MAGNIFICENT gem and jewelry collections, renowned world leaders including former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, entertainer Chris Isaak, innovation expert Sir Ken Robinson, and luminaries from the world-wide fine jewelry industry converged in Carlsbad, California on Sunday evening, August 27th, 2006 to celebrate the 75th Diamond Anniversary of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in a private event.

Over 1,330 jewelers, designers, and gem scientists from 42 countries gathered for this star-studded and glittering private gala held on the 30-acre international headquarters of the GIA to celebrate the Institute�s 75th anniversary.

The gala evening featured a special, limited-engagement exhibit of more than $50 million worth of extraordinarily rare gems and jewelry, including a 108 carat, D-flawless diamond from the Steinmetz Group, a leading provider of some of the world�s largest diamonds and key sponsor of the event.

Other notable jewelry on display included a diamond, ruby, and pearl brooch worn by Madeleine Albright when she was sworn in as the 64th Secretary of State of the United States in 1997, the Cartier 98.6 carat Bismarck Sapphire necklace on loan from the Smithsonian Institution, and the 75.47 carat Hooker Emerald Brooch from Tiffany, also on loan from the Smithsonian.
Ms. Albright, the keynote speaker of the Institute�s educational program, tied her insightful views on global politics to her personal passion for gems and jewelry. "Its no surprise to this audience that gems and jewelry can be used as forms of communication," she said.

The glamorous Nadja Swarovski, vice president of the global family-owned Swarovski crystal and gem business, traveled from London to address guests. Executives from the entire spectrum of the fine jewelry world attended, including those from Tiffany, Cartier, Van Cleef and Arpels, Graff, Martin Katz, and David Yurman to name a few. Entertainment during the event included a remarkable "Living Fountain," a live female statue ablaze in diamonds; the astounding musical group String Theory; and Grammy Award-nominated rocker Chris Isaak, who performed a birthday tribute to the GIA. A dazzling fireworks display that lit up the night sky and mirrored the glittering gems worn by the guests topped the evening.