The GemFest Hong Kong will start at 8:30 a.m. with a continental breakfast, followed by the GemFest presentation at 9:00 a.m., then followed by the Q&A period. The event will end at 10:30 a.m.

This is a free event, but interested persons should register online by Sept. 12 at www.gia.edu/alumni or giahk@netvigator.com. The phone number in Hong Kong is +852-2303-0075.

GIA alumni who attend this event will receive six Carat Points. The Carat Point System of Recognition is an award system that bestows points for GIA Alumni-approved career-enhancing activities and then permanently records them. Carat Point values are awarded to GIA Alumni Association members who participate in approved activities such as attending GIA Alumni and professional events; becoming a chapter officer; reading and acknowledging select articles from Gems & Gemology, The Loupe: GIA World News, GIA Insider and successfully completing the G&G challenge.

About GIA:

An independent nonprofit organization, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is recognized as the world's foremost authority in gemology. Established in 1931, GIA has translated its expert knowledge into the most respected gemological education available. Early in the 1950s, GIA invented the famous Four Cs of Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat Weight. In 1953, the Institute created the International Diamond Grading System^TM which, today, is recognized by virtually every professional jeweler in the world.

Through research, education, gemological laboratory services, and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science, and professionalism. GIA can be found on the web at www.gia.edu. Media queries contact: Laura Simanton 760-603-4112 or Jessica Sachariason, 760-603-4197.