified in a faceted tourmaline.

An updated edition of Herbert Tillander’s book is now available.

Microscopic examination reveals intriguing growth tubes in a copper-bearing tourmaline.

GIA’s president and CEO Susan Jacques is honored with the Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement.

A pink spinel hosts a richly textured, opaque metallic inclusion.

GIA’s Al Gilbertson receives the American Gem Society’s highest honor.

Multiple vivid blue lazurite inclusions are observed in a near-colorless scapolite.

Examination of four heart-shaped pearls reveals cavity filling and plugging to improve durability.

The blunt termination of a red manganotantalite inclusion displays a striking contrast against a greenish blue sapphire.

A semi-baroque saltwater nacreous pearl presents identification challenges in the Mumbai laboratory.

The date and topic of the 2026 Sinkankas Symposium is announced.

A report on the increase of artificially assembled or altered specimens circulating in Pakistan’s local gem markets.

A precious cat’s-eye boulder opal from Australia is examined in the Carlsbad laboratory.

Fibrous mannardite crystals are observed in three colorless quartz samples.

A pink oval conch pearl displays firework-like flame patterns.

The Carlsbad laboratory reports on a rare submission of orangy red translucent friedelite.