Events & AwardsNov 07, 2022
15 Events to Check Out at 2022 NYC Jewelry WeekEvents & AwardsNov 09, 2022
Learn About Gem & Jewelry Photography in AGA’s Next Career Forum
Join experts Orasa Weldon, Danny Sanchez, and Jeff Mason on Tuesday, Nov. 15.
The Accredited Gemologists Association will host three experts in the gemstone and jewelry photography arena next week to help guide those with a gemology education on possible career paths.
New York—The Accredited Gemologists Association will be talking about gem and jewelry photography in its next career forum.
“What Can You Do with Your Gemology—Gem and Jewelry Photography” is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 15 from 12-1:30 p.m.
It will feature three gemologists who are experts in the area: Orasa Weldon, Danny Sanchez, and Jeff Mason.
Orasa Weldon earned a gemology certificate at the Asian Institute of Gemological Science in Bangkok, Thailand and a Graduate Gemologist diploma from the Gemological Institute of America.
She worked in the trade as a gemologist in Thailand and China, and later earned a degree in graphic design from the Tyler School of Art at Temple University in Philadelphia.
She eventually returned to southern California, where she combined her fine arts education with gemology, designing books and other publications for GIA and other gem industry clients.
Her photography has appeared in Gems & Gemology, The Journal of Gemmology, InColor Magazine, Gemmology Today, The New York Times, and many more. She has also served as head judge for the Gem-A Photographer of the Year Competition in the U.K.
Danny Sanchez is a Los Angeles-based gemologist and artist specializing in photomicrography.
He’s a graduate of the Gemological Institute of America and is self-taught in the art of photomicrography.
First inspired by the Photoatlas of Inclusions in Gemstones by Eduard Gübelin and John Koivula, Sanchez’s images leverage his gemological knowledge through his photography tools. His work has been shown at Art Basel Miami and publications include Wired, Vice, and Smithsonian Magazine.
Related stories will be right here …
“What Can You Do with Your Gemology—Gem and Jewelry Photography” is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 15 from 12-1:30 p.m.
It will feature three gemologists who are experts in the area: Orasa Weldon, Danny Sanchez, and Jeff Mason.
Orasa Weldon earned a gemology certificate at the Asian Institute of Gemological Science in Bangkok, Thailand and a Graduate Gemologist diploma from the Gemological Institute of America.
She worked in the trade as a gemologist in Thailand and China, and later earned a degree in graphic design from the Tyler School of Art at Temple University in Philadelphia.
She eventually returned to southern California, where she combined her fine arts education with gemology, designing books and other publications for GIA and other gem industry clients.
Her photography has appeared in Gems & Gemology, The Journal of Gemmology, InColor Magazine, Gemmology Today, The New York Times, and many more. She has also served as head judge for the Gem-A Photographer of the Year Competition in the U.K.
Danny Sanchez is a Los Angeles-based gemologist and artist specializing in photomicrography.
He’s a graduate of the Gemological Institute of America and is self-taught in the art of photomicrography.
First inspired by the Photoatlas of Inclusions in Gemstones by Eduard Gübelin and John Koivula, Sanchez’s images leverage his gemological knowledge through his photography tools. His work has been shown at Art Basel Miami and publications include Wired, Vice, and Smithsonian Magazine.
Jeff Mason is a photographer and gemologist specializing in product and jewelry photography.
With 20 years of industry experience, he brings his knowledge of gemstones and passion for photography together to ensure gemstones and jewelry are properly represented.
Those interested in AGA’s free career forum next week can register online.
It’s the fourth installment of the series, designed to showcase the various applications for gemological accreditation and its diverse career paths.
Past topics have included gem and jewelry valuation, gemological laboratory research, and gemology publications.
Recordings of previous sessions are available in AGA’s digital library.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
FinancialsJun 02, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q1 Sales Up 2% As It Focuses on ‘Core Four’ The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.
SourcingJun 02, 2026
Leader Appointed for Botswana’s Diamonds for Development Fund Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a development economist, will head the fund created to help Botswana diversify its economy.
WatchesJun 02, 2026
Watch Industry Veteran James Marks Joins Sotheby’sSotheby’s has appointed the former Phillips executive as its global head of private sales and retail in its watches division.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
AuctionsJun 02, 2026
Sotheby’s to Auction 10-Carat Blue Diamond, 1960s Harry Winston Necklace A private collection of five Paraíba tourmalines also will be up for sale at Sotheby’s High Jewelry auction in New York, scheduled for June 16.
Weekly QuizMay 28, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsJun 02, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers TodayFrom Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.
SourcingJun 01, 2026
RapNet Rebranding as Rapaport TradeThe revamped online diamond marketplace will feature pricing intelligence and data-driven tools for more efficient buying and selling.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
SourcingJun 01, 2026
Gemfields’ Higher-Quality Emerald Auction Achieves $26.8MThe miner said demand for higher-quality emeralds is stable, but there is notable caution in the market.
CollectionsMay 29, 2026
Cultus Artem’s Necklace Is the Oasis in Las Vegas’ DesertThe “River of Heaven” necklace, our Piece of the Week debuting at Couture, combines 26 salt and pepper diamonds spaced by Tahitian pearls.
IndependentsMay 29, 2026
Meet the 2026 Retailer Hall of Fame InducteesThis year’s inductees include second-, third-, and fourth-generation jewelers.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach on Sunday night.
MajorsMay 28, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Buy The Clear Cut Signet will integrate the online-only, natural diamond-focused jeweler into Blue Nile, which it wants to position as a higher-end retailer.
CollectionsMay 28, 2026
Meet The 17 Newcomers to Couture’s Design AtelierThese up-and-coming jewelry brands are bringing their distinct aesthetic and unique point-of-view to the Design Atelier for the first time.
GradingMay 28, 2026
GCAL By Sarine Launches 8X Cushion CutThe lab’s proprietary diamond cut grade has been expanded to include the popular fancy shape.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
5 Security Tips for Las Vegas Jewelry Market Week 2026This year, it’s what could happen outside of show hours that worries JSA Executive Vice President Scott Guginsky.
ColumnistsMay 27, 2026
What Jewelers Can Learn From Luxury Fashion’s Digital PlaybookHigh-end fashion houses know how to emotionally connect with customers online. Retail jewelers should take note, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
Couture’s ‘The Iridescence’ Will Showcase 7 Emerging Jewelry DesignersThe designers are the third cohort of mentees from the show’s Belonging @ Couture mentorship program.
ColumnistsMay 26, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
12 JCK Talks Sessions to Add to Your Las Vegas ScheduleThe trade show’s education series returns, with sessions on retail trends, AI, watches, marketing, corporate responsibility, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
CBG Brings Its Curated Designer Project to Las Vegas ShowThe Curated Designer Project has expanded to highlight eight independent jewelry designers during CBG’s Las Vegas show.
TrendsMay 26, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Cooldown Is ComingBring a cool tone to your summer jewelry with these white metal pieces.
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2026
Instore Buys JA New York ShowThe deal closed this week, which means Instore will produce the JA NY show slated to take place this fall.
FinancialsMay 22, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Lead the Charge in Q4The company’s jewelry sales were up in Q4 and the fiscal year, with Richemont raising prices in part because of the cost of gold.
CollectionsMay 22, 2026
Leigh Maxwell Celebrates 5 Years at Couture With ‘Bauble’ CollectionThe “Bauble” capsule collection of colorful one-of-a-kinds includes our Piece of the Week, the “Bauble” earrings, featuring rose zircon.
MajorsMay 22, 2026
Stuller’s New Packaging, Display Catalog Is Out The updated catalog has a newly dedicated section for gift wrapping.
PodcastsMay 21, 2026
Episode 5: Sotheby’s Frank Everett Puts the Auction Market in PerspectiveEverett covers colored stones’ surging popularity, the mellow return of the “Mellon Blue,” and his “The Devil Wears Prada” doppelgänger.
