Events & AwardsNov 20, 2024
Kering Debuts New Jewelry Award With Sustainability FocusEvents & AwardsDec 05, 2024
Michael S. Krzemnicki to Receive 2024 Bonanno Award
The director of the Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF) will be honored for his impact on gemology and dedication to advancing the science.
Dr. Michael S. Krzemnicki, director of the Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF), has been named the recipient of AGA’s 2024 Bonanno Award and will be honored at the organization’s annual gala in Tucson next year.
San Diego—The Accredited Gemologists Association (AGA) has announced that Dr. Michael S. Krzemnicki, director of the Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF), will receive the 2024 Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology.
The Bonanno Award, established in 2000, recognizes those who have made significant contributions to the gemological field, with a majority vote of the AGA membership electing the award recipient.
Krzemnicki, who has been with the lab for more than 25 years, has had a profound impact on gemology, practicing an unwavering dedication to advancing the science and understanding of gems worldwide, said AGA.
Alongside his role at SSEF, he is a lecturer at the University of Basel and supervises gemology-related research in collaboration with Swiss universities and international research institutions.
He is a sought-after speaker and has extensive published works in scientific and trade journals, which AGA said underscores his impact on the field.
In 2017, Dr. Krzemnicki received the Gemmological Excellence Award from the Swiss Gemmological Society (SGS).
He serves on several boards and committees, including the Scientific Board of SGS, the Executive Board of the International Gemmological Conference (IGC), the Committee on Gemstone Varietal Names (CVN) by CIBJO, the Laboratory Manual Harmonisation Committee (LMHC), and the Technical Board for the Standardization of Fei Cui (Jadeite) Testing by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC).
Krzemnicki will give a presentation at the AGA Gemological Conference in Tucson, Arizona, on Feb. 5, 2025, and later at the AGA gala dinner-dance, he will be honored with the 2024 Bonanno Award.
He will receive a personalized plaque and an honorarium funded by the AGA membership.
Tickets to attend the conference and gala celebration are available online.
The Bonanno Award, established in 2000, recognizes those who have made significant contributions to the gemological field, with a majority vote of the AGA membership electing the award recipient.
Krzemnicki, who has been with the lab for more than 25 years, has had a profound impact on gemology, practicing an unwavering dedication to advancing the science and understanding of gems worldwide, said AGA.
Alongside his role at SSEF, he is a lecturer at the University of Basel and supervises gemology-related research in collaboration with Swiss universities and international research institutions.
He is a sought-after speaker and has extensive published works in scientific and trade journals, which AGA said underscores his impact on the field.
In 2017, Dr. Krzemnicki received the Gemmological Excellence Award from the Swiss Gemmological Society (SGS).
He serves on several boards and committees, including the Scientific Board of SGS, the Executive Board of the International Gemmological Conference (IGC), the Committee on Gemstone Varietal Names (CVN) by CIBJO, the Laboratory Manual Harmonisation Committee (LMHC), and the Technical Board for the Standardization of Fei Cui (Jadeite) Testing by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC).
Krzemnicki will give a presentation at the AGA Gemological Conference in Tucson, Arizona, on Feb. 5, 2025, and later at the AGA gala dinner-dance, he will be honored with the 2024 Bonanno Award.
He will receive a personalized plaque and an honorarium funded by the AGA membership.
Tickets to attend the conference and gala celebration are available online.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
EditorsJan 16, 2026
Remembering Pete Yantzer for His Contributions and His Kindness Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.
FinancialsJan 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Shine in Q3Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.
TrendsJan 16, 2026
Diane Lane's Brooch Buzzes at the 2026 Golden GlobesOur Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.
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.
CrimeJan 15, 2026
D.C. Rapper ‘Taliban Glizzy’ Sentenced to 18+ Years for Jewelry Store RobberiesTrevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.
Weekly QuizJan 15, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsJan 15, 2026
Don’t Double-Dip With This Golden ChipAvocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.
SourcingJan 15, 2026
Nearly 42-Carat Blue Diamond Discovered in South AfricaPetra Diamonds unearthed the 41.82-carat, Type IIb blue diamond at the Cullinan Mine.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg Lassos Leather for New BraceletsThe brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.
TechnologyJan 14, 2026
“My Next Question” Enters Its Podcast Era National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.
MajorsJan 14, 2026
Saks Files for Bankruptcy, Names New CEOThe department store chain owes millions to creditors like David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Kering, and LVMH.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Boucheron Names Colman Domingo as Brand AmbassadorThe award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.
IndependentsJan 14, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Wins 2025 ‘Wag’ AwardEdge Retail Academy honored Burnell’s Fine Jewelry in Wichita, Kansas, with its annual award for business excellence.
ColumnistsJan 13, 2026
2025 Was a ‘Price Up, Units Down’ Year, Here’s What That Signals for 2026 In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.
IndependentsJan 13, 2026
Orr’s Jewelers Opens New Location in Pittsburgh’s Strip DistrictThe family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.
CrimeJan 13, 2026
Alleged Getaway Driver Charged in Florida Jewelry Store RobberyIvel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.
SourcingJan 13, 2026
Rio Grande To Offer Calibrated Diamond MeleeThe supplier’s online program allows customers to search and buy calibrated natural and lab-grown diamond melee, including in fancy shapes.
Events & AwardsJan 13, 2026
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
EditorsJan 12, 2026
Platinum, White Gold Rule the 2026 Golden GlobesAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite jewelry moments from the Golden Globes, and they are (mostly) white hot.
GradingJan 12, 2026
Peter Yantzer, Former Executive Director of AGS Labs, Dies at 77 Yantzer is remembered for the profound influence he had on diamond cut grading as well as his contagious smile and quick wit.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
These 14 Macy’s Locations Will Close This YearThe store closures are part of the retailer’s “Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
Jewelers Mutual Acquires AI-Powered Event Insurance ProgramThrough EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.
MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal CharmThe “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.
