Utah
May 30: Nineteen people in the Utah chapter – including several new members – met in Orem, Utah to tour Sundance Diamonds, a high pressure/high temperature (HPHT) diamond-processing facility that treats natural diamonds. Sundance Manager Russ Myers gave a presentation on the history of HPHT technology, and attendees viewed examples of treated diamonds.

J.J. Wall, G.G., G.J., and Jill Gatzemeir on the Utah chapter's tour of the Sundance Diamonds HPHT diamond-processing facility. Photo courtesy of Matt Winward

Alumni also saw a demonstration of how diamond cutter drill bits are made and learned the steps to make a synthetic diamond cutter.

Chapter president Matt Winward thought it was the chapter's best meeting yet, and attendees agreed it was educational.

"HPHT is here to stay and we as jewelers and gemologists need to understand what it is and how it affects the market," Winward said. "Education is the key to this understanding and I'm glad the GIA alumni in Utah have a greater understanding of this process. We learned some things here tonight that we will be able to use in the workplace."

Contact: President Matt Winward, G.G., at (801) 628-4785 or e-mail:  mattwinward@hotmail.com .

Texas – Lone Star
May 20: The chapter held its quarterly meeting at San Antonio's Dominion Country Club, where alumni enjoyed Sunday brunch and a presentation by Pamela Welborn, G.G.

Texas – Lone Star chapter officers (clockwise from top left) Secretary Ana M. Crawford, G.G.; President Davena Liepman, A.J.P., G.G.; Treasurer Robert Hord; and Vice President Jeanie Hord-Bellows. Photo courtesy of Jeanie Hord-Bellows

"The meeting was very informative and filled with a dynamic and diverse group of professionals," said Mark Alonso, G.G. "I feel proud to call myself a member."

Contact: President Davena Liepman, A.J.P., G.G., at (817) 999-3800 or e-mail:  president@lonestargia.com.