AGA Reschedules Tucson Conference, Moves It Online
The six planned gemological education sessions will now be held on Feb. 15 and 16.

Originally scheduled for Feb. 2 during the Tucson gem shows, the 2022 AGA gemological conference will now be held on Feb. 15 and 16 on a virtual platform.
It will feature half-day education sessions, which will be recorded and made available to registered participants to view later.
The planned presentations are the same as those scheduled for the in-person event.
They include an exploration of Canadian gems with Brad Wilson, an introduction to forensic jewelry with Al Gilbertson, and a discussion of the ethics and ecological impact of lab-grown diamonds with Thomas Hainschwang.
It will also include interactive practical workshops, featuring Billie Hughes in a discussion about photomicrography and microscopy, Kerry Gregory reviewing the hand-held spectroscope, and Nicholle Mogavero providing hints for identifying reproductions of antique jewelry.
A further explanation of those sessions can be found on the AGA website.
Meanwhile, the AGA gala event, featuring a dinner, silent auction, and the presentation of the 2022 AGA Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology to ICA’s Gary Roskin has also been postponed until the AGA’s next live Tucson conference in 2023.
“The health and well-being of our members and conference attendees are of paramount importance. We look forward to the opportunity to come together and share our gemological experience and knowledge when the pandemic subsides,” AGA Conference Committee Co-chair Çiğdem Lüle said.
“AGA invites the global gemological community to participate in our virtual conference. We sincerely hope you will join us and bring a friend.”
Registration will open soon.
Tickets will cost $75 plus fees for AGA, Gem-A, and CGA members and $95 plus fees for non-members.
The most up-to-date details on the 2022 AGA Virtual Tucson Conference can be found on AccreditedGemologists.org.
The Latest

The partnership, a pledge to protect Africa’s Okavango River Basin, has been extended for an additional five years.

The new facility, its first outside of Thailand, will boost its manufacturing capacity by 50 percent.

The special-edition “Dream” pendant, our Piece of the Week, was created to mark Hearts On Fire’s 30-year milestone with 30 diamonds.

Experience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.

Dubai Jewelers in Springfield, Virginia, was once again the target of an armed robbery.


YouGov’s 2026 U.S. Most Recommended Brands report’s out, and a fast-fashion giant is sitting at No. 1 while Rolex is just shy of the top 5.

Proceeds from its jewelry raffle will benefit an organization working in India to combat silicosis, a lung disease affecting stone cutters.

Submit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.

The rings, crafted by Jason of Beverly Hills, celebrate the hockey team’s Stanley Cup win with design elements that honor its traditions.

This roundup of birthstone jewelry for October features vibrant tourmalines and opals with personality.

President Duma Boko spoke at back-to-back events in the city last week, touting Botswana’s stability and the diamond “bounceback.”

The catalog showcases 112 new, one-of-a-kind pieces amid highlights from the jeweler’s historic archive.

Its Montepuez Ruby Mining operation in Mozambique, which is not yielding enough high-quality rubies, has taken a $125 million hit.

Those surveyed were worried about the present and the future, with write-in responses mentioning high oil and gas prices.

She is remembered for her joie de vivre, upbeat personality, genuine interest in other people, and love of the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Online bidding is open now for Julien’s sale of items owned by the “Walk On By” singer, whose final album comes out this fall.

December is the most popular month to propose, and jewelers need to keep that in mind when planning their holiday marketing.

Cat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction Wednesday.

“Vibrations” features several firsts for De Beers’ high jewelry, including the use of chalcedony and diamonds sourced from artisanal miners.

The “Bows” collection features three interpretations of the bow motif designed with Georgian and Victorian influences.

The American Gem Society recognized industry members, one Guild, and a law enforcement official for their contributions to jewelry.

Through a new system integration, customers can now receive instant personal jewelry insurance quotes at the time of appraisal.

Five of the 10 fastest-appreciating Rolex models on Bob’s Watches were Datejust 31 or Lady Datejust watches.

The Sherwood family and AJS Creations CEO Tejas Shah purchased the jewelry chain back from Palladium Equity Partners.

“The Elizabeth Taylor Collection” uses lab-grown diamonds and gemstones in contemporary designs inspired by the icon.

The artist wore Dana Rebecca Designs’ marquise diamond-set gold hoops at the Chiefs game last Sunday. Now they’re our Piece of the Week.

JSA and Jewelers Mutual shared advice on spotting suspicious behavior, combatting cell phone jammers, and staying safe at home.



























