GIA Alumni Collective - Golden Gate Chapter

09/17/2026

The GIA Alumni Collective, Golden Gate Chapter invite you to “Surprising Facts About Pearls” by Renée Newman on September 24th, 2026

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/surprising-facts-about-pearls-you-may-not-know-tickets-1998546144317

Join Renee Newman into a captivating deep dive in the world of pearls where history, science, rarity and sustainability come together. Renee will uncover the fascinating stories behind natural pearls from California and Mexico, explore the excitement of the American Pearl Rush, reveal some of the highest-priced pearls ever discovered, and share expert insight on distinguishing South Sea pearls from lookalike Chinese freshwater baroque pearls. Renée will also trace the groundbreaking story of how Australia became the first country to successfully produce cultured saltwater round pearls, and highlight the remarkable role pearl oysters play in supporting healthier oceans and a healthier planet. From the divine, to the precious, to signature fashion statements, pearl's mystique continues on. Come join us in creating a fresh dialogue to the pearl story.
During our meet and great time, strands and single pearls from Betty Sue King of Kings Ransom, and Carlos Chanu will be displayed to marvel at and get pricing info.
As a special addition, Renée will be signing copies of her newly released book, “Pearls”, as well as her other books, available for purchase at an exclusive discounted event prices. It’s your opportunity to take home her knowledge, passion, and a personally signed keepsake. Payment will be accepted via cash or personal check.
Here is a list of her many books:
https://reneenewman.com/books.htm
Her pearls book is at
https://www.reneenewman.com/Pearls.htm
When:
Thursday, September 24, 2026
6:15 to 7:00pm - Social Hour & Networking
7:00 to 8:30pm - Presentation and Q & A
Where:
The Commonwealth Club World Affairs Center
312 Sutter Street, Suite 200,
San Francisco, CA, 94108
Cost:
$35, register by September 15 to receive a $5 early bird discount, W**e and Pizza will be available
Kind Reminder:
To respect the speakers’ copyright, this event will not be recorded or shared afterward.
Your registration fees fund GIA Scholarships. First‑time attendees register for free, please email us ([email protected]).
If you will be paying at the door, please email us to RSVP your spot.

09/09/2026

The GIA Alumni Collective, Golden Gate Chapter invite you to “Surprising Facts About Pearls” by Renée Newman on September 24th, 2026

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/surprising-facts-about-pearls-you-may-not-know-tickets-1998546144317

Join Renee Newman into a captivating deep dive in the world of pearls where history, science, rarity and sustainability come together. Renee will uncover the fascinating stories behind natural pearls from California and Mexico, explore the excitement of the American Pearl Rush, reveal some of the highest-priced pearls ever discovered, and share expert insight on distinguishing South Sea pearls from lookalike Chinese freshwater baroque pearls. Renée will also trace the groundbreaking story of how Australia became the first country to successfully produce cultured saltwater round pearls, and highlight the remarkable role pearl oysters play in supporting healthier oceans and a healthier planet. From the divine, to the precious, to signature fashion statements, pearl's mystique continues on. Come join us in creating a fresh dialogue to the pearl story.

During our meet and great time, strands and single pearls from Betty Sue King of Kings Ransom, and Carlos Chanu will be displayed to marvel at and get pricing info.

As a special addition, Renée will be signing copies of her newly released book, “Pearls”, as well as her other books, available for purchase at an exclusive discounted event prices. It’s your opportunity to take home her knowledge, passion, and a personally signed keepsake. Payment will be accepted via cash or personal check.

Here is a list of her many books:
https://reneenewman.com/books.htm

Her pearls book is at
https://www.reneenewman.com/Pearls.htm

When:
Thursday, September 24, 2026
6:15 to 7:00pm - Social Hour & Networking
7:00 to 8:30pm - Presentation and Q & A

Where:
The Commonwealth Club World Affairs Center
312 Sutter Street, Suite 200,
San Francisco, CA, 94108

Cost:
$35, register by September 15 to receive a $5 early bird discount, W**e and Pizza will be available

Kind Reminder:
To respect the speakers’ copyright, this event will not be recorded or shared afterward.
Your registration fees fund GIA Scholarships. First‑time attendees register for free, please email us ([email protected]).
If you will be paying at the door, please email us to RSVP your spot.

07/10/2026

Join us for our next lecture on September 24th, featuring guest speaker Renee Newman on the topic of Pearls. More details coming in August - stay tuned!

We're grateful to everyone who shares our passion for gems and jewelry, and for giving us the opportunity to share our love and knowledge of gemology with you.

Photo credit: https://www.gia.edu/pearl

06/05/2026

Join us June 16th to learn about origin determination techniques used by GIA's Identification Laboratory.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-frontiers-in-geographic-origin-determination-at-gia-tickets-1990601755436

“New Frontiers in Geographic Origin Determination at GIA”
📅 Tuesday, June 16 • 6:15 PM - 8:30 PM
📍 Cornell Hotel • 715 Bush St, San Francisco, CA 94108

Geographic origin is overwhelmingly important in the colored stone trade. Debates on whether or not origin is or should carry such weight, no one can deny its impact. GIA’s Identification Laboratory has rigorously pursued research in geographic origin determination for decades. Origin services started with ruby, sapphire, and emerald, but quickly expanded to red spinel, Paraiba tourmaline, and alexandrite. In the last year, GIA launched four new origin services for fei cui jade, precious opal, demantoid garnet, and peridot. This presentation will outline the process for origin determination for these gems and detail the years of research needed to launch these services.

Dr. Aaron Palke developed an interest in minerals and gemstones searching for agates and other minerals in eastern Montana. Dr. Palke pursued a formal education in geology, obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree from The University of Tulsa and a Ph.D. from Stanford University. He began his gemological career as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Gemological Institute of America where he is now the Senior Manager of Colored Stone Research. In this role, Dr. Palke leads GIA’s research efforts into geographic origin determination for rubies, sapphires, emeralds and other colored stones as well as improving criteria for identification of treatments for colored stones. Dr. Palke is a regular contributor to Gems & Gemology, serves on the journal’s editorial review board, and has acted as a Guest Editor for two special issues of the journal so far.

To respect the speakers’ copyright, this event will not be recorded or shared afterward.
🎓 Your registration fees fund GIA Scholarships.
👶 First‑time attendees register for free, please email us ([email protected]) before registering.
🍷 Beverage will be served.
📅 Register by June 10th to receive a $5 early bird discount.
🚪 If you will be paying at the door, please email us to RSVP your spot.
🗣️ If you know someone who would be a great speaker, we would love to hear from you. Please feel free to reach out at [email protected].

06/01/2026

05/19/2026

Join us May 21 to learn about the art and history of the use of machines in jewelry making.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/by-means-of-tools-metalsmithing-and-machines-tickets-1988352672368?aff=oddtdtcreator

“By Means of Tools - Metalsmithing and Machines”
📅 Thursday, May 21 • 6:15 PM - 8:30 PM
📍 Piedmont Center for the Arts - Piedmont, CA

David Cole will explore the art of the machine, providing an illustrated overview that delves into the intersection of technology and aesthetic expression. He will explore the role of machine tools within the realm of jewelry spanning both historical and modern contexts to show how mechanical precision has evolved. His presentation will detail the use of milling machines, lathes, ornamental turning engines, and pantographs. He will examine significant works produced through these mechanical means, highlighting notable examples by Faberge, Wendy Ramshaw, Friedrich Becker and Cartier. Cole will also discuss the craftsmanship of watch firms like Breguet, who, like Faberge, perfected the art of guilloché—a mechanical engraving technique that creates complex, radiating sunbursts and fabric-like textures, elevating industrial tools to the level of the finest ornamentation. This will be a unique lecture on metalsmithing and jewelry. Following the lecture, we will open it up for a Q & A.

About the Presenter:
David Cole is a practicing metalsmith and Senior Adjunct Professor at California College of the Arts. His work ranges from fine jewelry, made with precious metals, to large-scale public art and architectural details for historic buildings. The importance of craftsmanship and a sense of stewardship for the techniques and tools he has acquired over the last thirty-five years drives his love of making. Recent projects include five new copper roofs and design details for the pagoda at the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park. Currently, he is working with his collaborator, Michael Brown, on a suspended, kinetic sculpture for the City of Lafayette. His work can be seen at www.svartvik.com and www.kinematicslab.com.

🎥 To respect the speakers’ copyright, this event will not be recorded or shared afterward.
🎓 Your registration fees fund GIA Scholarships.
👶 First‑time attendees register for free, please email us ([email protected]) before registering.
🍷 Beverage will be served. Register by May 15 to receive a $5 early bird discount.
🚪 If you will be paying at the door, please email us to RSVP your spot.
🗣️ If you know someone who would be a great speaker, we would love to hear from you. Please feel free to reach out at [email protected]

05/01/2026

Come join us in Piedmont at our next lecture:

By Means of Tools - Metalsmithing and Machines! by David Cole

Piedmont Center for the ArtsPiedmont, CA
Thursday, May 21 • 7 PM - 8:30 PM Lecture

David Cole will explore the art of the machine, providing an illustrated overview that delves into the intersection of technology and aesthetic expression. He will explore the role of machine tools within the realm of jewelry spanning both historical and modern contexts to show how mechanical precision has evolved. His presentation will detail the use of milling machines, lathes, ornamental turning engines, and pantographs. He will examine significant works produced through these mechanical means, highlighting notable examples by Faberge, Wendy Ramshaw, Friedrich Becker and Cartier. Cole will also discuss the craftsmanship of watch firms like Breguet, who, like Faberge, perfected the art of guilloché—a mechanical engraving technique that creates complex, radiating sunbursts and fabric-like textures, elevating industrial tools to the level of the finest ornamentation. This will be a unique lecture on metalsmithing and jewelry. Following the lecture, we will open it up for a Q & A.

David Cole is a practicing metalsmith and Senior Adjunct Professor at California College of the Arts. His work ranges from fine jewelry, made with precious metals, to large-scale public art and architectural details for historic buildings. The importance of craftsmanship and a sense of stewardship for the techniques and tools he has acquired over the last thirty-five years drives his love of making. Recent projects include five new copper roofs and design details for the pagoda at the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park. Currently, he is working with his collaborator, Michael Brown, on a suspended, kinetic sculpture for the City of Lafayette. His work can be seen at www.svartvik.com and www.kinematicslab.com.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/by-means-of-tools-metalsmithing-and-machines-tickets-1988352672368?aff=oddtdtcreator

04/24/2026

You Missed This!

04/24/2026

You missed this! Blackamoor Jewelry with Nia Tahani

04/09/2026

Thursday April 25!
Stewarding Blackamoor Jewelry: A Retrospective of a Beloved and Controversial Jewelry Motif

Thursday, April 23, 2026
6:15 to 7:00pm - Networking
7:00 to 8:30pm - Presentation and Q & A

World Affairs Center/Commonwealth Club in Union Square
at 312 Sutter (at Grant), SF 94108, CA
Parking at Stockton Sutter Garage

Travel through time with estate jewelry dealer, designer, and jewelry historian Nia Tahani of The Gem Corps as we explore the nuance and depth of Blackamoor jewelry. During this lecture, you’ll have the opportunity to see rare pieces of antique and vintage blackamoor jewelry, a form of decorative art depicting people of the African diaspora, and dive deeper into the history, the controversy, and the evolution of the collectors’ sphere. Following the lecture, we'll open it up for a Q&A.

Nia Tahani is a jeweler, matron of decorative arts, and an industry veteran with over 20 years of experience, guided by an insatiable curiosity for timeless pieces. A cross-cultural expert in jade, Blackamoor, and vintage as well as antique jewelry, her work is driven by the belief that adornment is our birthright, relating her passion for jewelry and gemstones through storytelling and deep material knowledge. Nia is also the designer behind Sweet CHAIRiot, a first-of-its-kind culturally informed Modern Heirloom. Connecting the ritual of adornment to art, history, and culture is at the center of everything she does.

When:

Cost: $35
Beverage will be served.

Register by April 15 to receive a $5 early bird discount.

Kind Reminder:
Remember your registration fees fund GIA Scholarships!

First time attendees have free registration, please contact us at [email protected].
If you will be paying at the door, please email us to RSVP your spot.

Registration at Eventbrite
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stewarding-blackamoor-jewelry-tickets-1986209923348?aff=oddtdtcreator

We’re Looking for a Treasurer!

With our current Treasurer relocating, our Chapter is seeking a new volunteer to oversee our finances. We thank her for her dedicated service and are now looking for a member with budgeting experience to help lead our chapter. If you are interested, please feel free to reach out at [email protected]. Thank you!