AGA Reschedules Tucson Conference, Moves It Online

San Diego—Amid surging cases of COVID-19 as the omicron variant spreads, the Accredited Gemologists Association has decided to reschedule its 2022 Tucson conference and take it online.

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.