Events & AwardsDec 03, 2021
JA New York's Spring Show to Return in 2022Events & AwardsDec 13, 2021
Here’s What AGA Has on Tap for Its 2022 Tucson Conference
It will return to an in-person format but will also be livestreamed for global participation.
San Diego—The Accredited Gemologists Association is gearing up for its next Tucson conference.
It will return to an in-person format in 2022, but for the first time the organization also will livestream the event to allow for global participation from those not in attendance.
The event is slated for Wednesday, Feb. 2 at the Tucson Marriott University Park Hotel and will feature six speakers.
Al Gilbertson will lead a session called “Introduction to Jewelry Forensics,” which will help participants establish a framework to recognize where in the process of evaluating jewelry they need to gain more knowledge. It will teach “jewelry forensics” basics like identifying hand-fabricated components, cast components, CAD/CAM manufactured components, and cast-in-place gemstones.
Dr. Thomas Hainschwang will speak on “The Ethical and Ecological Issues of Natural and Synthetic Diamonds, Facts and Fiction,” in which he will discuss the published results of recent scientific studies comparing the ecological and ethical impact of natural and lab-grown diamonds on the market and the world.
Brad Wilson will cover “Colorful Treasures from Canada,” illustrating the many gemstones the country has to offer.
Due to COVID 19 protocols, AGA’s traditional hands‐on sessions have been restructured as interactive practical workshops.
“Chasing Rainbows—Light at the End of Your Spectroscope” by Kerry Gregory will give a practical run-down on common problems encountered by gemologists when using a handheld spectroscope and offer hints and tips to get better quality spectra.
Nicholle Mogavero will offer “Easy Ways to Spot Revivals and Reproductions in the 20th Century,” doling out practical skills and step-by-step know-how to avoid getting fooled.
Billie Hughes will take attendees on a “Journey to the Center of the Gem,” in which she will dive into the use of gemological microscopy to observe and record inclusions, addressing the most suitable lighting conditions and offering microscopy tips. She will also talk about Lotus Gemology’s Hyperion inclusion database.
In addition to the conference, the day will also include AGA’s evening gala event, which will start with a cocktail reception and include dinner, a silent auction, music, and dancing, as well as the presentation of the 2022 AGA Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology to the ICA’s Gary Roskin.
Full-day tickets are $195 plus fees for members and $245 plus fees for non-members. Livestreaming tickets are priced the same.
AGA also offers gala standalone tickets. They’re priced at $95 plus fees for members and $125 for non-members.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
MajorsAug 01, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Names Mike Alexander as President The insurance company’s previous president and CEO, Scott Murphy, has split his role and will continue as CEO.
SourcingAug 01, 2025
Gemfields’ Auction Revenue Drops 50% in H1The nearly six-month pause of operations at its Kagem emerald mine earlier this year impacted the miner’s first-half results.
MajorsAug 01, 2025
Helzberg President Julie Yoakum Moves Over to Signet JewelersThe addition of Yoakum, who will lead Kay and Peoples, was one of three executive appointments Signet announced Thursday.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
CollectionsAug 01, 2025
Piece of the Week: Hernsdorf’s ‘Tears of Aphrodite’ NecklaceThe necklace uses spinel drops to immortalize the moment Aphrodite’s tears mixed with her lover Adonis’ blood after he was fatally wounded.
Weekly QuizJul 31, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJul 31, 2025
De Beers Records $189M First-Half Loss The diamond miner and marketer warned last week that it expected to be in the red after significantly cutting prices in Q2.
IndependentsJul 31, 2025
Matthew Tratner Takes Over as CBG President Tratner succeeds Andie Weinman, who will begin stepping back from the buying group’s day-to-day operations.
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.
Policies & IssuesJul 30, 2025
Tariff on India Will Be 25%, Trump Says The president made the announcement via Truth Social Wednesday, adding that India also will face a penalty for its dealings with Russia.
FinancialsJul 30, 2025
Kering's Jewelry Brands Resilient As H1 Sales Slide 16%The luxury titan’s star brand Gucci continued to struggle amid a "tough" environment.
WatchesJul 30, 2025
Peek Inside Zadok Jewelers’ New Rolex Showroom in AustinIts opening marks the completion of the retailer’s new 11,000-square-foot store in the Texas capital.
SurveysJul 30, 2025
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JulyRespondents shared concerns about tariffs and commentary on the “Big Beautiful Bill.”
SourcingJul 30, 2025
Rob Bates to Release Latest Book in His ‘Diamond District Mystery’ Series“Making a Killing in Diamonds” tells the story of Mimi Rosen, the disappearance of a scientist, and the murder of lab-grown diamond CEO.
EditorsJul 29, 2025
Out & About: Visiting Tacori’s Design Studio in LASenior Editor Lenore Fedow learned a lot when she took a behind-the-scenes factory tour with the jewelry brand earlier this year.
SourcingJul 29, 2025
Auctim to Offer 7.3M+ Carats of Rough EmeraldsThe online auction house’s September sale will feature rough Brazilian emeralds of various qualities.
MajorsJul 29, 2025
Alexis Padis Re-Elected AGS Board President She’ll lead an executive committee consisting of President-Elect Bryan Moeller, Mitchell Clark, Bill Farmer, and Larry Rickert.
Policies & IssuesJul 28, 2025
U.S.-EU Come to Agreement on Tariffs Announced Sunday, the deal will set the tax on goods imported into the United States from the European Union at 15 percent.
CollectionsJul 28, 2025
Nanis Brings a New Palette to ‘Ipanema’A new edition of the Italian brand’s “Ipanema” collection has debuted with gemstones that evoke Brazil’s breathtaking views.
MajorsJul 28, 2025
The 1916 Company Partners with ‘Shark Tank’ Star’s Watch Insurance PlatformThe retailer will refer its customers to WonderCare, founded by venture capitalist and watch collector Kevin O’Leary.
IndependentsJul 28, 2025
Sissy’s Log Cabin to Open Flagship in Arkansas The jeweler’s largest store yet is set to open in Little Rock next fall.
CollectionsJul 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jemma Wynne’s ‘Forme’ NecklaceAnne Hathaway was seen wearing the toggle necklace three times while filming scenes for “The Devil Wears Prada 2.”
Events & AwardsJul 25, 2025
Pre-Registration Open for September Hong Kong ShowJewellery & Gem World Hong Kong is scheduled for Sept. 15 to 21, and buyer pre-registration will be available until Sept. 7.
FinancialsJul 25, 2025
LVMH Sales Slip in H1 Amid ‘Prevailing Uncertainties’Renovations at Tiffany & Co. stores ate into profits in the company’s watch and jewelry division.
Events & AwardsJul 24, 2025
2 Retailers to Receive 2026 Gem Award for Lifetime AchievementMark and Candy Udell of London Jewelers will receive the honor at the 24th annual Gem Awards next March.
SourcingJul 24, 2025
De Beers Sees Diamond Production Sink 36% in Q2 While struggles continue at the mining and trading end of the pipeline, consumer demand for diamond jewelry is holding steady.
CollectionsJul 24, 2025
Francesca Villa Adds Dimension to Her Intaglio CharactersThe “Fantasia” jewelry collection turns the intaglio animals from her “Close Encounters” collection into 3D characters.
WatchesJul 24, 2025
Breitling Drops Super Bowl Watch Honoring the Philadelphia Eagles The special Classic Avi Chronograph 42 with an Eagles-green dial is limited to 59 pieces, a nod to the Super Bowl Philadelphia just won.
