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Friday, March 18, 2011

Koivula to Present Gemstone Lecture at Bowers Museum

John Koivula
If you live in Southern California or if you will be in the area tomorrow there is a lecture on gemstone inclusions that may be of interest.

John Koivula, the Gemological Institute of America chief gemologist will present “Macro and Micro: Inclusions and Gem Formation,” on March 19 at Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, Calif. The presentation will be followed by a reception.

The event, part of GIA’s Distinguished Lecture Series, gives attendees the opportunity to gain first-hand insight from Koivula, whose decades of gemstone experience began with a childhood interest in the science of inclusions in gems and minerals. His career not only includes extensive work in inclusion research and microscopy, but also the development of several useful illumination techniques applicable to gemology. He introduced fiber optic illumination and discovered many of the micro-characteristics routinely used in the separation of treated stones from natural gems.

The author or co-author of more than 800 articles on gemstone inclusions and related topics, Koivula also worked with the late Edward J. Gübelin to create all three volumes of Photoatlas of Inclusions in Gemstones. Koivula’s book, The MicroWorld of Diamonds, covers the microscopic world of natural diamonds, synthetics, simulants and enhancements. He has been a contributor to several other books, including the Glossary of Geology, the fifth edition of Robert Webster's Gems: Their Sources, Descriptions and Identification, GIA’s Diamond Dictionary and Geologica: Earth’s Dynamic Forces.

Koivula, who has earned numerous awards and distinctions, was also instrumental in the development of the “MacGyver” television series for Paramount Studios and ABC, and worked as the scientific and technical advisor on the show.

The lecture will begin at 1:30 p.m. on March 19. Tickets, which include admission to the lecture, reception and all-day access to the museum, can be purchased in advance for $25 from Lesley Ann Hamilton at lahamilton@bowers.org, or by phone at (714) 567-3602. Lecture-only tickets are $15 ($12 for Bowers members) and can be purchased on the museum website.

Bowers Museum is located at 2002 North Main Street, Santa Ana, Calif.