Signet Jewelers CEO Gina Drosos’ secrets to success are listening to her team and leaning on data to make decisions.
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.
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.
The Latest
Part of the Welsh singer’s extensive jewelry collection, the bathtub-shaped Cartier watch went for nearly $72,000 at Sotheby’s Paris.
The event is slated for Oct. 17-19.
This fall, sharpen your skills in jewelry grading, quality control and diamond assessment.
12 spots are available for travelers to visit Northern Tanzania and Southern Kenya from July 25 to Aug. 4.
Though they didn’t grow up together, siblings Ronald Leitzel and Tonia Leitzel Ulsh have grown together as co-owners of Mountz Jewelers.
The men allegedly posed as employees of a local energy company to gain entry to Hussein Murray’s home and then killed him in the basement.
Don't miss this one-stop-shop in October, curated with buyers’ needs in mind.
Sales slipped 4 percent in the third quarter in an environment the company described as economically and politically uncertain.
The U.S. presidential election, inflation, and the aftermath of recent hurricanes could all have an impact on spending.
The Italian brand is also releasing a coffee table book and opening its headquarters and workshop in Valenza, Italy.
The pair of brothers, each with his own strengths, takes a divide-and-conquer approach to bettering the stores they grew up working in.
The mining company is set to hand over the South African diamond mine to an affiliate of Stargems Group by the month’s end.
Three generations of the Kessler family have been a part of the Dallas-based company.
All 74 lots of jewelry belonging to the late Democratic senator found buyers at Bonhams Los Angeles.
The two collaborated on a necklace and a pair of earrings that praise the beauty of Zambian emeralds.
Retailers can move jewelry care lines off countertops with the fixtures, which were designed for a “sophisticated retail environment.”
The 20th ICA Congress is slated for May 19-22 in Brasília, Brazil.
The jeweler is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a throwback campaign.
“Memorie D’Archivio” was inspired by the “Mora” and “Mosaico” collections the brand introduced in the ‘90s.
CEO William Lamb said divesting the diamond sales platform allows the company to focus on the underground expansion of Karowe.
It features 124 jewels and a variety of colored gemstones.
Ahead of the holiday season, Smith delves into the often subconscious reasons people buy luxury products for themselves or their loved ones.
The GMT-Master “Pepsi” belonging to astronaut Edgar Mitchell is a standout in RR Auction’s online “Space Auction,” going on now.
The ads celebrate the mall culture of the ‘80s and ‘90s.
Retail sales associates can access the video series on mobile to refresh their selling skills.
For 25 years, India’s Gem & Jewellery National Relief Foundation has provided aid in the wake of war, natural disasters, and global crises.