RAPAPORT...  SAN DIEGO, Calif. - Jan. 14, 2009 - The Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) of San Diego and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Alumni Association announced today that they will be hosting the lecture, “A Photo Safari of Gemstones of the World” on January 22 in Carlsbad, California. The featured guest speaker will be Robert Weldon, manager of GIA Photography and Visual Communications.

The seminar will provide an overview of which gems will be popular at the upcoming Tucson trade shows in February. Weldon will also share his experiences and photographs from visiting different and far-reaching gemstone localities around the world.

Weldon has more than 17 years experience reporting on and photographing gemstones. His photos have appeared in scores of publications and books. He has traveled to many remote regions that are the sources of highly treasured gemstones; these include Myanmar (Burma), East Africa, India, Thailand, Russia, Sri Lanka and South America.

“Robert brings a wide range of knowledge to help further educate jewelry professionals and the public,” said Alexandra Hart, president of WJA San Diego. “His travel and experiences will be of great interest to anyone in the industry, especially in advance of the AGTA Tucson gem show.” Hart added, “In addition, his many years of reporting have given him a special insight into the gem and jewelry industry and what makes it run -- and, he makes it all very entertaining.”

This event is scheduled for Jan. 22, 2009, at 7 p.m. at the Sheraton Carlsbad Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, California, and will be open to WJA members, non-members, guests, GIA alumni and students. Cost is $10 for WJA members, GIA alumni and students; $15 for non-members and/or guests at the door.

To RSVP to this lecture and for more information on WJA San Diego, visit www.wjasd.memberlodge.com. For more information on a WJA San Diego membership, e-mail Dani Oliver at wjamembership@gmail.com.

About WJA:
WJA, founded in 1983, is the preeminent association of professional women in the jewelry, watch and related businesses.  Through the national organization, headquartered in Chicago Ridge, IL, and a network of 13 regional chapters, members benefit from educational and networking opportunities, scholarships, design competitions and recognition programs, such as its annual Awards for Excellence Dinner.  For information about WJA, visit www.womensjewelry.org .

For more information about membership in WJA San Diego, visit www.wjasd.memberlodge.com .