Fifth Annual Sinkankas Symposium

March 27, 2007

Attention Jade friends,

I want to call your attention to an event that is coming very soon, but you can still attend. It's the FIFTH ANNUAL SINKANKAS SYMPOSIUM held at GIA in Carlsbad, CA. It's an all-day event on Saturday, April 21, 2007 and I'll place a registration form below. You'll have to get your forms in fast because the event does fill up. I recommend that you call Anne Schafer at (858) 586-1637 or [email removed]. Tell her you want to come, you're part of Friends of Jade, and you would like to reserve a place and will get your money in before the deadline.

This is the first time that the entire day will be on JADE. It is an important event for all of us and one not to be missed.

Here is the registration information:

FIFTH ANNUAL SINKANKAS SYMPOSIUM - JADE

Co-hosts: San Diego Mineral & Gem Society - and - Gemological Institute of America.
Date: Saturday, April 21, 2007
Time: Badging, coffee & donuts, 8 to 9 a.m. - Symposium begins at 9 a.m. sharp.
Place: GIA World Headquarters, 5345 Armada Drive, Carlsbad, CA

Speakers and tentative topics:

Fred Ward - author & photographer - Jades of the World
Si Frazier - author - Nomenclature of Jade
Don Kay - Mason Kay, importers - Burmese Jadeite Jewelry
Dale Blankenship - carver - Carving Jade
John Koivula - gemstone inclusion expert - Microworld of Jade
Mary Lou Ridinger - Guatemalan jade expert - Current Guatemalan Jade Market
Richard Hughes - author and gem authority - Burmese Jade Deposits
George Rossman - mineralogist, Cal Tech - Causes of Color in Jade

One or more speakers may be added or deleted by event organizer, Roger Merk.

Format: A full day of presentations covering topics suitable for novice and experts alike, plus displays, handouts, coffee & donuts in the morning, and a nice lunch at noon.