GradingOct 14, 2021
Here Is the Winner of Gübelin’s 2021 Research ScholarshipEvents & AwardsNov 04, 2021
Register Now for AGA’s Next Gemology Career Forum
The panel features three gemologists specializing in research.
New York—Registration is now open for the Accredited Gemologists Association’s next forum helping gemologists understand their career options.
AGA launched the “What Can You Do with Your Gemology?” series, free and open to all, earlier this year to showcase the various applications for gemological accreditation and careers to consider.
Each will host practicing gemologists in a variety of professions, sharing insights into their paths and answering questions from the audience.
During the upcoming session, slated for Tuesday, Nov. 16 at 8:30 a.m. PST, AGA will highlight three gemologists specializing in research.
E. Billie Hughes, FGA, is a research gemologist and award-winning photomicrographer at Lotus Gemology in Bangkok.
She is an experienced field gemologist and regularly publishes articles and photographs as well as gives talks worldwide.
AGA awarded Hughes with its Gemological Research Grant in 2019 to continue her study of heat treatment in corundum.
Sarah Caldwell Steele, FGA, DGA, is the director of Ebor Jetworks Ltd. in Whitby, England.
She is a leading authority on jet after nearly 40 years of experience collecting, researching, and cutting the material.
AGA launched the “What Can You Do with Your Gemology?” series, free and open to all, earlier this year to showcase the various applications for gemological accreditation and careers to consider.
Each will host practicing gemologists in a variety of professions, sharing insights into their paths and answering questions from the audience.
During the upcoming session, slated for Tuesday, Nov. 16 at 8:30 a.m. PST, AGA will highlight three gemologists specializing in research.
E. Billie Hughes, FGA, is a research gemologist and award-winning photomicrographer at Lotus Gemology in Bangkok.
She is an experienced field gemologist and regularly publishes articles and photographs as well as gives talks worldwide.
AGA awarded Hughes with its Gemological Research Grant in 2019 to continue her study of heat treatment in corundum.
Sarah Caldwell Steele, FGA, DGA, is the director of Ebor Jetworks Ltd. in Whitby, England.
She is a leading authority on jet after nearly 40 years of experience collecting, researching, and cutting the material.
Steele earned a degree in geology from the U.K.’s Durham University in 1992 and is currently pursuing a PhD in research related to jet.
Wim Vertriest, GG and FGA, holds a master’s degree in geology, specializing in geodynamics and geofluids.
He currently serves as the manager of field gemology at GIA Bangkok, where he oversees the colored stone research collection.
Vertriest has participated in several field expeditions to gem mining areas around the globe and authored and co-authored numerous published articles.
Those interested in attending the session with Hughes, Steele, and Vertriest can register online.
The inaugural session of the “What Can You Do with Your Gemology?” series featured Adrian Smith, FGA, an independent jewelry valuer in Scotland; Stuart Robertson, GG, vice president and research director of Gemworld International; Jill Burgum, GG, fine jewelry director for Heritage Auctions; and Art Samuels, GG, a high-end estate jewelry buyer and seller.
The recording of that panel can still be watched online.
Related stories will be right here …
Wim Vertriest, GG and FGA, holds a master’s degree in geology, specializing in geodynamics and geofluids.
He currently serves as the manager of field gemology at GIA Bangkok, where he oversees the colored stone research collection.
Vertriest has participated in several field expeditions to gem mining areas around the globe and authored and co-authored numerous published articles.
Those interested in attending the session with Hughes, Steele, and Vertriest can register online.
The inaugural session of the “What Can You Do with Your Gemology?” series featured Adrian Smith, FGA, an independent jewelry valuer in Scotland; Stuart Robertson, GG, vice president and research director of Gemworld International; Jill Burgum, GG, fine jewelry director for Heritage Auctions; and Art Samuels, GG, a high-end estate jewelry buyer and seller.
The recording of that panel can still be watched online.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
PodcastsAug 20, 2026
Episode 8: Diamond Industry Update With David Bonaparte & Ronnie VanderLindenThe industry veterans join the podcast to discuss diamond marketing, the FTC Jewelry Guides, and lobbying for lower tariffs.
TechnologyAug 20, 2026
A New AI-Powered Gemstone Identification App Is HereFounder Vik Westermann said the app is a “starting point” to inspire people to work with appraisers and gem labs, not replace them.
AuctionsAug 20, 2026
Storied Unicorn Brooch Up for Auction Gallops to New Home The Verdura brooch, which belonged to the late Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, was sold to a private collector in Asia.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
MajorsAug 20, 2026
Plumb Club Elects 2026-2027 BoardSteven Lerche is now beginning his term as the youngest member to become president of The Plumb Club’s elected executive committee.
Weekly QuizAug 20, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Mike Alexander To Succeed Scott Murphy as Jewelers Mutual CEO Murphy will retire at the end of the year and Alexander, currently the company’s president, will take over at the start of 2027.
Policies & IssuesAug 19, 2026
Spinelli Kilcollin Embraces Dupes With Trade-In ProgramThe jeweler is encouraging customers who own lookalike rings to come into the store and trade them for credit towards an authentic piece.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Zales Wants You to Wear Fine Jewelry Every DayThe new campaign, “You Are The Occasion,” discourages shoppers from saving their fine jewelry for special occasions only.
SourcingAug 19, 2026
Vasant Mehta, a Dedicated Diamond Industry Leader, Dies at 81Mehta led India’s GJEPC through the 2008 financial crisis and was respected worldwide for his wisdom, integrity, and knowledge.
CrimeAug 18, 2026
2 California Men Arrested in Fatal Vehicle Smash RobberyOne is the driver who allegedly crashed a car into a Sacramento jewelry store in April, striking a 71-year-old employee who later died.
ColumnistsAug 18, 2026
Peter Smith: The IKEA Effect and Bridal Branding In a new column, Peter Smith posits that people actually enjoy putting together IKEA furniture, and the same is true for engagement rings.
CrimeAug 18, 2026
Thieves Snatch $1M in Jewelry From New Jersey Jeweler9lakha Jewelers in Iselin, New Jersey, was the target of a smash-and-grab robbery on Aug. 8.
Lab-GrownAug 18, 2026
Ring Concierge, Kendall Jenner’s Tequila Brand Collab on GiveawayThe jeweler has partnered with 818 Tequila to gift lab-grown diamond studs to a bride-to-be and their bridal party.
CollectionsAug 17, 2026
Marquise Diamonds Dance in Spinelli Kilcollin’s ‘Wren’ CollectionMarquise-cut diamonds in drop charms are the center of the new collection, reflecting the movement of a dancer in modular styles.
Events & AwardsAug 17, 2026
There’s a New Jewelry Show Coming to FloridaThe inaugural Fort Lauderdale Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show will be held from Jan. 28 through Feb. 1, 2027.
IndependentsAug 14, 2026
Smyth Jewelers to Open Fourth LocationThe family-owned jeweler will open a new showroom in Bel Air, Maryland, this fall.
CrimeAug 14, 2026
Wife of Man Convicted in Jeweler’s Murder Sentenced for Conspiracy Amanda Ileana Hernandez is married to Carlos Hernandez, one of two men in prison for the 2024 murder of Michigan jeweler Hussein Murray.
TrendsAug 14, 2026
Paul Morelli’s Latest ‘Wavey Vine’ Earrings Embrace ColorThe reimagined jewel, our Piece of the Week, trades the diamonds in the original 1998 design for blue, pink, yellow, and green sapphires.
Supplier BulletinAug 13, 2026
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSponsored by American Gem Trade Association
FinancialsAug 13, 2026
Pandora’s ‘Talisman’ Collection Shines, Lab-Grown Diamond Sales FallIn the United States, second-quarter sales were flat amid soft consumer sentiment and lower in-store traffic.
AuctionsAug 13, 2026
This Gold Cadbury ‘Conundrum’ Egg Set a World Auction RecordThe 22-karat gold egg, sold at Batemans Auctioneers in the U.K., was part of a 1980s treasure hunt ad campaign for Cadbury Creme Eggs.
SourcingAug 13, 2026
2,488-Carat Diamond, Largest Found in Botswana, Has a New Owner Lucara Diamond Corp., which recovered the “Motswedi” diamond from the Karowe mine, sold the stone for an undisclosed amount.
CollectionsAug 13, 2026
John Hardy Infuses ‘Icon,’ ‘Heishi’ Collections with ColorThe expanded collections now feature hand-cut gemstones like topaz, tanzanite, chrysoprase, chalcedony, smoky quartz, and fire opal.
Lab-GrownAug 13, 2026
Jean Dousset Opens Third StoreThe lab-grown diamond jewelry brand’s newest boutique is in Westfield Valley Fair in Santa Clara, California.
SourcingAug 12, 2026
Eshed-Gemstar on the Painstaking Process of Cutting ‘The Legacy Emerald’The gemstone supplier and manufacturer acquired the remarkable 104-gram Zambian emerald at Gemfields’ auction in May.
CrimeAug 12, 2026
Elderly NYC Woman Targeted in Jewelry Swap SchemeTwo suspects offered to trade the woman a “winning” lottery ticket for her jewelry.
