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.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
TechnologyJun 27, 2025
Gemist Raises $6M in Funding to Scale Jewelry Tech PlatformThe company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.
IndependentsJun 27, 2025
David Webb Announces New Hires, PromotionsFollowing its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.
CollectionsJun 27, 2025
Piece of the Week: Buddha Mama’s ‘Monstera’ Wrap RingThe 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
MajorsJun 26, 2025
Why Rocksbox Is Opening Stores As Signet Jewelers DownsizesRocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.
Weekly QuizJun 26, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsJun 26, 2025
Penny Ruston Dies at 80 The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.
SurveysJun 26, 2025
After Recovering in May, Consumer Confidence Dips in June The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
CollectionsJun 26, 2025
Jam Out With Sorellina’s Jimi Hendrix-Inspired JewelsThe “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.
IndependentsJun 25, 2025
Marissa Collections Opens in Nantucket as Legal Fight ContinuesThe Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.
CrimeJun 25, 2025
Customs Nabs Another Big Shipment of Fake Cartier, Van Cleef JewelryAgents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.
CollectionsJun 25, 2025
Splash into Karina Choudhrie’s Collection of Underwater Circus PerformersThe designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2025
JA Announces Impact Initiative Fund RecipientsThe trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.
SourcingJun 25, 2025
2025 AGTA Spectrum Awards Open for EntriesThe organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.
EditorsJun 24, 2025
The Best New Jewelry from Couture 2025, Part 2Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.
IndependentsJun 24, 2025
Colorado Bench Jeweler Celebrates 50 Years With Local RetailerLori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.
WatchesJun 24, 2025
Citizen’s New ‘Fantastic Four’ Watch Is Literally Super The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.
MajorsJun 24, 2025
Tacori, QVC to Launch Exclusive Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry CollectionThe “XO Tacori” collection was designed to blend luxury and accessible pricing.
GradingJun 23, 2025
GIA Names New President and CEO Pritesh Patel, the lab’s chief operating officer, will take over as president and CEO of GIA.
Recorded WebinarsJun 23, 2025
Watch: Top Trends at Couture, JCK Las Vegas 2025National Jeweler and Jewelers of America discuss the standout jewelry trends and biggest news to emerge from the shows this year.
SourcingJun 23, 2025
Diamond Producers, Organizations to Kick in Money to Promote Natural DiamondsSignatories to the “Luanda Accord” committed to allocating 1 percent of annual diamond revenue to the Natural Diamond Council.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Celebrate 6 Jewelry DesignersThe winning designs captured the “Radiance” theme.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Gem Awards Now Accepting Nominations for 2026Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Dua Lipa Stays On-Trend With Chunky Engagement RingThe singer’s ring ticks off many bridal trends, with a thick band, half-bezel setting, and solitaire diamond.
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yvonne Léon’s ‘Python Gold’ BraceletThe bracelet references vintage high jewelry and snake symbolism as a playful piece where a python’s head becomes a working belt buckle.
CrimeJun 18, 2025
7 Men Indicted in $100M Brinks Jewelry HeistThe heist happened in Lebec, California, in 2022 when a Brinks truck was transporting goods from one show in California to another.
AuctionsJun 18, 2025
Historic ‘Marie-Thérèse Pink’ Diamond Fetches $14M at Christie’sThe 10-carat fancy purple-pink diamond with potential links to Marie Antoinette headlined the white-glove jewelry auction this week.
