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
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.
