SurveysApr 03, 2025
2025 Retail Sales to Grow More Slowly Amid ‘Uncertainty,’ Says NRFThe National Retail Federation expects retail sales growth to return to pre-pandemic levels as consumers continue to face inflation.
GradingNov 22, 2016
Gem Cutting Expert Al Gilbertson Wins Bonanno Award
The Accredited Gemologists Association has chosen the project manager of cut research at the GIA’s Carlsbad laboratory as the recipient of the 2017 Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology.
Al Gilbertson, currently Project Manager, Cut Research at the GIA, will receive the 2017 Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology at the end of the organization’s Tucson conference in February.
San Diego--The Accredited Gemologists Association has announced that Al Gilbertson of the Gemological Institute of America will receive the 2017 Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology.
The Bonanno Award recognizes those who have made significant contributions to the gemological field. Recipients are selected by a majority vote of the AGA membership.
Gilbertson is Project Manager, Cut Research at the GIA’s Carlsbad laboratory, continuing an extensive career that includes contributions in appraisal science, color communication and cut research.
He is also an accomplished gem cutter who grew up in the lapidary business, according to the AGA.
Early in his career, Gilbertson lobbied members of the board of the American Gem Society to establish a new firm designation for independent jewelry appraisers.
In 1992, he and former GIA instructor Jim Coote were the first to receive, and help set the standards for, the Independent Certified Gemologist Appraiser Firm designation. They were also the first independent appraisers to be awarded the title of Certified Gemologist Appraiser by the American Gem Society.
As well as being published, Gilbertson has presented a number of lectures and workshops for jewelers, gemologists and appraisers. He also has several patents pertaining to aspects of gem cutting and light performance.
As a member of the gemological committee that helped set up the AGS lab, he developed the tools that became the core of the AGS ASET light performance model.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
The GIA hired Gilbertson in 2000 to be a part of its team to research diamond cut evaluation, and he became an important part of the group that created the institute’s cut grading system for round brilliant diamonds.
Currently, he is studying the influence of proportions and other factors on the appearance of fancy shape diamonds, working towards a cut grading system for them. His book, American Cut: The First 100 Years, is regarded as the standard work on the subject, AGA said.
“Al Gilbertson continues in a career that has already made an incredible impact on this industry. The generous manner in which he shares his knowledge with both student and veteran industry members alike is clearly appreciated by our members,” AGA President Stuart Robertson said.
The Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology will be presented at AGA’s gala dinner dance at the end of its Tucson conference on Wednesday, Feb. 1. at the Marriott University Park Hotel.
The award includes a personalized plaque and a $2,000 research honorarium funded by the AGA membership.
For additional information or to attend the conference or gala, visit AccreditedGemologists.org or call 619-501-5444.
Previous recipients of the award include Cigdem Lule, Thomas Hainschwang, John Emmett, Emmanuel Fritsch, Thom Underwood, Stuart Robertson, Richard Hughes, Christopher Smith, James Shigley, Shane McClure, Richard Drucker, Alan Jobbins and Antoinette Matlins.
More on Grading
The Latest
TrendsApr 03, 2025
Tallulah Willis Imbues Antique Engagement Ring With MagicThe 4-carat, old mine brilliant-cut diamond engagement ring was co-designed by Willis and New York City-based brand Karina Noel.
SourcingApr 03, 2025
Canadian Mine Produces 158-Carat Yellow Diamond Rio Tinto unearthed the diamond at its Diavik mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories.
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They DeserveBench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.
CollectionsApr 03, 2025
Buccellati to Open Immersive Exhibition in MilanThe multisensory experience, open April 8-13, will feature the brand’s silver creations among dream-like scenes of natural landscapes.
Weekly QuizApr 03, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Policies & IssuesApr 03, 2025
Jewelers of America to Hold Webinar on TariffsThe virtual event will take place April 7 at 3 p.m.
CollectionsApr 02, 2025
Bea Bongiasca’s ‘Tarallo’ Collection Expansion Is a ZooThe pieces in “Animali Tarallo” portray animals from stingrays to elephants through portraits and interpretations of their patterns.
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean MoreNatural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.
MajorsApr 02, 2025
Neiman Marcus’ Dallas Flagship Will Remain Open, For NowParent company Saks Global said the iconic location will be open through the holiday season as it decides what to do with the space.
SourcingApr 02, 2025
Winston’s Collection of Natural Color Diamonds Now on Display in D.C. Ronald Winston, son of Harry Winston, donated the diamonds to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.
Events & AwardsApr 02, 2025
Punchmark to Host Client WorkshopThe educational event will take place in Charlotte, North Carolina, this May.
IndependentsApr 01, 2025
Bergman Jewelers in Omaha Closing After 137 YearsThe independent jeweler first opened its doors in 1888.
MajorsApr 01, 2025
QVC Group to Cut 900 Jobs in the U.S.The layoffs come amid the TV shopping channel’s efforts to restructure and focus on live shopping through social media.
Events & AwardsApr 01, 2025
U.S. Antique Shows Adds Fall Show in FloridaThe debut event will take place in Miami’s Coconut Grove neighborhood this fall.
Events & AwardsApr 01, 2025
TJS to Host Discussion on Jewelry Industry’s Labor ShortageThe roundtable will take place May 17 ahead of the trade show’s welcome dinner.
CollectionsApr 01, 2025
Monica Rich Kosann Says ‘Good Grief’ in Peanuts Jewelry CollectionThe “Peanuts x Monica Rich Kosann” collection features the comic strip’s classic vocabulary across 10 bracelet designs.
Recorded WebinarsMar 31, 2025
Watch: What Do We Mean When We Say ‘Recycled’ Gold?Three industry experts dive into the complexities of the material often marketed as an “ethical” alternative for metal in jewelry.
TrendsMar 31, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Dripping in DiamondsDiamonds are not only one of the most prominent gemstones, but the birthstone for those born in April.
MajorsMar 31, 2025
Lashbrook Expands Into Luxury Golf Gifts With AcquisitionThe Utah-based company known for making wedding bands has acquired Doubloon Golf.
WatchesMar 31, 2025
Bulgari CEO Jean-Christophe Babin Will Also Head LVMH WatchesThe longtime luxury executive led one of LVMH’s watch brands, TAG Heuer, for 12 years before taking over Bulgari in 2013.
CrimeMar 28, 2025
2 Suspects Arrested in $1.7M Smash-and-Grab Robbery of NY Jewelry StoreAuthorities said the robbers fled with jewelry and 70 Rolex watches, later taking pictures of themselves posing with big stacks of cash.
SourcingMar 28, 2025
19th-Century Jade Book Now Available in EnglishLotus Gemology founder Richard W. Hughes has translated Heinrich Fischer’s 1880 book “Nephrit und Jadeit” from its original German.
CollectionsMar 28, 2025
Piece of the Week: Löf’s ‘The Valentine’ RingThe ring's design features contrasting lines influenced by work from architecture-inspired photographer Nikola Olic.
SurveysMar 27, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls in March Amid ‘Gloomy’ OutlookThe Conference Board’s index fell as consumers continued to worry about the impact of tariffs, the labor market, and the price of eggs.
AuctionsMar 27, 2025
300-Year-Old Ring Linked to Witch Trial Judge Goes Unsold at Auction However, two medieval jewels surpassed estimates at Noonans Mayfair’s recent jewelry auction in London.
WatchesMar 27, 2025
Austin Butler Joins Breitling as Brand AmbassadorThe Oscar-nominated actor debuted in the campaign for the new “Top Time B31” collection, which introduced Breitling’s Caliber B31.
SourcingMar 27, 2025
Susan Jacques, Gaetano Cavalieri to Headline 2025 ICA Congress The Congress is scheduled to take place May 19-22 in Brasilia, Brazil.
