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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
IndependentsApr 01, 2025
Bergman Jewelers in Omaha Closing After 137 YearsThe independent jeweler first opened its doors in 1888.
MajorsApr 01, 2025
QVC Group to Cut 900 Jobs in the U.S.The layoffs come amid the TV shopping channel’s efforts to restructure and focus on live shopping through social media.
CollectionsApr 01, 2025
Monica Rich Kosann Says ‘Good Grief’ in Peanuts Jewelry CollectionThe “Peanuts x Monica Rich Kosann” collection features the comic strip’s classic vocabulary across 10 bracelet designs.
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They DeserveBench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.
Recorded WebinarsMar 31, 2025
Watch: What Do We Mean When We Say ‘Recycled’ Gold?Three industry experts dive into the complexities of the material often marketed as an “ethical” alternative for metal in jewelry.
Weekly QuizMar 27, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsMar 31, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Dripping in DiamondsDiamonds are not only one of the most prominent gemstones, but the birthstone for those born in April.
MajorsMar 31, 2025
Lashbrook Expands Into Luxury Golf Gifts With AcquisitionThe Utah-based company known for making wedding bands has acquired Doubloon Golf.
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean MoreNatural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.
WatchesMar 31, 2025
Bulgari CEO Jean-Christophe Babin Will Also Head LVMH WatchesThe longtime luxury executive led one of LVMH’s watch brands, TAG Heuer, for 12 years before taking over Bulgari in 2013.
CrimeMar 28, 2025
2 Suspects Arrested in $1.7M Smash-and-Grab Robbery of NY Jewelry StoreAuthorities said the robbers fled with jewelry and 70 Rolex watches, later taking pictures of themselves posing with big stacks of cash.
SourcingMar 28, 2025
19th-Century Jade Book Now Available in EnglishLotus Gemology founder Richard W. Hughes has translated Heinrich Fischer’s 1880 book “Nephrit und Jadeit” from its original German.
CollectionsMar 28, 2025
Piece of the Week: Löf’s ‘The Valentine’ RingThe ring's design features contrasting lines influenced by work from architecture-inspired photographer Nikola Olic.
SurveysMar 27, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls in March Amid ‘Gloomy’ OutlookThe Conference Board’s index fell as consumers continued to worry about the impact of tariffs, the labor market, and the price of eggs.
AuctionsMar 27, 2025
300-Year-Old Ring Linked to Witch Trial Judge Goes Unsold at Auction However, two medieval jewels surpassed estimates at Noonans Mayfair’s recent jewelry auction in London.
WatchesMar 27, 2025
Austin Butler Joins Breitling as Brand AmbassadorThe Oscar-nominated actor debuted in the campaign for the new “Top Time B31” collection, which introduced Breitling’s Caliber B31.
SourcingMar 27, 2025
Susan Jacques, Gaetano Cavalieri to Headline 2025 ICA Congress The Congress is scheduled to take place May 19-22 in Brasilia, Brazil.
IndependentsMar 26, 2025
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Acquires Fellow NC Independent JewelerThe family-owned retailer is the new owner of Morrison Smith Jewelers in Charlotte, North Carolina.
WatchesMar 26, 2025
Bulova Celebrates 150th Anniversary With Art Deco WatchesThe “150 Art Deco” collection features a Miss America timepiece and a pocket watch from the brand’s Archive Series.
MajorsMar 26, 2025
QVC Group Appoints New PresidentAlex Wellen, formerly CEO and president of MotorTrend Group, has taken on the role.
Events & AwardsMar 26, 2025
Jewelers of America Announces New Funding Initiative The Impact Initiative is part of the nonprofit association’s new three-year strategic plan.
AuctionsMar 25, 2025
Christie’s To Auction 35-Carat Sapphire, 13-Carat RubyThe ruby and the sapphire, which Christie’s calls a “once-in-a-generation masterpiece,” are part of the upcoming Hong Kong jewelry auction.
CrimeMar 25, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Earrings Swallowed Following Grab-and-Run Theft RecoveredThe two pairs of earrings, snatched from a Tiffany & Co. store in Orlando, Florida, are valued at a combined $769,500.
ColumnistsMar 25, 2025
The Smart Lab: Using Short-Form Videos to Sell More JewelryThe time to start experimenting with video content is now, writes columnist Emmanuel Raheb.
CollectionsMar 24, 2025
Pomellato’s Latest ‘Nudo’ Collections Revamp its Classic DesignFrom striking high jewelry to miniature fine jewelry, the new chapter continues to highlight gemstones featuring its signature 57-facet cut.
MajorsMar 24, 2025
4 Top Executives to Depart Signet Jewelers Amid TurnaroundThe jewelry giant is reducing its senior leadership by 30 percent as part of its new turnaround strategy.
WatchesMar 24, 2025
Sotheby's Now Offers Watch Repair ServicesThe auction house's partnership with online watch servicing platform WatchCheck makes repairs convenient and accessible, it said.
FinancialsMar 21, 2025
Swarovski Says Its Lab-Grown Diamond Sales Doubled in 2024The company also noted record sales in the United States and a strong performance in its jewelry category.
