FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AGTA-GTC and AGL IDENTIFY NEW TANZANITE TREATMENT.

NEW YORK, NY ― 23 May 2008 ― Recently the American Gem Trade Association Gemological Testing
Center (AGTA-GTC) and American Gemological Laboratories (AGL) received a number of faceted
tanzanite samples that were determined to have been coated. Evan Caplan of Omi Gems, Inc. sent
samples to several labs after a light repolishing of a few stones resulted in a noticeable loss of color.

“Until now, we had not identified a coating on tanzanite to improve its color.” indicated Dr. Lore Kiefert,
Director of the AGTA-GTC.

“Although the coating is not immediately obvious, careful examination with a microscope and in
immersion provided clear indications of the coating in most instances.” stated Christopher P. Smith, Vice
President and Chief Gemologist of AGL “This was evidenced by abrasions along facet junctions and at
the culet where the coating had worn off, as well as a subtle iridescence when viewing the surface with
reflected light.” Smith further added.

Advanced analytical testing identified that the coating contained cobalt. “The most reliable means to
substantiate the presence of the coating is the use of X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy.” Kiefert explained
“The coating is colored by cobalt, which is readily detected using this analytical technique.”

Although the gemstone industry has become very familiar with the practice of heating zoisite to achieve
the best violet to blue color in tanzanite, these stones represent the first time either lab has identified a
color-enhancing coating on tanzanite.

The majority of the tanzanite sample was comprised of smaller calibrated stones. Fine color tanzanite in
this size range is rarely sent to a lab and therefore would avoid detection unless closely scrutinized. “This
is just another reminder that each and every gemstone should be fully examined to determine whether or
not it has been treated.” Smith indicated “Today, it is not uncommon to see stones that have been treated
using multiple or compound techniques to achieve a particular result.”

As a closing statement, both Kiefert and Smith emphasized “Any treatment used to modify the color of a
gem should be disclosed. Coatings in particular are not considered permanent and in the U.S. are
required by FTC guidelines to be properly disclosed at the point of sale.”

Figure 1: These two tanzanites were part of a

group of stones recently examined at both the
AGTA-GTC and AGL facilities in New York.
Both were identified as having a thin coating
layer to artificially improve their color.
Photograph by Fred Kahn and Sun Joo Chung.
 Figure 2: The cobalt-coating produced a
subtle iridescence that could be seen when
observing the stone’s surface in reflected
light. The rectangular area near the point of
this facet also highlights an area on the host
tanzanite where the coating did not adhere.
Photomicrograph by Christopher P. Smith

Figure 3: In immersion it was also noted that

along facet junctions and at the culet the color
was lighter. This was a result of where the
coating had been abraded away, revealing the
lighter, inherent color of the tanzanite.
Photomicrograph by Christopher P. Smith

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About American Gem Trade Association-Gem Testing Center

The American Gem Trade Association is a not-for-profit Association serving the natural colored gemstone
and cultured pearl industry since 1981. The AGTA serves the industry as "The Authority in Color" and has
its headquarter office in Dallas, Texas and the world-renowned Gemological Testing Center in New York,
New York (www.agta-gtc.org).

About American Gemological Laboratories

Founded in 1977 by C. R. “Cap” Beesley, American Gemological Laboratories (AGL), a subsidiary of the
publicly traded Collector’s Universe (NASDAQ: CLCT), pioneered the development of the world’s first
comprehensive Colored Stone Grading System (www.aglgemlab.com) AGL has also provided detailed
country of origin and enhancement reports for some of the most prestigious retailers and auction houses
in the world for the past three decades. In 2007, AGL was the designated official North American
laboratory of the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA). In addition, the laboratory is the
official colored gemstone laboratory of the 2007 Fine Jewelry CEO Summit and the JCK Las Vegas
Shows, as well as the 2007 Platinum Sponsor of the ICA World Congress in Dubai.

Contacts:
Dr. Lore Kiefert Christopher P. Smith
Director Vice President and Chief Gemologist
AGTA-GTC AGL
LKiefert@agta-gtc.org chsmith@aglgemlab.com