GIA GemFest
“GIA’s 75th Year Anniversary Presentation”
Ms. Donna BakerPresident, GIA Carlsbad, California
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM, September 14, 2006 at Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair
Biography:
A GIA Graduate Gemologist, Ms. Baker has served as GIA’s senior vice president and general counsel since 2001. As senior vice president and general counsel, Ms. Baker’s responsibilities have included oversight of GIA’s legal affairs, as well as Human Resources, Operations, Real Estate Planning and Development, Information Technology, and Community Development. In addition, Ms. Baker is responsible for the operation of GIA’s museum and library, as well as a number of special projects. Prior to joining GIA, Ms. Baker was a partner in the law firm of Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP. She is a member of the American Bar Association, California Bar Association, and the American Corporate Counsel Association.
“Research Laboratory Update & GIA’s New Pearl Grading Reports”
Mr. Kenneth Scarratt
GIA Research Director, Thailand
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM, September 14, 2006 at Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair
Biography:
Kenneth Scarratt is GIA’s Director of Research in Thailand. He was previously Laboratory Director for the AGTA Gemological Testing Center in New York City, and prior to this Director of GAGTL in London. Mr. Scarratt has published papers extensively in The Journal of Gemmology (UK), Gems & Gemology (USA) and Co-authored the books: The Crown Jewels, and The Pearls & the Dragon. In addition to his work with diamond, ruby and sapphire, he has studied and visited pearl producing farms in several countries and is a leading authority on natural pearls, both salt and freshwater.
“Gemstone Treatment Disclosure at all Levels of the Trade”
Mr. Roland Naftule
President, Nafco Gems Co., Ltd.
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM, September 14, 2006 at Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair
Biography:
Roland Naftule has been president of Nafco Gems, Ltd. since 1971 and has been in the gem business since 1954. He is a member of the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) and was one of its founding organizers; he has been a member of the AGTA board for 19 years, serving for two years as president (1983-85). Mr. Naftule is also a founding organizer of the International Colored Stone Association (ICA) and served as the first president of this organization from 1984 to 1989.
Mr. Naftule is currently serving on the Board of Governors of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), as the chairman of GIA’s board of governors Colored Gemstone Advisory Committee, and as a GIA representative in CIBJO.
