Events & AwardsJan 04, 2024
The Jewelry Symposium Returns For a Second YearSourcingJan 05, 2024
AGA to Celebrate 50 Years in Tucson
The association’s annual conference and gala will include recognition of the milestone.
AGA’s annual conference and gala will feature an anniversary celebration, a variety of speakers and recognition of the 2023 AGA Antonio C. Bonanno Award recipient.
Tucson, Ariz.—The Accredited Gemologists Association (AGA) is celebrating a milestone and introducing a new presentation at its annual conference and gala in Tucson this year.
The event, slated for Wednesday, Jan. 31, will also be a celebration of AGA’s 50th anniversary.
During the conference, a lineup of renowned speakers will give presentations, addressing a wide range of subjects and current research in their respective fields.
Presenters include Gabriela Farfan, Ph.D., the curator of gems and minerals at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, who will share insights into the Smithsonian’s National Gem & Mineral Collection; Al Gilbertson from the Gemological Institute of America, who provide updates on fancy shape cut research; and Rachelle Turnier, Ph.D., an expert on corundum, who will share information focused on the identification of sapphires from Mogok, Myanmar.
Also slated to speak are author and lapidary historian Justin K. Prim, who will explore forgotten gemstone designs observed through antique jewelry and art; and Jolyon Ralph, founder of Gemdat.org and Mindat.org, who will lead an interactive session on the use of online resources for gemological data and education.
A sixth session also has been added featuring Fatima Almahmood, a research scientist at The Bahrain Institute for Pearls & Gemstones (DANAT), who will talk about the natural pearl beds of Bahrain.
Related stories will be right here …
The event, slated for Wednesday, Jan. 31, will also be a celebration of AGA’s 50th anniversary.
During the conference, a lineup of renowned speakers will give presentations, addressing a wide range of subjects and current research in their respective fields.
Presenters include Gabriela Farfan, Ph.D., the curator of gems and minerals at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, who will share insights into the Smithsonian’s National Gem & Mineral Collection; Al Gilbertson from the Gemological Institute of America, who provide updates on fancy shape cut research; and Rachelle Turnier, Ph.D., an expert on corundum, who will share information focused on the identification of sapphires from Mogok, Myanmar.
Also slated to speak are author and lapidary historian Justin K. Prim, who will explore forgotten gemstone designs observed through antique jewelry and art; and Jolyon Ralph, founder of Gemdat.org and Mindat.org, who will lead an interactive session on the use of online resources for gemological data and education.
A sixth session also has been added featuring Fatima Almahmood, a research scientist at The Bahrain Institute for Pearls & Gemstones (DANAT), who will talk about the natural pearl beds of Bahrain.
Following the conference, Jeffrey E. Post, Ph.D., curator of gems and minerals, emeritus, and research associate for the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History will be recognized at the gala dinner/dance as the recipient of the 2023 AGA Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology.
Post is being honored for his nearly four decades of contributions to the museum’s Department of Mineral Sciences.
Networking will take place at the cocktail reception, and dinner and a silent auction will follow.
“AGA’s 50th anniversary is such an important milestone. We look forward to celebrating with the gemological community at the 2024 AGA Tucson Conference,” AGA Vice President Çiğdem Lüle, Ph.D., said.
Gemological enthusiasts and guests globally are welcome to register and participate.
Options include attending the conference and gala, the gala only, or access to the recorded conference for those unable to attend in person.
See the registration page for all ticketing options and further details.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
TechnologyJul 10, 2026
There’s a New Blind Box for Luxury Watches Collectibles platform Arena Club’s new Time Boxes could contain a Rolex or Patek Philippe watch.
TrendsJul 10, 2026
Jade Trau Creates a Constellation of DiamondsThe “Constellation Plié” collar, our Piece of the Week, features diamonds arranged in a constellation of shining stars.
WatchesJul 10, 2026
Brilliant Earth Expands Into WatchesIn honor of its 20th anniversary, the jewelry brand has released a limited-edition collection of Swiss-made timepieces.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
CollectionsJul 09, 2026
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Collection Is an Ode to the Human Touch“Human Being” highlights the similarities and differences between us through five sets of jewelry that celebrate fine craftsmanship.
Weekly QuizJul 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesJul 09, 2026
Damiani Group Finalizes Acquisition of Baume & MercierRichemont will continue to provide operational services for the watch brand for a period while the group prepares to integrate it.
AuctionsJul 09, 2026
Pharrell Williams’ Joopiter Hires Former Bonhams Exec to Head New Watch DivisionNate Borgelt will lead the digital auction house and content platform’s new division as head of watches.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
Halstead Names 2026 Grant WinnerEnoch Platero, founder and designer behind Enoch Michael, is the first Native American jeweler to win the award.
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
AGS, GIA Name 2026 Beatrice Shipley Scholarship WinnerAGS also announced the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Kendra Scott Joins ‘Shark Tank’ As Permanent Investor The founder of the billion-dollar jewelry and lifestyle brand will debut as a full-time “Shark” on the upcoming season of the show.
SurveysJul 08, 2026
Signet Jewelers Falls 5 Spots on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListPlus, why retailers should be ready to adjust as the U.S. population may decline this year for the first time since the Great Depression.
CrimeJul 08, 2026
Here’s What Thieves Stole From the Lalique Museum René Lalique’s “Woman Dragonfly With Open Wings” pendant, the first piece the museum acquired, was one of the jewels taken.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Richline Group Promotes 2 ExecsArien Gessner and Moss Makhoulian have been elevated into newly created roles.
ColumnistsJul 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Diamond Branding and the Origin ParadoxA podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2026
JA Announces 2026 Impact Initiative RecipientsThe association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.
TrendsJul 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ruby, White and Blue Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.
CrimeJul 07, 2026
Thieves Steal Millions in Jewels From France’s Musée LaliqueAround 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum dedicated to French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique.
CollectionsJul 07, 2026
Robinson Pelham Is Partying Like It’s 1996The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.
IndependentsJul 06, 2026
Bachendorf’s To Open Fifth Store In DallasThe new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New AmbassadorThe pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
