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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
SurveysAug 21, 2026
These Are 2026’s Hottest Retailers, Says NRFThe retailers at the top of the list offer affordable products and fun, discovery-fueled experiences.
WatchesAug 21, 2026
Bremont Names Former Vacheron Constantin Exec CMODaniel Bing was formerly the marketing director for the Americas at Vacheron Constantin.
CollectionsAug 21, 2026
Bijules, Kamyen Serve Up ‘Topspin’ Tennis Bracelet Ahead of US OpenIn our Piece of the Week, the designers reimagine the tennis bracelet with green enamel wrapped around a strand of “Desert Diamonds.”
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
PodcastsAug 20, 2026
Episode 8: Diamond Industry Update With David Bonaparte & Ronnie VanderLindenThe industry veterans join the podcast to discuss diamond marketing, the FTC Jewelry Guides, and lobbying for lower tariffs.
Weekly QuizAug 20, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TechnologyAug 20, 2026
A New AI-Powered Gemstone Identification App Is HereFounder Vik Westermann said the app is a “starting point” to inspire people to work with appraisers and gem labs, not replace them.
AuctionsAug 20, 2026
Storied Unicorn Brooch Up for Auction Gallops to New Home The Verdura brooch, which belonged to the late Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, was sold to a private collector in Asia.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
MajorsAug 20, 2026
Plumb Club Elects 2026-2027 BoardSteven Lerche is now beginning his term as the youngest member to become president of The Plumb Club’s elected executive committee.
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Mike Alexander To Succeed Scott Murphy as Jewelers Mutual CEO Murphy will retire at the end of the year and Alexander, currently the company’s president, will take over at the start of 2027.
Policies & IssuesAug 19, 2026
Spinelli Kilcollin Embraces Dupes With Trade-In ProgramThe jeweler is encouraging customers who own lookalike rings to come into the store and trade them for credit towards an authentic piece.
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Zales Wants You to Wear Fine Jewelry Every DayThe new campaign, “You Are The Occasion,” discourages shoppers from saving their fine jewelry for special occasions only.
SourcingAug 19, 2026
Vasant Mehta, a Dedicated Diamond Industry Leader, Dies at 81Mehta led India’s GJEPC through the 2008 financial crisis and was respected worldwide for his wisdom, integrity, and knowledge.
CrimeAug 18, 2026
2 California Men Arrested in Fatal Vehicle Smash RobberyOne is the driver who allegedly crashed a car into a Sacramento jewelry store in April, striking a 71-year-old employee who later died.
ColumnistsAug 18, 2026
Peter Smith: The IKEA Effect and Bridal Branding In a new column, Peter Smith posits that people actually enjoy putting together IKEA furniture, and the same is true for engagement rings.
CrimeAug 18, 2026
Thieves Snatch $1M in Jewelry From New Jersey Jeweler9lakha Jewelers in Iselin, New Jersey, was the target of a smash-and-grab robbery on Aug. 8.
Lab-GrownAug 18, 2026
Ring Concierge, Kendall Jenner’s Tequila Brand Collab on GiveawayThe jeweler has partnered with 818 Tequila to gift lab-grown diamond studs to a bride-to-be and their bridal party.
CollectionsAug 17, 2026
Marquise Diamonds Dance in Spinelli Kilcollin’s ‘Wren’ CollectionMarquise-cut diamonds in drop charms are the center of the new collection, reflecting the movement of a dancer in modular styles.
Events & AwardsAug 17, 2026
There’s a New Jewelry Show Coming to FloridaThe inaugural Fort Lauderdale Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show will be held from Jan. 28 through Feb. 1, 2027.
IndependentsAug 14, 2026
Smyth Jewelers to Open Fourth LocationThe family-owned jeweler will open a new showroom in Bel Air, Maryland, this fall.
CrimeAug 14, 2026
Wife of Man Convicted in Jeweler’s Murder Sentenced for Conspiracy Amanda Ileana Hernandez is married to Carlos Hernandez, one of two men in prison for the 2024 murder of Michigan jeweler Hussein Murray.
TrendsAug 14, 2026
Paul Morelli’s Latest ‘Wavey Vine’ Earrings Embrace ColorThe reimagined jewel, our Piece of the Week, trades the diamonds in the original 1998 design for blue, pink, yellow, and green sapphires.
Supplier BulletinAug 13, 2026
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSponsored by American Gem Trade Association
FinancialsAug 13, 2026
Pandora’s ‘Talisman’ Collection Shines, Lab-Grown Diamond Sales FallIn the United States, second-quarter sales were flat amid soft consumer sentiment and lower in-store traffic.
AuctionsAug 13, 2026
This Gold Cadbury ‘Conundrum’ Egg Set a World Auction RecordThe 22-karat gold egg, sold at Batemans Auctioneers in the U.K., was part of a 1980s treasure hunt ad campaign for Cadbury Creme Eggs.
SourcingAug 13, 2026
2,488-Carat Diamond, Largest Found in Botswana, Has a New Owner Lucara Diamond Corp., which recovered the “Motswedi” diamond from the Karowe mine, sold the stone for an undisclosed amount.
CollectionsAug 13, 2026
John Hardy Infuses ‘Icon,’ ‘Heishi’ Collections with ColorThe expanded collections now feature hand-cut gemstones like topaz, tanzanite, chrysoprase, chalcedony, smoky quartz, and fire opal.
