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
MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal CharmThe “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.
Weekly QuizJan 08, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Pandora’s New ‘Bridgerton’ Jewels Celebrate Bees, Bows, and Blooms“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.
Events & AwardsJan 08, 2026
Ana Khouri To Receive 2026 Gem Award for High Jewelry ExcellenceFounded by jeweler and sculptor Ana Khouri, the brand is “expanding the boundaries of what high jewelry can be.”
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
TrendsJan 08, 2026
Stuller’s Color of the Year Is a Stark Contrast to Pantone’s WhiteThe jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Gracie Abrams To Front New Chanel Jewelry CampaignThe singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.
MajorsJan 08, 2026
Diamond Council of America Names New Board DirectorsThe nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.
ColumnistsJan 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Physical Retail—The Beginning or the End?As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.
Events & AwardsJan 07, 2026
Melee Adds 13 New Designers to NYC ShowThe trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.
TrendsJan 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Go for GarnetJanuary’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.
SourcingJan 07, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Releases 2025 Impact ReportThe annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.
CrimeJan 06, 2026
2 Jewelers Arrested After TraxNYC Diamond District BrawlFootage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Zales Tests Out A New LookThe Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”
MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of SalesLinda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.
SourcingJan 06, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 BoardThe governing board welcomed two new members, Claire Scragg and Susan Eisen.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: New Year’s EditionSparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.
IndependentsJan 05, 2026
Jeweler Ben Nighthorse Campbell Dies at 92The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.
Events & AwardsJan 02, 2026
Jan Mohr, Couture’s ‘North Star,’ Dies at 71Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.
SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of DirectorsShekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to ResilienceThis year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.
