Events & Awards

Michael S. Krzemnicki to Receive 2024 Bonanno Award

Events & 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.

Michael S. Krzemnicki
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

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