SourcingJul 31, 2025
De Beers Records $189M First-Half Loss The diamond miner and marketer warned last week that it expected to be in the red after significantly cutting prices in Q2.
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
Events & AwardsJul 31, 2025
These Are the 2025 CASE Award WinnersJewelers of America’s 35th annual design contest recognized creativity, artistry, style, and excellence.
IndependentsJul 31, 2025
Matthew Tratner Takes Over as CBG President Tratner succeeds Andie Weinman, who will begin stepping back from the buying group’s day-to-day operations.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
Policies & IssuesJul 30, 2025
Tariff on India Will Be 25%, Trump Says The president made the announcement via Truth Social Wednesday, adding that India also will face a penalty for its dealings with Russia.
Weekly QuizJul 31, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsJul 30, 2025
Kering's Jewelry Brands Resilient As H1 Sales Slide 16%The luxury titan’s star brand Gucci continued to struggle amid a "tough" environment.
WatchesJul 30, 2025
Peek Inside Zadok Jewelers’ New Rolex Showroom in AustinIts opening marks the completion of the retailer’s new 11,000-square-foot store in the Texas capital.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
SurveysJul 30, 2025
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JulyRespondents shared concerns about tariffs and commentary on the “Big Beautiful Bill.”
SourcingJul 30, 2025
Rob Bates to Release Latest Book in His ‘Diamond District Mystery’ Series“Making a Killing in Diamonds” tells the story of Mimi Rosen, the disappearance of a scientist, and the murder of lab-grown diamond CEO.
EditorsJul 29, 2025
Out & About: Visiting Tacori’s Design Studio in LASenior Editor Lenore Fedow learned a lot when she took a behind-the-scenes factory tour with the jewelry brand earlier this year.
Events & AwardsJul 29, 2025
Melee The Show Welcomes 15 New DesignersThe first-time exhibitors, set to debut at the New York City show, share a devotion to craftsmanship, storytelling, and material integrity.
SourcingJul 29, 2025
Auctim to Offer 7.3M+ Carats of Rough EmeraldsThe online auction house’s September sale will feature rough Brazilian emeralds of various qualities.
MajorsJul 29, 2025
Alexis Padis Re-Elected AGS Board President She’ll lead an executive committee consisting of President-Elect Bryan Moeller, Mitchell Clark, Bill Farmer, and Larry Rickert.
Policies & IssuesJul 28, 2025
U.S.-EU Come to Agreement on Tariffs Announced Sunday, the deal will set the tax on goods imported into the United States from the European Union at 15 percent.
CollectionsJul 28, 2025
Nanis Brings a New Palette to ‘Ipanema’A new edition of the Italian brand’s “Ipanema” collection has debuted with gemstones that evoke Brazil’s breathtaking views.
MajorsJul 28, 2025
The 1916 Company Partners with ‘Shark Tank’ Star’s Watch Insurance PlatformThe retailer will refer its customers to WonderCare, founded by venture capitalist and watch collector Kevin O’Leary.
IndependentsJul 28, 2025
Sissy’s Log Cabin to Open Flagship in Arkansas The jeweler’s largest store yet is set to open in Little Rock next fall.
CollectionsJul 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jemma Wynne’s ‘Forme’ NecklaceAnne Hathaway was seen wearing the toggle necklace three times while filming scenes for “The Devil Wears Prada 2.”
Events & AwardsJul 25, 2025
Pre-Registration Open for September Hong Kong ShowJewellery & Gem World Hong Kong is scheduled for Sept. 15 to 21, and buyer pre-registration will be available until Sept. 7.
FinancialsJul 25, 2025
LVMH Sales Slip in H1 Amid ‘Prevailing Uncertainties’Renovations at Tiffany & Co. stores ate into profits in the company’s watch and jewelry division.
Events & AwardsJul 24, 2025
2 Retailers to Receive 2026 Gem Award for Lifetime AchievementMark and Candy Udell of London Jewelers will receive the honor at the 24th annual Gem Awards next March.
SourcingJul 24, 2025
De Beers Sees Diamond Production Sink 36% in Q2 While struggles continue at the mining and trading end of the pipeline, consumer demand for diamond jewelry is holding steady.
CollectionsJul 24, 2025
Francesca Villa Adds Dimension to Her Intaglio CharactersThe “Fantasia” jewelry collection turns the intaglio animals from her “Close Encounters” collection into 3D characters.
WatchesJul 24, 2025
Breitling Drops Super Bowl Watch Honoring the Philadelphia Eagles The special Classic Avi Chronograph 42 with an Eagles-green dial is limited to 59 pieces, a nod to the Super Bowl Philadelphia just won.
CrimeJul 23, 2025
JSA Warns of Violent String of Smash-and-Grabs in California JSA has received reports of mobs swarming jewelry stores, driving cars into the storefront or smashing through the windows.
CollectionsJul 23, 2025
Silvia Furmanovich’s ‘Kashmir’ Collection Is a Tribute to Northern IndiaThe “Kashmir” collection features centuries-old craft techniques made in collaboration with the region’s master papier-mâché artisans.
