Policies & IssuesFeb 20, 2026
Supreme Court Rules Against Most of President Trump’s TariffsIn a 6-3 ruling, the court said the president exceeded his authority when imposing sweeping tariffs under IEEPA.
GradingOct 17, 2024
Renowned Gemologist and Author Alan Hodgkinson Dies at 87
He dedicated his life to researching, writing, and speaking about gemstones in the hope he could inspire others to share his passion.
Alan Hodgkinson died earlier this month in Scotland, surrounded by family. The longtime gemologist got his start at a jewelry store in Scotland while serving in the Royal Air Force, and went on to travel the world lecturing, writing, and researching about gems. (Photo © Elise A. Skalwold)
Strathcarron, Scotland— John Alan William Hodgkinson, a renowned gemologist who dedicated his life to the profession, died Oct. 7 in Scotland following a brief illness.
He was 87.
Born in Liverpool, England, on March 24, 1937, Hodgkinson was posted to Aberdeen, Scotland, for his national service with the Royal Air Force when he met the Henderson family.
The Hendersons owned a jewelry store and offered him a job in their shop, under one condition—he became a gemologist.
Two years later he did, earning his Fellow of the Gemmological Association distinction (gemology diploma) from the Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A).
In addition to gemology, Scotland brought Hodgkinson the other great love of his life, his wife, Charlotte.
Over the course of his more than 50-year-long career, Hodgkinson has lectured about gemology worldwide, held positions at numerous gemological organizations, and won several awards.
Chief among these are being named honorary president of the Scottish Gemmological Association (SGA) and an honorary member of the Canadian Gemmological Association (CGA), as well as being granted honorary lifetime membership in the following organizations: Gem-A, SGA, the Accredited Gemologists Association, and the American Gem Trade Association.
Hodgkinson was the first winner of AGA’s Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology in 2000 and received CGA’s inaugural Diamond Award.
Along the way, his friend and fellow gemologist Eric Bruton encouraged Hodgkinson to write a book, and he did.
Following 40 years of writing and research, his daughter Valerie Hodgkinson published “Gem Testing Techniques” in 2015.
The book is currently in its third printing by the Hodgkinson family, although more copies won’t be available until later this year or early next, according to the Gem Testing website.
Hodgkinson will be remembered by his immediate family and wider gemological family for being kind, patient, and generous, and for wanting to make the study of gemology affordable for all.
He dedicated his working life to bringing gemology to a wider audience, particularly the younger generation, and generating interest in the role gemstones have played, and continue to play, throughout history, his family said.
His plea was, “If gemology does indeed fill you with wonderment, I would ask a favor: that you in turn share your experience with others, from among whom will come tomorrow’s gemologists, and thus help keep open a window that helps reveal in its own small way, the wonderful universe we inhabit.”
Hodgkinson is survived by his wife of 60 years, Charlotte; daughters Valerie and Avril; brother Colin; and niece and nephew, Claire and Phillip Hodgkinson.
Services are scheduled for noon on Oct. 29 at Clyde Coast & Garnock Valley Crematorium in Scotland.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ayrshire Hospice.
He was 87.
Born in Liverpool, England, on March 24, 1937, Hodgkinson was posted to Aberdeen, Scotland, for his national service with the Royal Air Force when he met the Henderson family.
The Hendersons owned a jewelry store and offered him a job in their shop, under one condition—he became a gemologist.
Two years later he did, earning his Fellow of the Gemmological Association distinction (gemology diploma) from the Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A).
In addition to gemology, Scotland brought Hodgkinson the other great love of his life, his wife, Charlotte.
Over the course of his more than 50-year-long career, Hodgkinson has lectured about gemology worldwide, held positions at numerous gemological organizations, and won several awards.
Chief among these are being named honorary president of the Scottish Gemmological Association (SGA) and an honorary member of the Canadian Gemmological Association (CGA), as well as being granted honorary lifetime membership in the following organizations: Gem-A, SGA, the Accredited Gemologists Association, and the American Gem Trade Association.
Hodgkinson was the first winner of AGA’s Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology in 2000 and received CGA’s inaugural Diamond Award.
Along the way, his friend and fellow gemologist Eric Bruton encouraged Hodgkinson to write a book, and he did.
Following 40 years of writing and research, his daughter Valerie Hodgkinson published “Gem Testing Techniques” in 2015.
The book is currently in its third printing by the Hodgkinson family, although more copies won’t be available until later this year or early next, according to the Gem Testing website.
Hodgkinson will be remembered by his immediate family and wider gemological family for being kind, patient, and generous, and for wanting to make the study of gemology affordable for all.
He dedicated his working life to bringing gemology to a wider audience, particularly the younger generation, and generating interest in the role gemstones have played, and continue to play, throughout history, his family said.
His plea was, “If gemology does indeed fill you with wonderment, I would ask a favor: that you in turn share your experience with others, from among whom will come tomorrow’s gemologists, and thus help keep open a window that helps reveal in its own small way, the wonderful universe we inhabit.”
Hodgkinson is survived by his wife of 60 years, Charlotte; daughters Valerie and Avril; brother Colin; and niece and nephew, Claire and Phillip Hodgkinson.
Services are scheduled for noon on Oct. 29 at Clyde Coast & Garnock Valley Crematorium in Scotland.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ayrshire Hospice.
More on Grading
The Latest
ColumnistsFeb 20, 2026
Peter Smith: Happiness, Cavemen, and Jewelry SalesSmith encourages salespeople to ask customers questions that elicit the release of oxytocin, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical.
MajorsFeb 20, 2026
Jewelers Vigilance Committee Names Julie Yoakum Board ChairJVC also announced the election of five new board members.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
CollectionsFeb 20, 2026
Boucheron’s ‘Faisceaux’ Brooch Heads to V&A MuseumThe brooch, our Piece of the Week, shows the chromatic spectrum through a holographic coating on rock crystal.
Weekly QuizFeb 19, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsFeb 19, 2026
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Co-Founder ‘Mama Ann’ Bailey Dies at 100Raised in an orphanage, Bailey was 18 when she met her husband, Clyde. They opened their North Carolina jewelry store in 1948.
IndependentsFeb 19, 2026
Material Good Opens Third Location Material Good is celebrating its 10th anniversary as it opens its new store in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
Events & AwardsFeb 19, 2026
The Original Miami Beach Antique Show Returns in MarchThe show will be held March 26-30 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
AuctionsFeb 18, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Head to AuctionThe estate of the model, philanthropist, and ex-wife of Johnny Carson has signed statement jewels up for sale at John Moran Auctioneers.
PodcastsFeb 18, 2026
Episode 2: Jewelry Trends & Does the Red Carpet Matter?Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
MajorsFeb 18, 2026
Select Jewelry Inks Agreement to Distribute Lightweight Gold JewelryIt will lead distribution in North America for Graziella Braccialini's new gold pieces, which it said are 50 percent lighter.
Policies & IssuesFeb 18, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Looks for Executive DirectorThe organization is seeking a new executive director to lead it into its next phase of strategic growth and industry influence.
Events & AwardsFeb 18, 2026
DCA to Host Gemstone Selling Education Session at IJO EventThe nonprofit will present a live, two-hour introductory course on building confidence when selling colored gemstones.
TrendsFeb 17, 2026
A Bit of Jewelry for the Year of the HorseWestern wear continues to trend in the Year of the Fire Horse and along with it, horse and horseshoe motifs in jewelry.
SourcingFeb 17, 2026
Colored Gemstone Experts Talk Tariffs, Trends in TucsonAlthough the market is robust, tariffs and precious metal prices are impacting the industry, Stuart Robertson and Brecken Branstrator said.
CrimeFeb 13, 2026
JSA Offering $10K Reward in Nancy Guthrie Case Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted just as the Tucson gem shows were starting.
IndependentsFeb 13, 2026
97-Year-Old New Mexico Jewelry Store To CloseButterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.
CollectionsFeb 13, 2026
A ‘Rosebud’ Necklace for Valentine’s DayPaul Morelli’s “Rosebud” necklace, our Piece of the Week, uses 18-karat rose, green, and white gold to turn the symbol of love into jewelry.
MajorsFeb 13, 2026
JFC Announces New BeneficiariesThe nonprofit has welcomed four new grantees for 2026.
MajorsFeb 12, 2026
These 8 Saks Fifth Avenue Stores Are ClosingParent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.
CollectionsFeb 12, 2026
British Museum Raises $5M to Keep Jewel Linked to Henry VIII, Katherine of AragonIt is believed the 24-karat heart-shaped enameled pendant was made for an event marking the betrothal of Princess Mary in 1518.
SourcingFeb 12, 2026
‘Cotton Candy’ Necklace, 35-Carat Kunzite Win 2025 ‘Buyer’s Choice’ AwardsThe AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge “Buyer’s Choice” award winners were announced at the Spectrum Awards Gala last week.
Events & AwardsFeb 12, 2026
Kering Opens Entries for 2026 Sustainability-Focused AwardThe “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” returns for its second year with “Second Chance, First Choice” as its theme.
TrendsFeb 11, 2026
Halle Berry’s Retro Engagement Ring Is a Sapphire-Set StunnerSourced by For Future Reference Vintage, the yellow gold ring has a round center stone surrounded by step-cut sapphires.
MajorsFeb 11, 2026
Francesca’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy AgainThe clothing and accessories chain announced last month it would be closing all of its stores.
CollectionsFeb 11, 2026
Zales Turns Sweethearts Into Jewelry for Valentine’s Day CollectionThe “Zales x Sweethearts” collection features three mystery heart charms engraved with classic sayings seen on the Valentine’s Day candies.
