SurveysJan 30, 2026
These Are the Top Brands of 2026, Says YouGovFrom tech platforms to candy companies, here’s how some of the highest-ranking brands earned their spot on the list.
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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Grading
The Latest
CollectionsJan 30, 2026
Follow the Beat With Etiq’s ‘Khol’ RingThe “Khol” ring, our Piece of the Week, transforms the traditional Indian Khol drum into playful jewelry through hand-carved lapis.
MajorsJan 30, 2026
Arch Crown’s 2026 ‘Tag & Label’ Catalog Is HereThe catalog includes more than 100 styles of stock, pre-printed, and custom tags and labels, as well as bar code technology products.
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.
CollectionsJan 29, 2026
Ghirardelli’s ‘Chocolocket’ Returns for Valentine’s DayThe chocolatier is bringing back its chocolate-inspired locket, offering sets of two to celebrate “perfect pairs.”
Weekly QuizJan 29, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsJan 29, 2026
These Were Bonhams’ Top 10 Jewelry Lots in 2025The top lot of the year was a 1930s Cartier tiara owned by Nancy, Viscountess Astor, which sold for $1.2 million in London last summer.
SourcingJan 29, 2026
Stuller Website to Mark AGTA-Sourced GemstonesAny gemstones on Stuller.com that were sourced by an AGTA vendor member will now bear the association’s logo.
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.
WatchesJan 29, 2026
Audemars Piguet Opens AP House in AtlantaThe Swiss watchmaker has brought its latest immersive boutique to Atlanta, a city it described as “an epicenter of music and storytelling.”
SourcingJan 28, 2026
Ethical Gem Fair to Debut Designer Showcase in TucsonThe new addition will feature finished jewelry created using “consciously sourced” gemstones.
ColumnistsJan 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Setting the Next Generation Up for SuccessIn his new column, Smith advises playing to your successor's strengths and resisting the urge to become a backseat driver.
SurveysJan 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Falls Below Pandemic Lows in JanuaryThe index fell to its lowest level since May 2014 amid concerns about the present and the future.
IndependentsJan 28, 2026
Foundrae Heads to Aspen for Latest Store OpeningThe new store in Aspen, Colorado, takes inspiration from a stately library for its intimate yet elevated interior design.
FinancialsJan 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Sales Resilient as LVMH’s 2025 Sales SlipThe brands’ high jewelry collections performed especially well last year despite a challenging environment.
CollectionsJan 27, 2026
De Beers London, GemFair Debut New Collection Highlighting Artisanal DiamondsThe collection marks the first time GemFair’s artisanal diamonds will be brought directly to consumers.
SourcingJan 27, 2026
GemGuide Launches Pricing for Montana SapphiresThe initial charts are for blue, teal, and green material, each grouped into three charts categorized as good, fine, and extra fine.
TechnologyJan 27, 2026
Clientbook Launches Appointment Booking ToolThe new tool can assign the appropriate associate based on the client or appointment type and automate personalized text message follow-ups.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Angolan Diamond Cos. Join NDC as Rio Tinto, Murowa Exit Endiama and Sodiam will contribute money to the marketing of natural diamonds as new members of the Natural Diamond Council.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
Francesca’s To Close All StoresThe retailer operates more than 450 boutiques across 45 states, according to its website.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
BIJC Names 5 New Board MembersThe new members’ skills span communications, business development, advocacy, and industry leadership.
CollectionsJan 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Celebrates 189 Years of Love StoriesThe jeweler’s 2026 Valentine’s Day campaign, “Celebrating Love Stories Since 1837,” includes a short firm starring actress Adria Arjona.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Acquires 4-Store Jewelry Chain in TexasFamily-owned jewelry and watch retailer Deutsch & Deutsch has stores in El Paso, Laredo, McAllen, and Victoria.
WatchesJan 23, 2026
Damiani Group to Acquire Baume & MercierThe Italian luxury company purchased the nearly 200-year-old Swiss watch brand from Richemont.
TrendsJan 23, 2026
Martin Katz’s Earrings Call to Mind Wintry Weather Micro-set with hundreds of diamonds, these snowflake earrings recreate “winter’s most elegant silhouette,” and are our Piece of the Week.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Names New Director of Creative, Brand StrategyElla Blum was appointed to the newly created role.
Supplier BulletinJan 22, 2026
The Rise of Centralized Sourcing in the Colored Gemstone MarketSponsored by RapNet
