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
AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sThe recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled EmeraldsThe lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.
Weekly QuizJun 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
James Avery to Revamp In-Store Retail ExperienceThe Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
Seahawks’ Super Bowl Ring Blends Meaningful Design, Technical CraftsmanshipThe Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive DirectorMarianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White MetalsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby PricesIts app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are TrendingHere are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Grandview Klein, London Jewelers Partner To Cut 63-Carat RoughThe big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good BoardIlana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyThe men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.
