Events & AwardsMar 07, 2024
Here Are the Nominees for the 2024 Gem Awards GradingDec 11, 2023
Smithsonian’s Jeffrey Post to Receive 2023 Bonanno Award
Post is being honored for nearly four decades of contributions he made within the Department of Mineral Sciences at the museum.
Dr. Jeffrey Post, curator of gems and minerals, emeritus, and research associate for the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History, has been named the recipient of AGA’s Bonanno Award and will be honored at the organization’s annual gala in Tucson next year.
San Diego—The Accredited Gemologists Association (AGA) has announced that Dr. Jeffrey Edward Post, curator of gems and minerals, emeritus, and research associate for the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History, will receive the 2023 Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology.
The Bonanno Award, established in 2000, recognizes those who have made significant contributions to the gemological field, and a majority vote of the AGA membership elects the award recipients.
During his career at the Smithsonian, Post oversaw the national gems and minerals collection and its expansion to include, now, more than 350,000 mineral specimens and 10,000 gems, the largest of its kind worldwide.
He also made major contributions to scientific literature, having published more than 150 scientific articles from research in the mineralogy, gemology, and geochemistry fields.
He is the author of “The National Gem Collection” and the recently-published “The Smithsonian National Gem Collection—Unearthed: Surprising Stories Behind the Jewels.”
“Dr. Jeffrey Post’s contributions to gemology are substantial through his published works and his support of scientific gemological researchers seeking access to data and specimens from the collection,” said AGA President Teri Brossmer.
“We also laud Jeff’s work to raise the public’s interest in gems and minerals through speaking engagements at community groups and museums.”
Related stories will be right here …
The Bonanno Award, established in 2000, recognizes those who have made significant contributions to the gemological field, and a majority vote of the AGA membership elects the award recipients.
During his career at the Smithsonian, Post oversaw the national gems and minerals collection and its expansion to include, now, more than 350,000 mineral specimens and 10,000 gems, the largest of its kind worldwide.
He also made major contributions to scientific literature, having published more than 150 scientific articles from research in the mineralogy, gemology, and geochemistry fields.
He is the author of “The National Gem Collection” and the recently-published “The Smithsonian National Gem Collection—Unearthed: Surprising Stories Behind the Jewels.”
“Dr. Jeffrey Post’s contributions to gemology are substantial through his published works and his support of scientific gemological researchers seeking access to data and specimens from the collection,” said AGA President Teri Brossmer.
“We also laud Jeff’s work to raise the public’s interest in gems and minerals through speaking engagements at community groups and museums.”
Post joined the Department of Mineral Sciences at the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum of Natural History in 1984.
He was chairman of the Department of Mineral Sciences from 1989 to 1994 and from 2014 to 2019, and he served as curator-in-charge of the U.S. National Gem and Mineral Collection from 1991 to 2023.
Post was also the lead curator for the Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems and Minerals, which opened in 1997.
Any member of the gemological community who has visited the hall has witnessed “Jeffrey’s passion realized,” AGA said, noting that the vision he created is sure to introduce, mesmerize, teach, and excite people about gems for generations to come.
“Dr. Post was instrumental in hosting numerous outstanding special exhibits at the Smithsonian, including the Dresden Green Diamond, The Allure of Pearls featuring the Hope Pearl and La Peregrina, The Splendor of Diamonds, which highlighted the Steinmetz Pink and the Moussaieff Red, and the 50th anniversary of the Hope Diamond with special guest gem the Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond,” said Gary Roskin, who received the award last year.
“This meeting of the two world’s largest deep blue diamonds gave Jeff the opportunity to facilitate the significant gemological study of the two blues. Dr. Post was also instrumental in acquiring permanent donations of gems and jewels to the Smithsonian’s collection, including the Lion of Merelani Tsavorite, the Dom Pedro Aquamarine, and so many more.”
In May, Post was appointed curator of gems and minerals, emeritus, and research associate for the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.
Post is a native of Wisconsin. He received his Bachelor of Science degrees in geology and chemistry from the University of Wisconsin - Platteville, and earned his doctorate in chemistry, with a specialty in geochemistry, from Arizona State University.
Prior to joining the Smithsonian, he was a postdoctoral research fellow for three years in the Department of Geological Sciences at Harvard University
Post will be recognized at the AGA’s Gala Dinner Dance following the AGA gemological conference on Jan. 31, 2024, at the Tucson Marriott University Park Hotel.
He will receive a personalized plaque and honorarium funded by the AGA membership.
Tickets to attend the conference and gala celebration are available online.
More on Grading
The Latest
CrimeJun 18, 2025
7 Men Indicted in $100M Brinks Jewelry HeistThe heist happened in Lebec, California, in 2022 when a Brinks truck was transporting goods from one show in California to another.
AuctionsJun 18, 2025
Historic ‘Marie-Thérèse Pink’ Diamond Fetches $14M at Christie’sThe 10-carat fancy purple-pink diamond with potential links to Marie Antoinette headlined the white-glove jewelry auction this week.
EditorsJun 18, 2025
Q&A: Caryl Capeci Dives Into Cruise Jewelry ShoppingThe Starboard Cruises SVP discusses who is shopping for jewelry on ships, how much they’re spending, and why brands should get on board.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
AuctionsJun 18, 2025
16th-Century ‘Gresham Grasshopper’ Ring Sells for $56KThe historic signet ring exceeded its estimate at Noonans Mayfair’s jewelry auction this week.
Weekly QuizJun 12, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJun 18, 2025
Kirk Kara Celebrates 135 Years With New JewelsTo mark the milestone, the brand is introducing new non-bridal fine jewelry designs for the first time in two decades.
SourcingJun 18, 2025
Gemfields Sells 36-Carat Rough RubyThe gemstone is the third most valuable ruby to come out of the Montepuez mine, Gemfields said.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
TechnologyJun 18, 2025
Alex Brown Named President of Smithee GroupFounder and longtime CEO Ben Smithee will stay with the agency, transitioning into the role of founding partner and strategic advisor.
EditorsJun 17, 2025
The Best New Jewelry from Couture 2025, Part 1Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 of her favorite pieces from the jewelry collections that debuted at Couture.
ColumnistsJun 17, 2025
Peter Smith: Is Your Comp Plan a Hiring Hindrance?If you want to attract good salespeople and generate a stream of “sleeping money” for your jewelry store, then you are going to have to pay.
AuctionsJun 17, 2025
Colored Gemstones, Signed Jewels Shine in Sotheby’s High Jewelry SaleThe top lot was a colorless Graff diamond, followed by a Burmese ruby necklace by Marcus & Co.
MajorsJun 17, 2025
Amanda Gizzi Gets a Promotion at JAGizzi, who has been in the industry since 2001, is now Jewelers of America’s senior vice president of corporate affairs.
MajorsJun 17, 2025
Kering Names Automotive Exec as Its New CEOLuca de Meo, a 30-year veteran of the auto industry, will succeed longtime CEO François-Henri Pinault.
EditorsJun 16, 2025
Q&A: Bogolo Joy Kenewendo on Mining, Tariffs, and the Energy of Las VegasFollowing visits to Vegas and New York, Botswana’s minerals minister sat down with Michelle Graff to discuss the state of the diamond market.
IndependentsJun 16, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Launches Commitment Campaign Celebrating LGBTQ+ CouplesThe “Your Love Has the Perfect Ring” campaign showcases the strength of love and need for inclusivity and representation, the jeweler said.
MajorsJun 16, 2025
Ivette Nersesyan-Stephanopoulos Joins Tiffany & Co.The former De Beers executive is the jewelry house’s new director of high jewelry for the Americas.
MajorsJun 16, 2025
Catbird Names WNBA Star Nyara Sabally as Its New Brand AmbassadorThe New York Liberty forward is the first athlete to represent the Brooklyn-based jewelry brand.
CollectionsJun 13, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s Pear EarringsTake a bite out of the 14-karat yellow gold “Fruits of Love Pear” earrings featuring peridots, diamond stems, and tsavorite leaves.
Events & AwardsJun 13, 2025
AGA to Host ‘Diamonds From Mine to Market’ Education ConferenceThe one-day virtual event will feature speakers from De Beers, GIA, and Gemworld International.
EditorsJun 12, 2025
15 Questions With Jewelry Photographer Ella SophieThe California-based creative talks jewelry photography in the modern era and tackles FAQs about working with a pro for the first time.
AuctionsJun 12, 2025
Vintage Patek Philippe From the ‘50s Sells for $4M at Sotheby’s Al Capone’s pocket watch also found a buyer, though it went for less than half of what it did at auction four years ago.
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2025
Gabriel Love Foundation Introduces Scholarship Honoring Elias GabrielThe foundation has also expanded its “Stronger Together” initiative with Jewelers for Children.
AuctionsJun 12, 2025
Former De Beers Exec Celine Assimon Joins BonhamsAssimon is the auction house’s new chief commercial officer.
EditorsJun 11, 2025
Q&A: Al Cook on Differentiating Natural Diamonds, Traceability, and TariffsThe De Beers Group CEO discusses the company’s new “beacon” program, the likelihood diamonds will be exempt from tariffs, and “Origin.”
MajorsJun 11, 2025
Pandora Bets on Las Vegas for First North American FlagshipThe Danish jewelry giant hosted its grand opening last weekend, complete with a Pandora pink roulette wheel.
Events & AwardsJun 11, 2025
Kering Announces Winners of Sustainability-Focused AwardThe winners of the inaugural “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” are student Lee Min Seo and China-based startup Ianyan.
